Best wire splice?

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Oct 19, 2019 | 09:54 AM

#51

cwsharp

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 2,395

Likes: 153

From: Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigskyhd

That's the process I've always used, but I was just wondering if there might be some new fangled idea out there that I'm not aware of. Thanks.

Waterproof PosiLocks... you can get them on Ebay or if you live in a 'with it' city someone will have them.

Oct 19, 2019 | 06:10 PM

#52

miner999r

Road Captain

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 673

Likes: 252

From: Alberta

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwsharp

Waterproof PosiLocks... you can get them on Ebay or if you live in a 'with it' city someone will have them.

Here is a write up: https://www.webbikeworld.com/posi-tap-connectors/

Oct 20, 2019 | 09:44 AM

#53

cwsharp

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 2,395

Likes: 153

From: Utah

Note that they don't mention the waterproof ones in this article that I saw and that is the key as far as I'm concerned.

I added read lights to my bike and the way that HD did them didn't sit well with me (the connectors weren't waterproof but exposed) and so I used the wp posilocks and have never had a bit of trouble... plus you can take them apart and put them back together in case you want to 'dewire' what you have installed temporarily or permanently.

Oct 20, 2019 | 10:37 AM

#54

470004

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 24,932

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From: New York

I always solder and shrink wrap my connections.

Oct 20, 2019 | 11:25 AM

#55

RANGER73

Club Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 15,420

Likes: 7,118

From: Beyond Fucital

There are new butt splices that have solder inside of a heat shrink tube, I've never tried them but I've heard they work well.
For a "T" tap I've used liquid tape after soldering too.

Oct 20, 2019 | 12:27 PM

#56

Zerk

Banned

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 7,406

Likes: 833

From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs

Quote:

Originally Posted by 470004

I always solder and shrink wrap my connections.

I used to be a snob about soldering. But the more I think about the more I agree that it is to rigid and can crack. I think the issue would be when using them inline. Maybe side by side not an issue

I do like the idea of connectors with the solder inside The connector will keep the solder from moving. I chose not to use them here, because tough twisting 12 ga where i was at.

Never looked at my volt meter so much.

Oct 21, 2019 | 10:59 AM

#57

cwsharp

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 2,395

Likes: 153

From: Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zerk

If they are in plastic it is touchy to melt the solder and not the plastic. You can get them in all metal and then use shrinkwrap.

Oct 21, 2019 | 06:48 PM

#58

Zerk

Banned

Joined: Jul 2009

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From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs

Just a matter of how you design your plastic. Though I havn't used them.

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Oct 21, 2019 | 07:30 PM

#59

UltraTech

Cruiser

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 112

Likes: 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigskyhd

I'm thinking about adding some extensions onto some LED's that I have, and I'm wondering if there are any new products out there that offer a nice clean splice when adding another set of LED's onto existing lines. I did a "search" and didn't really see anything applicable. Any help would be appreciated.

hey, im an electrical engineer with extensive experience in the maritime industry. you want the best connection on earth? get some uninsulated butt splices, just like the blue or yellow or red ones without the casing. or if you have some just cut the casing off so you have the bare barrel. strip your wire, leave the insulation about an 1/8" shy of the barrel splice. slide some heat shrink over the wire. if you want to get real crazy search out marine

marine grade heat shrink

, when heated it has a silicone sealant inside, it will ooze out a bit, this is how it is designed, you can flatten it out with your finger while it is still warm, you wont get a better water proof seal. coast guard requires it on most field splices. crimp the wires into the barrel. then heat the barrel and solder the two wires. make sure the heat shrink is far enough away or it will shrink and surely **** you off. we take a strip of towel or rag, we it and wrap around the wire just before where the heat shrink is at, you will be happy you did. let that splice cool fully, we slide the wet rag down on it for a bit. then shrink the heat shirnk. dont rush or skip this step or the heat shrink will close up like a worm you just cut in half and you will have to take it apart and start over.
once done you will have the best connection with the best protection on the planet.
i do all splices on the bike and cars in just this fashion. it will never fail.
good luck