Best wire splice?
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.
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.
Ray
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.
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.
Ray
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.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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.
The replaement plug comes with 18" pigtail, so doesn't have to be inline.









