Wire Splicing Basics

[Acesneights1]

:iagree:
:thumbsup::thumbsup:

You siked ?? 2ft comin...

 

[3500GMC]

If you can't solder, you have no business messing with wiring.

Point: Crimp AND solder.

 

[jrsavoie]

I'm still using lead solder for electrical connections. Don't know if that's good or bad

 

[schiker]

What's your feeling on twist nuts ? I like those as well. I usually seal them with grease.

A friend taught me to mechanically twist solid wire together (twist so nut thread will continue to tigthen) then cut off even at appropriate length lastly put on wire nut. I don't like just twisting on wire nut.

I think wire nuts are ok if you have the right size, take your time, and even the ends properly. But have seen them done poorly and they are loose and fire hazards. I had one come apart a while back from kids slamming a door that vibrated the wall. The feeder wire (1 of 3) loosened then arc'ed and burned the connection (it got warm enough to mildly deform the wire nut). So with anything its mostly in technique and workmanship I would say.

 

[Acesneights1]

After reading this, I ordered a good crimping tool from Mac Tools.

 

[jrsavoie]

A friend of mine has a ratcheting crimp tool. I really like it.

 

[jrsavoie]

Advice on stripping the wire to T in a connection. I've never liked scotch connectors because they often cut some of the wires when they are installed. Do they make something similar that works good? That doesn't present that issue?

My usual practice is to strip about 1" fold it over and use a butt splice or a Buchanon

I solder any splices audio related, and anything timing signals related (PMD, fuel solenoids, distributors). Thats just my preference.

Typically I strip little over an inch on each side, around 18AWG, overlap so wire insulation is about 1/2 inch apart and twist it around each other so the splice is in line (not like a wire nut would do it perpendicular) and it forms a good tight joint that when you pull it would tighten the joint for the most part. Definately dont want to heat the wires too long as it will definately become brittle. Have to have high powered solder guns for 2 thick 18AWG and lower splices, not the little radio shack $15 deal.

 

[buddy]

Looking back at this thread I cannot say how much this is true, the thin "crimpers" are useless, never use them, get one that actually folds the crimp over itself, like a U shaped crimp, not just smashing it.

This was my response the above question just about tapping into an existing wire
I just use a knife and cut away a little spot of insulation and wrap and twist a wire around it, I solder if its permanent, and wrap it with electrical tape. Or you can get a butt connector, cut the wire, strip the ends, crimp one end down with one of the cut wire and the other end with the other and an extra wire, but then the butt connector has to fit two wires, if the other end wont be tight with only one wire, just strip it back far enough to fold it over.

 

[jrsavoie]

If there is enough wire slack available I don't cut the wire I am splicing into. I strip it and double it over to get it in the butt connector. I have a few pair of the good crimpers and one ratcheting crimper for bigger wires. The only problem I have with my ratcheting crimper as apposed to my friends is mine have to bottom out to release. His has a button release so they do not get all bound up if you have them set on the wrong die set.

I have couple of higher quality flat crimpers that I use to cut and rethread machine screws

Looking back at this thread I cannot say how much this is true, the thin "crimpers" are useless, never use them, get one that actually folds the crimp over itself, like a U shaped crimp, not just smashing it.

This was my response the above question just about tapping into an existing wire
I just use a knife and cut away a little spot of insulation and wrap and twist a wire around it, I solder if its permanent, and wrap it with electrical tape. Or you can get a butt connector, cut the wire, strip the ends, crimp one end down with one of the cut wire and the other end with the other and an extra wire, but then the butt connector has to fit two wires, if the other end wont be tight with only one wire, just strip it back far enough to fold it over.