Best method besides soldering

Discussion in 'Automotive Electrical' started by 92civicproblems, Oct 15, 2008.

  1. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Hi, I want to know what everyone's opinion is on connecting bare wires. So many people just twist the wires together and tape them. I've done it for years and have never had a problem. Every car I buy they are all wired like this. But, we all know this isn't a good way to make a solid connection between the two or more wires.

    Question #1: Should this method never EVER be used?

    Question #2: Besides soldering, is there any alternative methods that supply a good solid connection with little resistance?

    Can't wait to hear your guy's opinions...
     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2008
  2. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    i used to twist and tape. now i just crimp and sometimes heat shrink. its quick and cheap.
     
  3. jonnyv713

    jonnyv713 The Young Gun of CAT

    i use the fancy but connectors that have the heat shrink on them. i crimp and heat em with a lighter, prolly just like pedro does.
     
  4. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    i've seen wire nuts used as well. i prefer to use butt connectors and crimp them. make sure they're tight!
     
  5. danracer

    danracer Full Member

    i ussually use the twist and tape cuz im too lazy lol but u could buy the butt conectors like the guys said which work pretty good and make a better connection than the twist and tape
     
  6. aznboi3644

    aznboi3644 Full Member

    twist and tape should NEVER be used

    I use either mechanical connectors or solder if I have the time.
     
  7. 92civicproblems

    92civicproblems Full Member

    Looks like the line-up goes...

    1.Soldering
    2.Butt connectors w/ heat shrink
    3.Butt connectors
    4.Heat shrink
    5.Wire nuts
    6.Twist n' Tape
    7.Twist and watch sparks fly!

    Thanks a lot guys!

    :lol:
     
  8. danracer

    danracer Full Member

    yup and maybe some male-female conectors for quick disconects
     
  9. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    of course you gotta tape those up.
     
  10. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    I just use butt connectors and crimp them cuz that's my only option where i live as far as i know.
     
  11. DMP

    DMP Full Member

    Wire nuts should never be used. If you read any car electrical books, they will all tell you not to use them. Soldering is the best. You can twist and tape, but theres a certain way to do it to make sure the wire doesnt come loose. Ive done it plenty of times.
     
  12. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    funny you say wire nut should never be used. i m useing wire nuts( the huge ones) on my sub box to make it quick and easy to remove if need be.
     
  13. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    my friend installed his HU with some tiny wire nuts that actually seem to hold really well. danracer do they just say that they fall of easily or is there another reason?
     
  14. tyrant1014

    tyrant1014 Full Member

    amen, dude, solder always first, second goes butt connectors.

    no matter what you do, always always always cover it with heat shrink.

    The mechanic in me always wants to solder but the other guy in me knows that sometimes it isn't the most cost effective for a lot of people

    Gen, the simple explination is because they are intended for home use, and will unscrew themselves due to all of the bumping and moving around that car wires tend to do. They usually come completely undone at the worst possible time.

    And twist and tape will cause the wires to eventually become exposed due to all of the extremes that the tape will have happen to it. Eventually causing it to fall off.
     
    Last edited: Oct 16, 2008
  15. danracer

    danracer Full Member

    actually if u do it the right way the wont fall easily....in fact ive done a couple of them that is actually hard to pull of...the problem is that if you do em w/ a single twist they can separate easy and perhaps cause a short or something the best thing you can do with a twist is heat shrink it since it will hold better than just electrical tape
     
  16. tyrant1014

    tyrant1014 Full Member

    nuts are meant for single strand wire. stiffer, doesn't move easily

    car electrical is multiple strand/more flexible.

    hey pedro, you have to re tighten on yours periodically right?
     
  17. G3n3R@1

    G3n3R@1 Full Member

    good point tyrant, they need the solid strand to thread on to.
     
  18. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    not really. but they dont vibrate at all they are under the box and cant move :rolleyes:

    either way i move it around a lot to accommodate groceries and other stuff. so i check them and they do stay tight. of corse i tighten then so hard it hurts^_^
     
  19. Sparky

    Sparky Member

    Strip connectors/standard electrical conectors work fine and provide same connection as soilder does.