Inside the car I'm ok with the crimped butt connectors but elsewhere I prefer soldered, but the twisting together and soldering can be a pain and doesn't always look professional. Who makes uninsulated butt connectors where you first crimp on the wire, then solder it for a perfect connection? I think it has small holes so the solder flows throughout. Thought maybe Mercedes or BMW sold these years ago to make factory approved repairs to damaged wiring.
Looking for the best way to connect wires.
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Well, there's always the "Nasa splice" method..
Just start with a high-quality splice or heatshrink butt connector (not HF or Amazon special) and you don't have to worry about soldering...
You want professional? Go get some MS environmental splices and corresponding crimpers... good enough for aerospace, good enough for your DD. Since using better materials and crimpers, I rarely solder anymore.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/splicesAWG20-16.php
https://www.skygeek.com/dmc-tools-g...vhN-L3wIVS5yzCh34MgzCEAQYASABEgKmXvD_BwE
You want professional? Go get some MS environmental splices and corresponding crimpers... good enough for aerospace, good enough for your DD. Since using better materials and crimpers, I rarely solder anymore.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/splicesAWG20-16.php
https://www.skygeek.com/dmc-tools-g...vhN-L3wIVS5yzCh34MgzCEAQYASABEgKmXvD_BwE
I like SolderSeal connectors. They're butt connectors that already have solder in them. You don't crimp them at all, just insert the wires in each end, and heat it up with a heat gun. The solder melts and fuses the wire to the connector. They're also insulated with heat shrink tubing, so the heat shrink seals it up while you're heating/soldering it in one step.
Originally Posted by SirTanon
Well, there's always the "Nasa splice" method..
Great for a spaceship!
Well, there's always the "Nasa splice" method..
Great for a spaceship!
Just curious, what is wrong with the HF or AAP butt-connectors? Is there a place locally that you can get "high quality" connectors? What would you look for?
I tried to look at them online, but I feel like shipping is going to be killer if I need one or two of these..
I tried to look at them online, but I feel like shipping is going to be killer if I need one or two of these..
Originally Posted by spavel6
Just curious, what is wrong with the HF or AAP butt-connectors? Is there a place locally that you can get "high quality" connectors? What would you look for?
I tried to look at them online, but I feel like shipping is going to be killer if I need one or two of these..
Made in China of probably thin gauge steel. I look for 3M, Scotch, Panduit, brands. I just ordered a bag of these 3M on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/75-22-18-G...m5900e0a671:g:s3kAAOSwmudZ9ieJ:rk:1
f:0 They do have different size assortments.
Just curious, what is wrong with the HF or AAP butt-connectors? Is there a place locally that you can get "high quality" connectors? What would you look for?
I tried to look at them online, but I feel like shipping is going to be killer if I need one or two of these..
Made in China of probably thin gauge steel. I look for 3M, Scotch, Panduit, brands. I just ordered a bag of these 3M on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/75-22-18-G...m5900e0a671:g:s3kAAOSwmudZ9ieJ:rk:1
f:0 They do have different size assortments.
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That is a splice for solid wires, not for vibration. It has been proven over and over a correctly crimped connection is superior to solder. The solder will wick up the strands and create a stress concentration at the point where it ends. The wire will break there.
Rod
Rod
Originally Posted by exranger06
I like SolderSeal connectors. They're butt connectors that already have solder in them. You don't crimp them at all, just insert the wires in each end, and heat it up with a heat gun. The solder melts and fuses the wire to the connector. They're also insulated with heat shrink tubing, so the heat shrink seals it up while you're heating/soldering it in one step.
I'll have to check this out.
I like SolderSeal connectors. They're butt connectors that already have solder in them. You don't crimp them at all, just insert the wires in each end, and heat it up with a heat gun. The solder melts and fuses the wire to the connector. They're also insulated with heat shrink tubing, so the heat shrink seals it up while you're heating/soldering it in one step.
I'll have to check this out.
Originally Posted by diyjake
Originally Posted by exranger06
I like SolderSeal connectors. They're butt connectors that already have solder in them. You don't crimp them at all, just insert the wires in each end, and heat it up with a heat gun. The solder melts and fuses the wire to the connector. They're also insulated with heat shrink tubing, so the heat shrink seals it up while you're heating/soldering it in one step.
I'll have to check this out.
I've seen the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wh5gM8GM70
I'm not crazy about how they just squish the two wires together. Then how strong a solder is it that melts with a heat gun but doesn't burn the plastic cover around it?
Originally Posted by exranger06
I like SolderSeal connectors. They're butt connectors that already have solder in them. You don't crimp them at all, just insert the wires in each end, and heat it up with a heat gun. The solder melts and fuses the wire to the connector. They're also insulated with heat shrink tubing, so the heat shrink seals it up while you're heating/soldering it in one step.
I'll have to check this out.
I've seen the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wh5gM8GM70
I'm not crazy about how they just squish the two wires together. Then how strong a solder is it that melts with a heat gun but doesn't burn the plastic cover around it?
Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3
You want professional?
Go get some MS environmental splices and corresponding crimpers...
good enough for aerospace, good enough for your DD.
Since using better materials and crimpers, I rarely solder anymore.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/splicesAWG20-16.php
https://www.skygeek.com/dmc-tools-g...vhN-L3wIVS5yzCh34MgzCEAQYASABEgKmXvD_BwE
These are by far the best set-up you'll find anywhere.
You want professional?
Go get some MS environmental splices and corresponding crimpers...
good enough for aerospace, good enough for your DD.
Since using better materials and crimpers, I rarely solder anymore.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/splicesAWG20-16.php
https://www.skygeek.com/dmc-tools-g...vhN-L3wIVS5yzCh34MgzCEAQYASABEgKmXvD_BwE
These are by far the best set-up you'll find anywhere.
Originally Posted by exranger06
I like SolderSeal connectors. They're butt connectors that already have solder in them. You don't crimp them at all, just insert the wires in each end, and heat it up with a heat gun. The solder melts and fuses the wire to the connector. They're also insulated with heat shrink tubing, so the heat shrink seals it up while you're heating/soldering it in one step.
+1
I like SolderSeal connectors. They're butt connectors that already have solder in them. You don't crimp them at all, just insert the wires in each end, and heat it up with a heat gun. The solder melts and fuses the wire to the connector. They're also insulated with heat shrink tubing, so the heat shrink seals it up while you're heating/soldering it in one step.
+1
There's lots of ways to make nice connections. I agree that crimping is better than soldering in systems that see vibration like vehicles.
For me, I tend to use silicone grease and heat shrink tubing to make sure the connections are sealed good. Some heat shrink tubing includes sealant. I also use a lot of split loom and zip ties to make sure wiring and connections are protected from chafing.
One type of connector I hate with a passion is Scotch-lok connectors. I suppose they're fine for some environments, but for anything that sees vibration they're worthless.
For me, I tend to use silicone grease and heat shrink tubing to make sure the connections are sealed good. Some heat shrink tubing includes sealant. I also use a lot of split loom and zip ties to make sure wiring and connections are protected from chafing.
One type of connector I hate with a passion is Scotch-lok connectors. I suppose they're fine for some environments, but for anything that sees vibration they're worthless.
Crimp it, heat shrink it.
It doesn't get any easier or better. I'll never understand people that insist on soldering, especially when EVERY SINGLE wire on an automobile is crimped to a pin and the pin inserted into a connector.
It doesn't get any easier or better. I'll never understand people that insist on soldering, especially when EVERY SINGLE wire on an automobile is crimped to a pin and the pin inserted into a connector.
A heat shrink butt connector works great for outside the cabin. Get the 3M brand. When I was installing emergency lighting for Law Enforcement vehicles, that is all we used for under the hood. I used to put a little dielectric grease in them, before I hit them with the heat gun.
Dave
Dave
Originally Posted by Linctex
Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3
You want professional?
Go get some MS environmental splices and corresponding crimpers...
good enough for aerospace, good enough for your DD.
Since using better materials and crimpers, I rarely solder anymore.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/splicesAWG20-16.php
https://www.skygeek.com/dmc-tools-g...vhN-L3wIVS5yzCh34MgzCEAQYASABEgKmXvD_BwE
These are by far the best set-up you'll find anywhere.
For a low-cost alternative, albeit a bit bulkier, I'll use Raychem, 3M, FTZ, NSPA, Grote, or Anchor heatshrink connectors and appropriate crimper. Locally I can get Raychem from Home Depot, Grote from NAPA and Anchor from West Marine. However I plan ahead and keep common connectors stocked and order online. Lately I've been using electricaldepot.com.
Heatshrink crimper: https://theelectricaldepot.com/tool...mpa-seal-ratcheting-crimp-tool-br-1-each
Need to be careful with crimpers as many can damage heatshrink and when heated they'll split.
Originally Posted by bmwpowere36m3
You want professional?
Go get some MS environmental splices and corresponding crimpers...
good enough for aerospace, good enough for your DD.
Since using better materials and crimpers, I rarely solder anymore.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/splicesAWG20-16.php
https://www.skygeek.com/dmc-tools-g...vhN-L3wIVS5yzCh34MgzCEAQYASABEgKmXvD_BwE
These are by far the best set-up you'll find anywhere.
For a low-cost alternative, albeit a bit bulkier, I'll use Raychem, 3M, FTZ, NSPA, Grote, or Anchor heatshrink connectors and appropriate crimper. Locally I can get Raychem from Home Depot, Grote from NAPA and Anchor from West Marine. However I plan ahead and keep common connectors stocked and order online. Lately I've been using electricaldepot.com.
Heatshrink crimper: https://theelectricaldepot.com/tool...mpa-seal-ratcheting-crimp-tool-br-1-each
Need to be careful with crimpers as many can damage heatshrink and when heated they'll split.
Check out Del City. Great stuff.
What type of crimpers are you guys using for crimp connections? I know you have to have a good tool or else you won't have a solid connection.
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