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Old May 24, 2018 | 11:54 AM
  #11  
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I'm an electrician and a substation control wireman. I've made tens of thousands of splices many different ways over the last 30 years. I've also seen many wire splices that failed. I personally can't recall ever seeing a properly soldered connection or splice fail. I've seen many crimp splices fail.

That being said, I also would have to say that a high quality crimp connector, like the ones in the OP's picture, that are crimped with the recommended tool are extremely reliable. On my motorcycle in places with limited room, such as inside handlebars, I prefer to solder and heat shrink the connections. I do however use quality crimp connections in other areas. If it's in a wet area, like the underside of a car, I use a little dielectric grease inside the crimp to keep out corrosion. Someone else already mentioned they do this.

What I'm trying to say is that in my professional option, the OP's tip on using these connectors is a good and reliable one. If you need a splice with limited space concerns or you need ultimate reliability, you can't beat a properly made solder connection.
 

Last edited by skydude426; May 24, 2018 at 12:02 PM.
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Old May 24, 2018 | 02:33 PM
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What skydude426 said.

John
 
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Old May 24, 2018 | 03:07 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by skydude426
I'm an electrician and a substation control wireman. I've made tens of thousands of splices many different ways over the last 30 years. I've also seen many wire splices that failed. I personally can't recall ever seeing a properly soldered connection or splice fail. I've seen many crimp splices fail.

That being said, I also would have to say that a high quality crimp connector, like the ones in the OP's picture, that are crimped with the recommended tool are extremely reliable. On my motorcycle in places with limited room, such as inside handlebars, I prefer to solder and heat shrink the connections. I do however use quality crimp connections in other areas. If it's in a wet area, like the underside of a car, I use a little dielectric grease inside the crimp to keep out corrosion. Someone else already mentioned they do this.

What I'm trying to say is that in my professional option, the OP's tip on using these connectors is a good and reliable one. If you need a splice with limited space concerns or you need ultimate reliability, you can't beat a properly made solder connection.
"you can't beat a properly made solder connection" - concur! .
 
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Old May 24, 2018 | 05:27 PM
  #14  
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I agree too, my problem is I can't 'properly solder'!

I could IF I had to, but it would be a nasty looking mess. I can crimp, though, like a moth****, well, you get the idea!

The adhesive definitely helps in keeping those ends together! I'll be doing another set this weekend (with a friend) and this time, I'll be using a better crimper! I'd love to find a faster heat gun though!
 
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Old May 25, 2018 | 06:56 AM
  #15  
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Originally Posted by pdbuzz
I agree too, my problem is I can't 'properly solder'!

I could IF I had to, but it would be a nasty looking mess. I can crimp, though, like a moth****, well, you get the idea!

The adhesive definitely helps in keeping those ends together! I'll be doing another set this weekend (with a friend) and this time, I'll be using a better crimper! I'd love to find a faster heat gun though!


non commercial / occasional use.
 
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Old May 25, 2018 | 07:23 AM
  #16  
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The HF Heat Gun is what I use, great tool and great value.
 
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Old May 25, 2018 | 12:15 PM
  #17  
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I have to admit I’ve never seen inline connectors which the jacket itself is the shrinking tube. I thought, “Brilliant idea!”. Evidently they’ve been around awhile.
As was stated, dependent on location or preference, solder and heat shrink tubing is the best choice, but can be risky as the tubing is thin and subject to easy chafing leading to breakthrough.
With inline connectors, over crimping or mashing/crushing the crimp is the sure cause of premature failure. I usually use HS tubing over the crimped connector to disguise it, and add moisture resistance to the connection.
Proper connector sized to wire is important too.
 
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