Solderless Wire Splicer

Tool: Solderless Quick Splice Snap Wire Connector

Guest: Tyler Winegarner

Quote:
Alright so today I'm showing off these solderless quick wire splice connectors. As typical with wire connectors they come in different colors and refer to different wire gauges they can work with. You see we have basically two channels for wires and what these will enable you to do is quickly splice into a wire that is already active. I first encountered these when I would get these kits to install heated grips onto my motorcycle. The idea would be that you would tie into the power for your headlight, and then use that 12 volt power supply to also power the heated grips.

You have these two wire channels. This one on the side has a gap that you can fit over the wire that you want to tap into, so you don't need to disconnect it, you can just kind of fit it over the wire. And then what you see here is it's got this sort of guillotine blade with two V-shaped blades that you use a pair of pliers to compress down onto the wires, and that's what makes your wire splice.

Also mentioned:
How to Splice and Tap Wires by Digi-Key

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[ruyguy]

I've used these in the past with general good results. They are not an everyday use item, but work well for splicing in low voltage/low amperage draw items link an LED light. Not meant for anything over 12V and as stated in the product, generally not used for anything over 7 amps.

Ive combatted corrosion with products sprayed directly on the tap like Krown spray or wurth contact sl lacquer. I have LED reverse lights on my trailer going 10 plus years with these connectors and no electrical issues. In fact the LED boards inside the heat sinks are corroded now and the connectors are not.

[palharley]

Tapping a wire will break the insulation and possibly long-term corrosion failure. Look at automotive wire repair for detailed instructions. Kinda danced around that. Fantastic for a quick connection for sure.

[bears]

"How to short security wiring without breaking wires 101" I don't know why else you would use these lol

[andrewm]

This was not a great recommendation.
It was mentioned toward the end that these should be used if is need for a "quick splice" and you didn't have the time to do a proper job. Earlier the guest said he used these to connect his heated grips on his motorcycle. This made me cringe. He said he had these on his motorcycle for four years. Certainly he had the time to do a proper connection.

The "t-splice" or "poke and wrap" method is a better and more secure method. If you ever have an auto shop, stereo/alarm shop using these splicers or t-taps then go to another shop.
If you do end up using these then they should be used for anything other than 12 volt. The colors do not necessarily represent a specific gauge. There is no uniform standard for these connectors. Blue with one manufacture can be for 14-18 AWG but I have seen brown with another manufacture be for 14-18 AWG.

There are many sources to purchase the same type of connector where you can create your own "y" cable or even purchase a pre-made "y-cable so you don't have to compromise the wiring by tapping into it. For my car, motorcycle or other electronics I never ever cut/tap into that wiring. I always make a "y" cable using the same type of connector the thing I am working on has. Yes, it is time consuming and perhaps a little more advanced but it is easily reversed in case you want to go back to "stock" or trouble shoot if gremlins start to appear.

You should never tap into wires that are live. Disconnect the battery before you do anything.
You could cause hundreds of dollars worth of damage to your car or motorcycle if you use the wrong gauge wires or overload a circuit. Consider adding fuse if you ever need to tap into a line using any method.

[bulkhead]

These are for temporary lighting on job sites. Not permanent.

[NBPostman]

can these connectors be used rather then screw on connectors?

[kebnl]

not a good choice a problem in the making

[scotts]

This is a terrible recommendation. 25 years ago when i didn't know what I was doing I used these. These will fail. Don't ever use these.

[anthonyrincon]

I tapped into my taillights with one of these to hook up a backup camera for my car. But I was supposed to tap into the reverse lights can I under the connection and tap into the right wire without any problems or should I leave it. Obviously put electrical tape Around where I take it apart ? What do you think. Please get back to me

[Bluntedco.]

if i have a 2 prong extension cord and i want to connect 2 pc fans together that have a black and white wire on each fan can i use these wire splicers to connect the black wire from the extension cord to the 1 side with the stop of the splicer and then connect then clip it onto the black wire that connects side by side to the 2 fans and then also do the same from the white wire of the extension cord "connect the white wire to the side with the stop and then clip the other side to the white wires that connect side to side to the pc fans and then they should work right since all the electricity will be recirculating?

[gucciplugs]

i bought this for my car for my backup camera but i can’t even open it cuz it’s so small & tight lol

[aj]

Doesnt take this long to explain something simple

[superdog]

These connectors are junk. They may be good for emergency use in some cases? I see them all the time in exposed locations on trailers, truck wiring and places that come in contact with water. They start to corrode instantly. They also cut the wire strands when you push the metal piece down, instantly lowering the current carrying ability of the tapped wire. Stay away! Far, far away unless you like chasing wiring faults?

[Oldtech]

These are, without a doubt, the worlds worst wire connectors.

[RedHillian]

I'm saddened that you've been introduced to this method of splicing and tapping wires - it's one of the worst.

As your guest even shows during the demonstration, the connections are not reliable under even optimal conditions and there's such inconsistency in the manufacture of the parts that they're only really useful in extremis, for a temporary fix, when the function is non-critical (and where all three cases are true - this isn't an either/or).

Luckily you've had years of experience and use of other more reliable methods of achieving the connections to use - so you can probably just carry on using them, hopefully you've not spent any real money on these items (or too much time in the preparation of this video).

I look forward to your next videos though - your content and introductions to new tools and their uses is normally wonderful.