Community Forums

wimpydjd · 01-31-2021, 03:22 PM

If it's outside in the weather Heat shrink solder connectors. Inside regular crimp connectors with a good crimping tool. I got one from Granger's made in USA years ago. You might try the hydraulic crimping tool, but limited in tight spots. If at the least use heat shrink over the connectors outside, good selection at Harbor freight and works excellent.

Jchemie · 01-31-2021, 03:23 PM

I use this - Thomas & Betts WT111M wire cutter and terminal crimpers. Pricey, $42, but really do the job. Easy to use even with old hands, not a rachet type, but the handles are long enough to provide very good leverage. Sold thru many electrical supply stores and the mega.com internet place.

DryCreek · 01-31-2021, 03:27 PM

So I'm the only one who beats those stupid things flat with a hammer?

J/K

Johnynorthla · 01-31-2021, 03:29 PM

I just use regular crimpers. But I’ve been using these connectors and I love them! I recently did some wiring at my daughters house, very old Cotten jacketed wire, you know the type that falls apart in your hands when you start working with it! I wound up cutting it back to get a clean splice, instead of using wire nuts I use these. They are my new go to connectors!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/60x-Termina...-/143795245592

phil8656 · 01-31-2021, 03:39 PM

No matter what you use you will keep having connector problems if they are not sealed against the elements. I like to use liquid electrical tape on them after they have been cleaned with electric parts cleaner.

bneiva · 01-31-2021, 06:29 PM

Been using those damned 'ol cheap hand crimps that guarantees at lease a 90 percent failure rate! I just ordered a pair of these new fangled things and look forward to trying them!

teamwally · 01-31-2021, 11:54 PM

Coming from a background of Jeeps, StreetRods, HighEnd car audio these are my go to. I use adhesive lined shrink connectors and and the double crimp is the way to go. The rchet cuts down on not crimping enough.
https://www.solidsignal.com/ancor-do...yABEgJP6_D_BwE

56corvette · 02-01-2021, 08:14 AM

One other thing that relates to the subject being discussed is dissimilar metals. I’ve always taken the precaution to use “detox”a paste on every crimping job just to be sure of preventing any corrosion. I may have misspelled the paste name as I don’t have access to it right now.

CaptainMezz · 02-01-2021, 08:54 AM

That crimper looks fine. I do a lot of electrical on marine applications yachts and commercial vessels. I use this one for the small stuff up to #10.

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-m...6?recordNum=17

For larger crimps I have a swedging tool with dies up to 4/0 cable.

I prefer uninsulated crimps and cover them with adhesive lined heat shrink tubing. This makes a nice water tight seal.
Hope this helps you .

puttin · 02-01-2021, 09:13 AM

I think someone here stated not to do this. I interpret it to mean using the crimp tool at 90 degrees to the wire/connector...is that right? I have a a crimper/cutter/stripper and I don't see any other way to do it. Can someone explain? Thanks.

Savage1 · 02-01-2021, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

Vise grips work great, adjustable for different size connectors. 1 less tool to carry. Crimped correctly, never have to fix later. Do this by crimping twice, 2nd time 90 degrees to first.

Wow! This is why so many things burn to the ground.

Busskipper · 02-01-2021, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savage1

Wow! This is why so many things burn to the ground.

-

Might be why so many lights don't work.

JMHO,

US1 · 02-01-2021, 12:15 PM

That’s what your levelers are for. Place the terminal under the jack foot, lower jack until RV wheels come off ground. Gotcha a nice 10k lb. stake. No extra tools needed to carry. Save them vice grips for driving in nails

hattitude · 02-01-2021, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puttin

I think someone here stated not to do this. I interpret it to mean using the crimp tool at 90 degrees to the wire/connector...is that right? I have a a crimper/cutter/stripper and I don't see any other way to do it. Can someone explain? Thanks.

Obviously, most crimping tools I've seen, need to be at a right angle, perpendicular, or 90° from the wire/connector being crimped..

I believe they are talking about double crimping, with 2nd crimp rotated 90° from the first one...

That may (will) weaken the crimp....

I have seen double crimp connectors that put two crimps, in the same orientation, but slightly apart... I have done this manually when all I had was a cheap, thin crimping tool...

But I never crimp, then rotate the crimper 90° and crimp again..