electrical connectors and crimpers

[472Scout]

I've never been completely satisfied with the el-cheapo butt connectors, ring terminals, and crimpers from the discount auto stores. About 10 years ago I used some fantastic AMP products (ratching crimper--gel sealed terminals--super tight crimps) for splicing telephone cabling but that was like 28 gauge wire. I need something that will work all the way up to 10 gauge. What are you guys using? I really like the gel connectors.

[Jeepnford]

If it's a permanent splice I solder it. If I need a ring terminal or something like it to lay down on a lug I bought a racheting crimper at Auto Zone for about $20.00. It actually works pretty good. You can buy terminals without the plastic if you want to solder them. If it's a splice I want to disassemble easily I use weatherpak connectors. You can get adhesive lined heat shrink tubing here to cover soldered splices or on the ends of crimped splices.
http://fordfuelinjection.com/?p=68

I don't know if AMP or 3M makes crimped connectors big enough for 10 guage or not,if so it would probably be at an electrical supply shop.

[6869704x4]

I bought a set of Klien crimpers. I like them. I usually take the plastic off the connecters, crimp, and use shrink tube. Not the "best" way but good enough for my use.

[unimogken]

I agree with "6869704x4" on the Klein Crimpers!!

Get a pair of Kleins then get all of your connectors at http://delcity.net/delcity/servlet/catalog?category=Terminals&page=1

[Brutpwr]

I like the 3M brand crimp on connectors best but usually just cheap out and buy at Del City and get their nylon ones.

Jason :)

[glfredrick]

Check your Yellow Pages for a local electrical supply house. They have the good stuff, and it is cheaper than the stuff you get at the auto parts places.

There is such a HUGE variety of great electrical connectors out there that it is difficult to even begin detainling them, but your local supplier will have a lot of stuff on the shelf.

In Louisville, I use E&H Electric on 7th and York.

Also, Snap On sells a very nice cutter/crimper that is wide enough, and has leverage enough to do a good job:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=15611&group_ID=797&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

They also have a new stripper that is actually a forged set of plers like any regular pliers -- not just pressed sheet-metal like all the others out there. I have one and highly recommend it:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=76201&group_ID=796&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

For pure wire stripping duties, I like these best:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=7205&group_ID=796&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

[Brutpwr]

The crimpers I like to use are the Klein, B & H (Sta-Kon), Snap-On, Super Crimper and an old ratchet style that crimps a perfect square instead of the two sided flattening of most crimpers.

Jason :)

[mike]

for ring and push on terminals I use kleins, non-coated terminals then solder them on too and shrink tube. I just solder buttjoints.

[rusted]

For pure wire stripping duties, I like these best:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=7205&group_ID=796&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Those are a great tool and I agree that these should be part of any electrical kit. AFter you use them you will not want to go back to the plain kind. I only use the plier-type if I absolutely cannot fit the trap-type strippers on the pigtail of wire.

As mentioned an electrical supply house will have a variety of crimpers for wires as big as you want. I like Klein electrical tools, you can't go wrong IMO, but I don't think you can go wrong with Snap On quality either, I just don't know much about them since I own about 9 snap on tools total.

[YamanX]

For big wire I use the connectors that my dad brought homr from his work. They are used for 0 gauge and up wire. They use a 20 tons hydralic setup to crimp theirs, it almost makes the metal one is crimps it so hard, I can only use a vise.

[6869704x4]

The Klein crimpers I have are the same style as the Snap-on linked above. I have never held a pair of those snap-on's in my hand but I have to wonder if over twice the price is worth it.