Quality Bullet Connectors

[morebacon]

Anyone have a recommendation for good quality, thick, marine-grade bullet connectors?

Most of the ones I see online seem to be cheap, thin metal...

 

[sam am I]

Don't think there is one..........None that I ever found over like ??? (data sheet) or 3M or Molex (data sheet) in that form factor anyway, just found that most Chinese GB made stuff got really really cheap and tried to stay away from it. FWIW, I switched over to Dorman (some spec's)to replace the junk ones burning up on my Merc, had good luck so far.

 

[GSPLures]

Have you considered changing them to spade connections. I had the same issue trying to find good bullet connections then decided its just a connector and used some of the better quality spade connectors I had on hand

 

[Scott Danforth]

doubt there is a marine spec. I switched all the bullet connectors on my boat to 2-pin deutsch DT series connectors.

 

[matt167]

I don't think quality bullet connectors exist anymore.

I'm restoring a 1971 Honda CB 500/4 that uses a bullet connector for every connection. I may change the harness even though it is 90% ok because of a couple burned connections. Good connectors just don't exist.... If they do Amphenol Aerospace makes them, which the factory isn't that far from me.. But they don't sell to the public

 

[dingbat]

Bullets connectors are a cheap solution all the way around. We banned them from field use long ago. The male/female slips connection hold up much better

Far too many good connectors solution on the market to take short cuts.

What are you doing?

 

[Scott Danforth]

bullet connectors were a cheap connector that could be over-moulded to things like trailer harness connections. that is why they were used in the first place. however better connectors came along and they were pretty much phased out of use.

 

[morebacon]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! I'm replacing wiring in my boat and was thinking of using the same connector type, since the old ones seem pretty heavy duty.

I thought the bullets were chosen to reduce the possibility of shorting, as they are not bundled together in a case, as many of the other options.

What is everyone using for 2-pin marine connections these days? I see @Scott Danforth suggested the Deutsch DT series - they seem pretty versatile.

 

[sam am I]

What is everyone using for 2-pin marine connections these days?

Not "Marine" per se and Deutsch probably bit higher quality per similar cost........I found the Dorman's (both single and dual) on shelf at Autozone and well as Amazon..........

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GN0WD6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[matt167]

"SAE" connectors are great for power and ground. They are weather tight. If you need 4 wires, a 4 flat connector for a trailer would work

 

[dingbat]

What is everyone using for 2-pin marine connections these days?

Depends on the application and wire size.

For joining 12-20 awg its hard to beat some of the low voltage connectors on the market. I like the 3M scotchlok, moisture guard connectors.

If you need to connect and reconnect on a regular basis i use either a Molex connector or quick disconnects with a piece of shrink tube over top for wet locations. Use an exacto knife to remove shrink tube if you have to disconnect

 

[sam am I]

If you need 4 wires, a 4 flat connector for a trailer would work

Use 4 flats tons of times, work well and not that I'm pushing Dorman for any picticular reason but...........Choices choices are always nice

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[Dubldee17]

Note: I'm not sure this post complies with forum rules. Please delete it if it does not.

A good source for quality bullet connectors is Eastern Beaver. He sells motorcycle wiring products, including good weatherproof connectors. His bullets are very good quality and match Japanese motorcycle sizes. He is located in Japan and his shipping is reasonable. I've used his stuff on my bike with great results. His power panel solutions are probably a good idea for boats too. Best, DD