Texas Transplant
Well-Known Member
I've read the following (paraphrased below) on several posts, and thought I would clarify something.
'Don't use the crimp connectors. Solder and shrink wrap them, it's better and will last longer.'
Sorry to dispell this wives tale, but nothing could be further from the truth. Now, having said that, I need to give the explanation.
First, the solder job that most will do, will be poor to start with. Wires with insulation on them are not designed to be soldered into place. Most people either have a soldering iron that is either too big, too small, too hot or not hot enough. Also, most people will not know how to properly solder a good connection.
Most all wiring on automobiles, trucks, electronics, boats, etc., have crimped electrical connections. Having said that, what you do need to do is match the wire to the connector, and use a decent crimping tool - NOT a pair of pliers. You can buy a basic crimping tool at the HDW store for less than $10.00, along with a selection of connectors.
And before anyone starts hurling stones my way, I've been in electronics most of my near adult/adult life. In addition, I worked for AMP for three years, where I learned much more than anyone would want to know about crimp technology.
If you solder those wires in place, and put shrink tubing on them, it's almost certain that you are going to get POOR performance from the connection, and increase the risk of an electrical failure.
Get the right tools and equipment and do it right. And yes, crimp connections can fail also, if not properly stress relieved (big problem), or a poor application of wire/connector.
Stepping off my soap box . . . .
Tex
'Don't use the crimp connectors. Solder and shrink wrap them, it's better and will last longer.'
Sorry to dispell this wives tale, but nothing could be further from the truth. Now, having said that, I need to give the explanation.
First, the solder job that most will do, will be poor to start with. Wires with insulation on them are not designed to be soldered into place. Most people either have a soldering iron that is either too big, too small, too hot or not hot enough. Also, most people will not know how to properly solder a good connection.
Most all wiring on automobiles, trucks, electronics, boats, etc., have crimped electrical connections. Having said that, what you do need to do is match the wire to the connector, and use a decent crimping tool - NOT a pair of pliers. You can buy a basic crimping tool at the HDW store for less than $10.00, along with a selection of connectors.
And before anyone starts hurling stones my way, I've been in electronics most of my near adult/adult life. In addition, I worked for AMP for three years, where I learned much more than anyone would want to know about crimp technology.
If you solder those wires in place, and put shrink tubing on them, it's almost certain that you are going to get POOR performance from the connection, and increase the risk of an electrical failure.
Get the right tools and equipment and do it right. And yes, crimp connections can fail also, if not properly stress relieved (big problem), or a poor application of wire/connector.
Stepping off my soap box . . . .
Tex