Best wire splice method?

[Waxman]

What is your preferred way to splice a 4-wire 24V dc connection and why? I know there are several types of connectors and heat shrink wrap and I remember seeing similar posts before.

Thanks!

 

[Jeff_L]

A guy once taught me his best way is to slightly spread the wires apart (assuming you're using stranded wire) and mesh them together like velcro. Then heat the wires up with a soldering iron and put solder on them. Seems to give a nice electrical connection. Then put your shrink tubing over the connection.

I practice this method when I have time, but have been known to go for the generic vampire bites when hurrying.

 

[soapy]

For most applications I like to use small "pill connectors" used on phone wire wire connections. You can get them at Home depot and most electrical supply houses. Insert the wires into the 2 holes and crimp the connection down. They are filled with dielectric grease and the connection is water proof. For a compter connection twist the wires together and solder the wires. Then slide some shrink wrap over the bare wires and shrink the tubing.
For extra protection 3M makes a water proof coating called scotch lock that can be applied over connections for a waterproof seal with a small brush.

 

[Waxman]

Great info! Thank you! I will do as you suggest tomorrow am. Also, is a product called 'Ox Gard' a brand of dialectric grease or something different?? Thanks.

 

[cleaning up mud]

Solder and shrink wrap that has goop in it that seals the connection when it is heated.

 

[MEP001]

I've started using uninsulated crimp butt-splice connectors with heat-shrink tubing over that, for connections inside the auto carriage. Jeff L's method is better for conductivity. I've been told by several people that it needs to be a solid wire to maintain a good signal, but it's just voltage from a switch.

 

[easy2wash]

ox gard

Great info! Thank you! I will do as you suggest tomorrow am. Also, is a product called 'Ox Gard' a brand of dialectric grease or something different?? Thanks.

Ox gard is a corrosion inhibitor that is meant to be used when you are putting copper wires under aluminum lugs, or vice versa, or even aluminum to aluminum, to prevent corrosion build up. it is not intended to be used as a dielectric grease, not to mention it is messy and stains anything it touches.

 

[Dean Taylor]

Most solder has flux built right into the core.

If or when you do solder, be sure to clean the flux off with isopropel alcohol and a small stiff brush (an old toothbrush will do the trick here). Flux is corrosive and will deteriorate the joint over time.

Use a good shrink wrap tubing to seal and your solder joint will last for many years.

(I was mil-spec soldering certified for many years.)