Connecting Different Size Wires

[bruceb58]

Re: Connecting Different Size Wires

When I found the solder infused wire broken off right at the crimp connector, I thought,,, What were they thinking!...

Agreed, not sure why people think its ok to solder at a crimp connector especially a ring or blade connector.

If its just a splice in the middle of a wire like this application is, vibration breaking the joint is not much of an issue.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Connecting Different Size Wires

Agreed, not sure why people think its ok to solder at a crimp connector especially a ring or blade connector.

Making the best connection with the tools available? At least that's what the reasoning is in my case.

I've seen far more poorly crimped connections fail, than I have seen well done crimped/soldered connections fail, so I crimp and solder. If I would break open my wallet and buy a high dollar crimper, I might change my procedure.

Then there's the ol' crimp vs crimp and solder debate. Soldering fills/seals the connection, but leaves a hard joint. Crimped joints can corrode inside, but leave a flexible joint. Pick your poison.........

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Connecting Different Size Wires

They aren't that expensive:
Amazon.com: Ancor 701030 Double Crimp Tool: Sports & Outdoors

I always try to go with the correct tool for the job instead of the "everything looks like a nail if all I have is a hammer" philosophy.

Crimp an eye connector and then solder an eye connector. Put both in a vise and yank on the wires up and down. The one that was soldered will break 100 times faster than the one that was crimped. This basically shows what happen when you have vibration moving a wire/connection that is fixed.

If you use tinned wire and crimp connectors like Ancor, you will have zero corrosion. A properly crimped wire with a quality crimper, like the one I posted above, and quality crimp connectors will never fail.

Again, in the OP's case with just joining wires like this where its not being held rigid, its cool to use solder.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: Connecting Different Size Wires

OK, I'm convinced (for these particular connections). Solder, shrink tube and liquid tape over all. I've done other connections (crimps) with shrink tube and put rtv silicone on the connector before sliding the shrink tube in place. Any thoughts on that for this soldered connection? Overkill?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Connecting Different Size Wires

OK, I'm convinced (for these particular connections). Solder, shrink tube and liquid tape over all. I've done other connections (crimps) with shrink tube and put rtv silicone on the connector before sliding the shrink tube in place. Any thoughts on that for this soldered connection? Overkill?

If you ever use shrink tubing or crimp connectors, always buy the ones with the heat activated glue inside. Forget about using RTV.

http://www.amazon.com/Ancor-304148-...8&qid=1381424850&sr=8-1&keywords=ancor+shrink

genuinedealz on ebay actually has the best prices on all this. Free shipping too!
http://stores.ebay.com/Genuinedealz

Get the right stuff and you will do the job right instead of using what is "just handy".