Butt Splicing

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Yeah! But are you doing a "tap" -- "twist" -- or a "western union"....


Let's see if any of ya can figure out what a "western union" is. Bunch of friggin' newbs!

You mean the lineman splice that tightens as you pull on it? Oh, say to put a telegraph line up? Just a guess! Us youngins have heard a few things!

[Vegas69]

Originally Posted by ccracin

I twist the wires together and use wire nuts with electrical tape. I have never had a problem, ever. I promise.......

Just to add another industry to the mix for reference, I worked in the transportation industry for years. We built people movers and light rail transit vehicles. Soldering wire splices or terminals in general was prohibited unless specifically reviewed and approved. These were government contract specifications. The reasons were as Greg mentioned as well as degrading the integrity of the insulation due to heat. As with many things, crimp joints must be done correctly with the proper terminals and corresponding tool. When done properly the voltage drop is so low that most multimeters we have in our garages are not sensitive enough to read it consistently. In the end, solderless crimp terminals were engineered to eliminate the undesirable characteristics of the soldered joint. The previous is fact.

The following is opinion. I personally think it is more difficult to make good consistent soldered joints under a dash, in a tail light hole, etc. than a crimp joint. In the end if you have a method that works and is proven for you than so be it. But for those that do not and are looking for information regarding a way to proceed, I recommend solderless crimp terminals. The information John presented is very good and is a good start for those looking to learn.

Totally agree, whether using solder or butt connectors, it's the sum of the parts, tools, and brains behind the operation. Either will likely work fine in this venue.

When I think butt connector, I think nickel and dime connectors with a walmart 9.99 crimper. Come on, everybody has them and is what will likely be used in 99% of weekend warrior projects.

Clearly, there are places where soldering is just not an option and a failure of the circuit isn't the end of the world.

Moral of the story, do what you are most capable of doing well.

[GregWeld]

Originally Posted by ccracin

You mean the lineman splice that tightens as you pull on it? Oh, say to put a telegraph line up? Just a guess! Us youngins have heard a few things!

BUTT head......

[GregWeld]

We -- real men -- use the western union -- aka Lineman -- to do pyro connections.... It takes a bit more time but when you're running line all over a barge -- it tends to get pulled on / tripped on / snagged....


A "western union" wont pull apart very easy compared to a "twist"...


BTW --- SORRY TO JOHN for jacking his thread -- but we've managed to keep it coming to the top right?!?!?!?

[ccracin]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

BUTT head......

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

We -- real men -- use the western union -- aka Lineman -- to do pyro connections.... It takes a bit more time but when you're running line all over a barge -- it tends to get pulled on / tripped on / snagged....


A "western union" wont pull apart very easy compared to a "twist"...


BTW --- SORRY TO JOHN for jacking his thread -- but we've managed to keep it coming to the top right?!?!?!?

Originally Posted by ccracin

Butt-splicing Western Union Thread-jackers.............

[Garage Dog 65]

In aviation we use environmental crimp splices like those listed in above posts. As stated they are spendy.

An inexpensive option that I have used is the metal butt splice - shrink wrap - and inject a dab of the proper heat range/environment condition RTV. Heat shrink and wipe off the excess.

Jim

[GregWeld]

Jim ---


Is using Preparation H as a sealant proper in a butt splice??



Joking....


Why wouldn't you just use the glued shrink tube??? And skip all the extra steps?

[intocarss]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Jim ---


Is using Preparation H as a sealant proper in a butt splice??

This is the reason people are scared to open this thread

[JohnUlaszek]

Originally Posted by Garage Dog 65

In aviation we use environmental crimp splices like those listed in above posts. As stated they are spendy.

An inexpensive option that I have used is the metal butt splice - shrink wrap - and inject a dab of the proper heat range/environment condition RTV. Heat shrink and wipe off the excess.

Jim

Its worth mentioning, that if you feel the need to use RTV on any part of your car, you really want to use a non-corrosive product. Aircraft guys do that as standard operating procedure, but not all home builders are aware of the acetic acid in the typical home depot products.

Never thought a Splice thread could be so exciting.