Connecting wires together

[mark123]

I'm going to be doing some "wiring" in the clio. I imagine I'll be needing to do two things mostly:

1. Join the ends of 2 wires together
2. Join a new wire to an existing one without breaking the original wire

I'm familiar with what Halfords and the like have to offer but I've never found those sort of crimp connectors to be very reliable. I'd prefer to solder but I know that is frowned upon also.

So what do people use with good results?

Thanks
Mark

 

[Dink]

if you prefer to solder do that imho

better than crimps when used with some heat shrink

 

[Dan519]

solder will be fine

 

[Kieranbs01]

Scotch locks are alright if you don't feel up to soldering. Bit bulky though when you have a few of them.

Also depends on what you connecting to what obviously.

 

[Dan519]

scotchlocks should all be burried in a big hole in the ground. Go and sit in the corner and have a word with yourself

 

[DannyR]

Is soldering frowned upon? I've always soldered any cables that needed it?

 

[Yellow Dave]

scotch blocks should be frowned upon, absolutely rubbish connection and are very rarely used these days. touch up your soldering technique if needed and stick to that.

 

[mark123]

I've seen many debates on here about soldering not being used in motorsport, can't take the vibrations. Maybe that's just in engine looms?

I'm happy with it...

What do people use for joins that you want to be able to disconnect and reconnect at will? Spade type crimp connectors or is there a better solution?

 

[DannyR]

I've seen many debates on here about soldering not being used in motorsport, can't take the vibrations. Maybe that's just in engine looms?

Soldering can't take vibrations? Not sure I really understand that?!

 

[M@tt_182]

Solder then heat shrink wrap them as mentioned above, I'd say that's the best way. I've not heard of solder being a bad choice before?

I've used the spade type connectors for audio installs in the past. They're OK but not the best, you can buy the Renault type connectors found on your standard speakers which seem pretty good.

 

[mr.pink87]

These: http://www.autec-electronics.com/uploads/pics/crimpseal_stossverbinder_alle_gr_01.gif

 

[welshname]

Twist the 2 ends of wires together and stick some electrical tape around it

jk, solder and heatshrink (don't do what I do and forget to slide the heatshrink over first )

 

[Ian_s]

I was taught never to use solder in a loom by my ex Motec lectuer.

 

[mr.pink87]

A soldered connection is just as good as the person's soldering skills are. Heat shrinked (watersealed) crimp connectors are the way forward!
For the joints i would use some automotive spec AMP connectors (econoseal etc.).

 

[105e]

When i bought my aftermarket ecu (well known make) the wiring instructions did say soldered joints not the best solution.

 

[James28]

I've never had any issues with crimp connectors tbh.

 

[Andi-B]

Solder is ok IMO, Better than crimping as you've broken the rubber sheath and water could get in and rust the metal strands..
Use a higher wattage setting based iron as the solder stays more 'fluid' longer, so you can move it about more if you make a mistake and want to clean it up easier. Heat shrinking is a must too, cars aren't completely weatherproof.

 

[DannyR]

I guess it isnt recommended due to possible dry joints then.

Solder and Electrical tape is how I roll!

 

[mark123]

I guess it isnt recommended due to possible dry joints then.

Solder and Electrical tape is how I roll!

Me too...

And I find crimp connectors work loose after a while, maybe it's just becuse I've used cheap ones and a cheap crimp tool?

 

[Dink]

electrical tape is poor show

it'll start to un-stick after about a week

crimps are not bad with a decent crimping tool

 

[DannyR]

You must of used cheap stuff, electrical tape I have is great, doesn't come unstuck.

 

[Dink]

You must of used cheap stuff, electrical tape I have is great, doesn't come unstuck.

lol i've used all different types

 

[mikekean]

Just get some of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_npmv=3&_trksid=m570.l2736&_nkw=Heat+shrink+crimp that way you know you have a decent water tight connection that isnt going to come apart as the adhesive heatshrink bonds to the insulation on the cable.