Which Wire Connector is BEST?

Here are all of the items used in this video:
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I wanted to show my first hand experience with different connectors, and let you decide whats best for you.

After nearly 20 years of crimping connectors, it took a bunch of internet scientists on TikTok to correct my upside down crimp technique (I always wondered why my connectors would rip off so often 🤦‍♂️

With some self depreciation out of the way, I will still say that using connectors is often 10x more efficient than breaking out the soldering iron, a role of lead solder (which isn't particularly great for you, and LEAD FREE SUCKS 😜 ).

I do have some upcoming videos that will show different ways to make soldering more convenient, with tools available from different manufacturers, but for this one, the bench top solder station was shown along with some non marine heat shrink and a heatgun.

Last i show what so many believe to be the end all be all solution for connecting wires, with the heat shrink solder combo, all in one. I'll let you be the judge.

Which have you tried, and which do you like most? Comment below.

[kw]

You're not supposed to tin the ends of the wires w/ those heat shrink/low temp solder connections. They work really good if you establish a light mechanical (twist) to the wires before you heat it.

[robsapplianceplus]

I believe those connectors with the solder inside are using a lower melting point solder since they are also inside the heat shrink tubing. Because of that, I think because your're pre-tinning the wire, you're actually causing your own failure since the connector solder is inhibited by the tinning solder and us unable to flow into the wire ends..., plus your heat gun can't heat the tinning solder enough with the connector solder insulating it.
When I use those connectors, I slide the connector on and past the end like heat shrink, then twist the wires together, and finally slide the connector over before using a lighter or heat gun. It very quickly flows into the wires and then I finish off the heat shrink part. First time I used them, I was putting a high rise handle bar set on a snowmobile. It's held up for years through summer heat and frigid cold in Jackson Wyoming winters. Try my method and see if you get better results?

Update: As I read down through the comments, I see others have said the same thing and you made another video showing this method works. I thought about deleting this comment, but instead left it showing you listen to your readers. Thumbs up.

[ttww]

6:27 The connector relies on the low temp solder penetrating the strands. You introduced high temp solder and covered the strands preventing it from working.

[jlrockafella]

Heat shrink solder couplings is the slowest and most expensive. It also doesn't hold as good as the others because it sometimes doesn't have enough solder to firmly hold it.

[ChavezDIY]

Solder Iron and heat shrink is probably the best type of connection, but the learning curve, setup, and limited location where you can do it doesn't make it desirable. The other two options are up to personal preference.

[Qazxswer]

All the crimp I've done and I never thought about crimping the seams into the wire🤦‍♂️ Always learning, Thx :)

[aldenconsolver]

Maybe this is belt and suspenders but I use those Chinese things (that you shove the wires into from both ends) and solder the wires together with a nice wrap then slide the assembly into the heat shrink with solder thing. I have a piece of shrink tube also to make sure that the connection is waterproof I add that to the mix. At that point I shrink the tube (have not even bothered to test the solder part). All I really use the solder part of that hard tube is to keep the joint from sliding out. I do not pre-tin the joint between the wires but I do use a good flux and my solder has a flux core to go with it. When I tried to pull them apart the insulation on the wires began pulling off. If this is a terrible thing somebody tell me why and I will probably take them up on it. I REALLY like my connections to stay put (oh and this is for connectors that are either inside the engine bay or outside the cab)

[ttww]

Related if you're looking to desolder something adding some low temp tead solder can help remove components without damage.

[jlrockafella]

Auto mechanic terms for these are...

•Crimp= nut&bolt
•heat shrink solder coupler= rivets
•soldering iron = stick weld

All can do the job but some hold better than others🧑‍🔧

[MightyMagnificent]

This is a great video thanks for this. What connector would you use under bonnet/hood of a vehicle which has to stand higher temperatures?

[jesseyoung]

I solder and heat shrink all my stuff. When it comes to ring terminals and spades and stuff of the sort I usually pull the insulator off crimp and solder them then put heat shrink over the exposed bits. It has yet to fail me and it ensures the best connection I can get

[Matty_mccfly]

Do you recommend heat shrink for wires that are exposed to the elements?

[vicpetrishak]

3M Scotchkote FD is a coating designed for underground electrical splices . Expensive however well worth it . Also I crimp insulated terminal ends with the crimper designed for uninsulated crimps . Class 8 trailer work exposed to harsh environments .

[robers]

You didnt use the one with built in solder correctly. You are suppose to have more wire exposed crossing over each other at the solder point. You can watch the solder move into the wires when it melts. Ive used these and have been quite successful. Mindful i always use an extra piece of shrink over it as well just to be safe.

[ttww]

Keep in mind most factory pins and many factory connectors are crimp on. Like with your controllers it's right part right technique.

[rossevans]

You could not see the join, but it doesn't matter it was an excellent demonstration of how not to join 2 wires using solder.

[kenDOLL]

could you do a comparison of ballasts with different wattages and if it's the bulb that makes a brighter light, or the ballast, or both. Pleasee
I have aftermarket HID's in stock projector housing and I want a brighter light, would I change the bulb, the ballast, or both?

[philoso]

Nice video and presentation.
Remember that not all solder wire are created equal. DIY solder wire melting point runs much higher than solder in these heat shrink connectors. The catch is overheated heat shrink and mixed solder. So at least we have to provide extra cooking time in the process. So don’t time the wire for these HS connectors.

[paulmanhart]

I found that the solder center heat shrink thing works best if you hold the heat gun there a long time. That little blob of solder in the center must collapse and really grab the two pieces. I also expose more wire on each end than you did. I make sure the two wires are twisted together inside the tube.
You didn’t conclude your test. Which one was the strongest? You also should do each one separately and check for continuity before pulling apart.

[DrJuan-evlu]

Soldering tip: Clean your soldering iron tip by wiping it on a wad of wet paper towel. Tin it good first with flux and solder. A sponge gets funky, the paper towel is a throw-away.