gDeN wrote:elcam84 wrote:I prefer to crimp and then solder then heat shrink with glue lined tubing. But that's from my days as an ase master tech.
The biggest issue I see with crimps is that people usually use too big of a terminal because it's easier to insert the wire. So it doesn't crimp tight at all.
Those blue handle crimpers will do a good crimp for most uses. There are some just slightly more expensive but have replaceable jaws that are available for all kinds of sizes and types of terminals.
Those standard old crimper stripper tools are only good for cutting small machine screws to length.
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As an Engineer and production manager, I deal with issues like this daily. I Agree with everything stated here. Well said. Just be warned that if you solder your connection; (either with or without crimping) the solder has a tendency to wick up the stranded wire. This causes the wire to stiffen and create a stress riser. This is avoided by keeping soldering time to a minimum or in some cases using liquid flux. Because of this a properly crimped connector is considered the most reliable. Of course the heat shrink will help spread the stress out to a longer area. If you anchor your connections so they don't move around due to vibration, a lot of the stress related issues will disappear.
* After over 50 years of working on 12vdc (and some 120vac) wiring at work (as a troubleshooter for many years) and in so many automotive projects I can't even count, I've used every type of connector imaginable, even non-standard ones (whatever could be adapted to the project). I've had to re-do more crimped butt connectors, both my previous work and others', due to bad crimps, wrong sized connectors used, and from pull-outs due to strain on the wire. And unsealed wiring corroding from weather exposure.
* Since I now am retired, my shared projects are fewer (no co-workers or "friends" around), so I've finally been able to acquire enough connectors and tools to work on my trailers and trucks at home, without finding something missing. All of my connectors, tools (hand and diagnostic), extra wiring, and such are all in 5 bags and tool pouches I've assembled over the past few years, placed in my home "office" and in my personal trucks and TTT, depending on what project is going on.
* Among these kits, I've finally started to switch over to heat-shrink butt connectors, standard-type and solder-seal type, and now have both heat-gun and propane torch heat sources to seal them. Where there's no need for heat-shrink, nor space to apply heat, I also have standard connectors, and my old favorite, Posi-Lock twist on types (though the're now pretty expensive and not readily available). The only tool I haven't re-acquired is my now-lost $100 ratcheting crimper, that I can't justify replacing for occasional usage, so I make do with cheaper pliers. Since none of my crimped/heat-shrinked/soldered/Posi-Locked connections will ever be seen or subject to repair by others, then the perfect crimp isn't needed. Just good enough to do the job is enough for me, now.