Date:         Sun, 6 May 2012 18:58:41 -0700
Reply-To:     Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Arnott <jrasite@EONI.COM>
Subject:      Re: source for solder-on quick disconnects?
In-Reply-To:  <0M3M009JLOCB12M3@vms173001.mailsrvcs.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

FWIW, off-road racers rarely solder terminals to wiring. They have
found that the solder wicks up the wire and makes it brittle. Brittle
usually results in smoke 500 miles from nowhere. Crimp on terminals
are just fine IF (<--- big if) you use quality terminals and a proper
crimper.

A proper crimper is not found at your friendly local auto parts store.
A proper crimper typically will be found to have Greenlee, Klein or
Ideal on the tool though there are foreign manufactured knock-offs
that will probably work fine. Note that the correct tool crimps in two
locations. On the barrel with the metal to metal contact and a bit
further up where it crimps the insulation for strain relief. They can
be found at online for $20-$100.

Typical: http://www.drillspot.com/products/75912/Greenlee_45500_Ratchet_Crimper

Jim

Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is
sentimental and anemic.
--Martin Luther King, Jr.

On May 6, 2012, at 6:05 PM, Pat wrote:

> This is the best method I have found.
> The heat shrink is really important for strain relief.  May even
> provide
> some degree of water proofing.