Cables, Connectors and crimp tools

[waterat]

Can someone give a web site to sourse Cable Connectors and good quality crip tool. Want to install a better battery management system so want need cables and connectors to be good.

 

Cheers

[Tim]

I've used Vehicle Wiring Accessories a few times, they advertise in the Waterways magazines.

[JonL]

Don't go cheap on the crimp tool - get a good quality ratchet one, they are about 1000 times better than the other type, I love using mine - in fact I have been known to rewire things just for the hell of it.

Someone will be along shortly to discuss solder joints.

I also use VWA

[Chris Pink]

I use rapid - rapidonline.com

 

I use their uninsulated crimps with heat shrink cover

 

and the cheap uninsulated crimp tool from VWP which if used carefully - ie with the semi-circular notch - makes a neat and professional crimp.

[Keeping Up]

I bought a relatively cheap ratchet crimp tool from eBay and I've been pleasantly surprised at how well it works.

 

As others have said, don't bother with the simple ones that are just like a big pair of pliers, they are a waste of time.

[stuart]

This one looks good...

 

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Electrical/Crimp+Terminals/Heavy+Duty+Semi+Ratchet+Crimping+Tool/d190/sd2712/p42429

 

[david and julie]

I also used Vehicle Wiring Products - I bought one of these kits and the crimping pliers are of good quality.

 

http://www.vehicle-w...photo/p27dv.jpg

 

http://www.vehicle-w.../preinskits.php

[Grace and Favour]

Or - if you really want to go to town . . . .

 

Bigboy

Edited February 10, 2011 by Grace & Favour

[pearley]

I use rapid - rapidonline.com

 

I use their uninsulated crimps with heat shrink cover

 

and the cheap uninsulated crimp tool from VWP which if used carefully - ie with the semi-circular notch - makes a neat and professional crimp.

The crimps with heat shrink covers are definitely the ones to use. I am surprised that boat builders don't make more use of them for tunnel lamps, horns and engine bay wiring which can be exposed to moisture.

[Chalky]

Someone will be along shortly to discuss solder joints.

Don't solder. The solder will wick up the wire and makes it go stiff. It then fatigues and breaks due to vibration. You don't find soldered wire joints on aircraft or cars for that reason. A good crimp from a calibrated tool forms a cold weld - that's why you need to use a ratchet tool, not a cheap pair of pliers and you need the correct crimp tool for the terminal you're crimping. For the typical red/blue/yellow terminals the crimpers shown earlier are ideal, just make sure you use the right size terminal for the wire your using.

[waterat]

Many thanks for you advise

 

Dave