I also worked for a company that made wiring harnesses once upon a time, but we were mass producing them for cars. There too, all connections were crimped, but there is one big difference between the OEM approach and the usual aftermarket stuff sold for use with hand tools. The aftermarket connectors usually come with an insulating sleeve that is intended to be left in place while doing the crimp. I have found this practice to yield unreliable and unpredictable connections. I have purchased a half a dozen different crimping tools, some with a compound action and multiple interchangeable jaws, and have not found a reliable combination yet.
On the other hand, a correctly sized bare metal connector matched with the correct crimp dies yields a secure connection every time. There just isn't any comparison in reliability in my experience. Steve Thomas C&C27 MKIII Port Stanley, ON C&C36 Merritt Island, FL ---- G Collins via CnC-List <[email protected]> wrote: Dave, if you soldered a crimped connection in the harness shop I worked at the Quality Assurance folks would hang your head on a light pole in the parking lot as a warning to others! We built wire harnesses for tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets. I think the attached .pdf is small enough to sneak through the server, I draw your attention to the 2nd last page. As to sourcing terminals, Digikey is a good and reasonably priced source if you are buying quantities. If you only need 4 then not so great. A good quality crimp tool is key. Graham Collins Secret Plans C&C 35-III #11 _______________________________________________ This list is supported by the generous donations of our members. If you wish to make a contribution to offset our costs, please go to: https://www.paypal.me/stumurray All Contributions are greatly appreciated!
