Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Best wire splice?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 17, 2019 | 08:12 PM
  #41  
hattitude's Avatar
hattitude
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,056
Likes: 11,078
From: San Diego, CA
Default

Originally Posted by Zerk
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...JSX7SHMW&psc=1

I ordered these. Marine forum mentioned them. Looks like you just put a heat gun on it, joins and heat shrinks all one. I have not doubt this upset people.

I've owned boats from 21' to my last one of 46' from 1986 until 2015.... I've run them out to 90-100 miles offshore from San Diego.

I did my own maintenance and equipment installs. I've installed 3 radar systems, 8 VHF radios/antennas, 6 AM/FM radios/antennas, 2 SSB radios/antennas, 2 AC/DC inverter systems, about 25 various 12V or 110v pumps and who knows how many gauges/lights/ monitor panels....

I've never once considered soldering due to the brittle nature of the joint, and well, boats will vibrate anything to pieces....

I've used butt connectors like you have above. I used Anchor brand.

https://www.defender.com/product.jsp?id=3423411

I always crimp mine, but just a proper, firm crimp. Too many people try to "crimp" butt connectors in half! Then the heat gun will activate the heat shrink case and you will see the glue flow out the ends, and you know the connection is sealed... I've used them in the bilge many times.... nothing worse than a salt water bilge to test a wire & insulation.... never had a problem with them...
 

Last edited by hattitude; Oct 17, 2019 at 08:14 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2019 | 08:15 PM
  #42  
Zerk's Avatar
Zerk
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 833
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
Default

I was under the impression no crimping with these, the solder melts then heat shrink melts. Some brands listed the different temps for each. Seen videos on it too. Amazon has 45 minutes to be here by 9pm for next day delivery.
 
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2019 | 08:45 PM
  #43  
hattitude's Avatar
hattitude
Seasoned HDF Member
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,056
Likes: 11,078
From: San Diego, CA
Default

Originally Posted by Zerk
I was under the impression no crimping with these, the solder melts then heat shrink melts. Some brands listed the different temps for each. Seen videos on it too. Amazon has 45 minutes to be here by 9pm for next day delivery.


If those butt connectors truly contain solder & glue, I've never used/heard of those type.. doesn't mean they don't exist... but I wouldn't use solder on my boats.... I believe, as others have stated in this old thread, that solder makes for a brittle connection... an electrically superior connection if done right, but too brittle for high vibration... IMHO..

The butt splices I use have no solder. The strength of the joint is the crimp and there's a glue in the heat shrink that reinforces the crimp joint as it seals the connection.... A crimped, stranded wire connection will hold up to constant and heavy vibration.... That's the reason the marine industry uses stranded copper wire instead of solid core copper wire like in homes..

Out of habit, I treat all my vehicle wiring (car, truck, motorcycle, RV) like I did on my boats.... and I've never had a problem....
 

Last edited by hattitude; Oct 17, 2019 at 08:46 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 17, 2019 | 09:33 PM
  #44  
Zerk's Avatar
Zerk
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 833
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
Default

I think the difference here is they are in a sleeve like a butt splice, so solder can't move. Read about them on boat forum, plus I believe earlier post. They are sold as marine butt splices.
 
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 10:22 AM
  #45  
hdbob2006's Avatar
hdbob2006
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
Default

I found out how brittle wire can become with soldered connections ,when my '77 superglide quit while going down the road. i also learned to carry a flashlight that night,because using a cigarette lighter for light on a windy night really sucks.
 
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 12:46 PM
  #46  
sabunimwil@gmail.com's Avatar
sabunimwil@gmail.com
Tourer
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 265
Likes: 77
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Ray-CA
I use these; https://smile.amazon.com/Connectors-...ef_=ast_bbp_dp and haven't had a failure yet.

Ray
Ray, these are all I use. They're waterproof and solder the wires together neatly. Never had one fail. An automotive electrician friend recommended them years ago and I've used them ever since.
 
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 05:54 PM
  #47  
Zerk's Avatar
Zerk
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 833
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
Default

Originally Posted by Zerk
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...JSX7SHMW&psc=1

I ordered these. Marine forum mentioned them. Looks like you just put a heat gun on it, joins and heat shrinks all one. I have not doubt this upset people.
Dissapointed in packaging. Not even a brief set of instructios. I am going to cut off heat shrink and just melt the solder and see how it holds on test piece.


Dammit bought the wrong ones. I could not melt with heat gun or lighter. Going back and re-reading it does say heat shrink crimp.

Package doesn't say one way or other. Were supposed to arrive in 1 day, didn't until after work today, day late. Now I got an event tommorow. Pisses me off. Maybe just try auto store.
 

Last edited by Zerk; Oct 18, 2019 at 06:54 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 08:48 PM
  #48  
Zerk's Avatar
Zerk
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 833
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
Default

Originally Posted by Ray-CA
I use these; https://smile.amazon.com/Connectors-...ef_=ast_bbp_dp and haven't had a failure yet.

Ray
I was set to order these. No crimping. You twist the wires and the then slide connector over. Changed my mind. Try twist #12 under the bike. The wire sure seems stiff, but probably my imagiantion.

So going back to crimping ones with built in heat shrink. I do think the camtek would be the thing for lighting and controls.


Funny thing about crimp connectors. You can pull one out. But **** your pants trying to pull the other side off.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 09:26 PM
  #49  
Budda109's Avatar
Budda109
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 668
Likes: 72
From: Wisconsin
Default Connectors


These are awesome use them at work in wet and cold environments. Have dielectric grease built in up to 3 wires come in all sizes.Each wire size is a different color. Use them everywhere.
 
Reply
Old Oct 18, 2019 | 09:46 PM
  #50  
Zerk's Avatar
Zerk
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 833
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
Default

I am working on volt reg. I think I want to keep it in line. But cool to see all the stuff.

The replaement plug comes with 18" pigtail, so doesn't have to be inline.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:30 PM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE