6 Ways to Fix Broken Wires - Beginner Through Pro

[@clarap.-g.4447]

Came here knowing nothing, now I feel like I can fix (almost) any broken wire I see. Thank you so much for all that concise and well delivered information!!!🔧

[@vanessalaws2975]

A dog chewed my friends laptop charger. Used electrical tap to connect the way you recommended For two wires. Worked like a charm! Thank you so much!

[@TomCee53]

A few notes. rosin, not resin. When doing parallel wires, such as zip cord, I’ve found it valuable to offset the joints so that the connectors don’t make as big a bump. Wago now makes an in-line connector to extend wires in less space. I found a kit which has the in-line solder splices with a mini heat gun included. You implied, but I want to stress, to read instructions on everything you buy. A great idea to save problems and enhance safety.

[@How-xw1ws]

Just wondering because I'm new to this. What do you mean by offsetting the joints when repairing parallel wires?

[@Merescat]

Just wait for the twist / no-twist crowd to see this video. I'm glad you cut the wire nut and exposed the cross-section with the wires inside. I enjoyed seeing all the connection options. 🙂

[@The.Truth13]

This video has turned my passion back on into this part of electrical work. Thank you for the awesome video🔥

[@TieXiongJi]

Twist, solder, heat shrink is the best option for signals and high current. Wago clips are the most convenient option.

[@suelynnsteiner1194]

Thank you. Beginner- it really helped clarify.

[@bob456fk6]

I like your method shown at the 3:00 mark. Quick and dirty and I don't have to use a soldering iron. One note: When splicing a two-wire cable, don't put the two splices side by side. Stagger them a little so there is no chance for wires to short together.

[@abackus6546]

Wow, thank you so much for this. I fix power reclining furniture all the time and this was very helpful.

[@Keifsanderson]

Nice video. Really appreciated the wire nut cross section and the detailed tutorial on soldering.

[@edgecondition]

@12:55, I would suggest tinning the iron tip with a blob of solder after cleaning. Doing that before storage will reduce oxidation.

[@RyanNadel]

This is a fantastic explanation! It just reminded me that I need to repair the charge cable for my smart watch that my dog chewed!

[@paulandreasallik]

Such a good video. I wish i could like it twice.

[@christinecostanzo3163]

😝 helping hands. Thanks for this post!

[@Bruce_W]

Great info. I always solder because I have the tools and skill as I worked in electronics for 50 years.

[@Timespace101]

You sound like my dad :) He didn't carry out 50 years, but he believed in doing it once, and doing it right.

[@johnnydingo8680]

Ah you are the other guy who also did 50 years of electronics soldering. We are the last two in a vanishing breed 😊

[@Bruce_W]

@@johnnydingo8680 That's right. I started by building a Knight Kit Star Roamer shortwave receiver in 1968.

[@Sembazuru]

An additional tip for the last method (solder and cover with shrink tube). If the application is where the splice might get wet (marine applications, trailers, exterior of cars & trucks, etc) you should use the shrink tube that has an internal lining of hot glue. When you heat the shrink tube the hot glue will also become liquid and then seal the splice from external elements. Because it is hot _glue_ it should stick to the wire insulation preserving the water-tight seal when being bent.

[@raywilliams7094]

How about joining 3 wires ie positive neutral and earth to extend a multiplug lead that is too short

[@PeterRodriguezz]

This has saved my washer while i wait for the replacement cord! Thank you

[@Chaos_God_of_Fate]

It saved my laser engraver while I wait for a replacement cord- 2 to 3 weeks and I gotta have this thing running! I also got to learn how to build custom JST connectors too in order to fix things- all handy knowledge ;)

[@nick-firstest]

Lot of new information for me, Thanks

[@abbeyp8834]

Amazing! Thank you. And ideas on how to fix a frayed cord on a heated hoodie? Have you ever used liquid electrical tape?

[@kenahoo]

I like to use the Western Union splice (Wikipedia has good pictures), it’s extremely strong without soldering, so it maintains flexibility in the joint. Some heat shrink on top and all set to go.

[@adobemastr]

Thanks for pointing this out; I’ve never heard of this. If NASA uses it, it obviously must be good. How exactly do you employ this method? It does seem a bit complicated…

[@mohammedlaredj7695]

I love your videos, your lessons and your ideas....thank you

[@Swtorista]

Thank you i lewrned a lot!

[@loosenut1969]

Thank you for this video. I am about to order the solder but connectors off Amazon that will be perfect for my applications as I am not an electrician lol

[@mrcryptozoic817]

I always do the last method but when fixing something like a chewed shopvac cord, I cut the cord so that both wires don't splice side by side. This is hard to describe but here goes...For example, the segment on your left has a long black and short white. And the right side has a short black and long white. This means the two splices aren't side by side. That way, when I tape it up, there isn't a lump in the cord to catch on anything.

[@stevekerr1386]

Great information. Thanks for posting!

[@justicezero]

Thanks for the help, one question, if i solder, are there any problems with then using electrical tape in place of the heat wrap?

[@Bluesman57]

Soldering wire by itself is a violation of the NEC article 250.8 (B) "Connection devices or fittings that depend solely on solder shall not be used". I am starting to use Wagos more and more, they cost a little more, but are more convenient and save a lot of time, especially working on something with short wires.

[@binodajuan4342]

You the police?

[@Bluesman57]

@binodajuan4342 No, I am not the police. I'm just trying to point out its not safe soldering wires by themselves. That's why it's a violation of the NEC.

[@parkershonnard3376]

It depends on what the circuit is for, soldering is usually for low voltage applications

[@TomCee53]

Even on low voltage, it’s a good idea to have a strong mechanical connection, then solder.

[@dooglive922]

@B5Blue1968 Why is it not safe?

[@Mr.ketchupp]

Exceeded my expectations. Great DIY video.

[@Mosisli]

Wago, "the fastest and easiest way". Sounds good to me, everyone likes fast and easy. However they way they look seems to suggest they are intended for hidden installations. Not primarily intended to repair exposed, external power cords on for example household appliances. Could and should there not be something akin to a Wago connector but more aesthetically pleasing and suitable for repairing exposed power cords?

[@ooo000ooo00o0o0o0o0o]

11:45 Well I did the last fancy one with solder and shrink wrap. Heres what he failed to mention😅😅: When you are heating the wire do not do it for too long or it will literally melt the plastic covering also it will shrink the shrink wrap wherever you have it at that moment before using it.😂 my advice.. jus sprinkled solder where you can and kinda rub it in best you can. Dont do the hold heat on the wire for for a prolonged time hoping to effect the solder on the other side.. it will melt the plastic🤝🤝🤝👍

[@Rissoe_Really]

i got one of those inflateable suits but the wire snapped of the motor, i was already able to find out which cable needed to be where with a website but to connect them again i am here, let's hope this works because i don't wanna embarras myself in front of my parents! update: gonna need to tell my parents anyway because i need that electrical tape! update 2: i went to my grandpa who lives in the same street as me and he knows a lot about cables and such, it is fixed after an hour! the tutorial wasn't really needed but we did use one of these techniques of the video so thanks for the help!

[@alessandraruiz3981]

For the soldering method could you use electrical tape instead of the heat reduction?

[@LBCAndrew]

I'm pretty sure the NEC doesn't allow for solder to be used on AC circuits unless the connection is mechanically made first.

[@llawlietdxl]

thanks for the video

[@onaturalia]

I put ty-wraps on either side of the solder joint and around the shrink tubing for better mechanical support. Especially true for repairing electrical cords.

[@rosslee7300]

Great tutorial. Thanks. That first helping hands really got me haha..Wait whaatt..

[@lmeobuh7009]

Pls help,I have the same wire with the one at 4:01 but it has 2 colors ( yellow and red) with small white wires inside, how do i connect this one with 2 copper wires which are not transparented

[@BobMuir100]

Great video (again!) I always want to solder as it makes feel like a pro, loved your technique all new to me. Never seen the nut things before and don’t like the look of them. I have wago connectors and they are great but soldering is my choice. May I ask why you called nuts amateur? Bob England

[@LRN2DIY]

Hey Bob! In the thumbnail, I’m showing a wire nut that isn’t properly twisted as amateur, not that using wire nuts itself is amateur.

[@BobMuir100]

@@LRN2DIY I see that make sense now, thanks Nils England

[@Saint696Anger]

I learned something today, everyday we should be learning something

[@hlhl5962]

thanks, it helps a lot.

[@supadupachalupa69]

I used two small wire nuts and tightened the best I could. It was the flimsy multi wire cords from a lamp. I electric taped the heck over everything. Should there be any concerns???

[@andreaentz]

Super new here so please excuse my lack of proper jargon: I want to disconnect an outlet from my wall and leave it off. When I’m separating wires, is it safe to put a nut over the wire that is coming from the wall and leave it?

[@johnharrison6009]

Brilliant. Old dog just learned.

[@cosmati75]

Great video and detailed explanations.

[@billrusk6354]

I've always used wire nuts or just electrical tape but I like the heat shrink. Thanks for sharing

[@Chris_at_Home]

When I solder two parallel wire I stager the splice. It was something I learned in the Navy over 50 years ago as an avionics technician.

[@TheRiberas]

Thanks this helped out a lot

[@andy-aam21]

I found out about wago connectors a few months ago and will likely never use wire nuts again. they make connections so easy

[@LRN2DIY]

Sorry about that spammer! I just blocked them. Darn hacks! Glad you like the Wagos - I’m a big fan too!

[@CynthiaLee-p6h]

I bought a van and there are bare wires where backlamps to light the inside of the van just left bare n hanging...would it be ok just to use wire connectors n twist so that they are not bare and can tuck them in out of site thanks in advance I'm 63 senior

[@Deraco1]

Soldering and heat shrink all the way. Depends on the connector but I find soldering a crimp connection (like a ring terminal) seems to a good touch too, also with some heat shrink. Best of both worlds!

[@chrisrangel366]

Will the wire nuts melt if you’re using them to connect the wires for LED low beams?

[@dianeleone1634]

Thank you tons.

[@willmallory9085]

Excellent video Brother

[@napoliskey]

I never even heard of solder seal connecter....I wanna try that out

[@sabersmithc4153]

Good video

[@ScottIrvine01]

What about the solder method (last part) then using electrical tape?

[@Theonlyjoylee]

My puppy chewed into my Dyson dc24 cord. Thank God, it was unplugged. However, Dyson doesn’t have the cord in stock since it’s an outdated machine. I don’t own wire strippers, soldering device, but I was in the us Army; so we can do anything we put our minds to. A little help would be appreciated. I don’t want to have to go buy a brand new Dyson when all I need to do is fix the wire. If he had chewed it closer to the plug, I would’ve just cut that end off and put on a new plug. Unfortunately, no such luck. Thank you.

[@مرسىالسندوبى]

so my eathernet wire's cover was removed and when i used a wire tape i think i over pulled it so i guess i cut it from inside How to fix that?

[@dfl5015]

How do you join very fine enameled copper wire from a stator?

[@bf4paw137]

I have a GE General Electric soundbar that attaches to my laptop. I don't want to get rid of it. My dog chewed the wire and one speaker now doesn't work. I can't replace it as GE doesn't seem to make this portable speaker anymore. I've searched the net to find a place I can bring it to for repair. I figured there has to be someone that can do it. I've tried to do the repair myself but the wires are so thin I'm not having any luck. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm in TN but also live in NJ.

[@outoftime7740]

Hey thanks for this. I'm a lady trying to repair my destroyed Bissell cord. Now, I know I have a crimper tool.

[@peaceloveandunity1434]

Brilliant thank you

[@oazamira]

Can i do this on refigerator cable? Its chewed, and 2 out of 3 wires in cable are cut. I was thinking doing first method. Is it safe?

[@LRN2DIY]

Best to replace the plug in that case.

[@OnlyintheEnd]

Have a cable that burned up in my car. Thank you so much for this, now I can drive without catching fire

[@dekin819]

😂

[@chrisrangel366]

Which wiring method did you use?

[@Hey_Jamie]

Your shirt is literally my life in 8 words

[@MangoNizer]

I'm from Denmark. Never seen a wire nut before!

[@atlanticapacificaofficial]

Can an iPhone or iPad or computer charger be fixed and does it matter what copper size wire is used to make connection again?

[@danclark4361]

Long time solder/shrink guy. You're a Utahn! Me too!

[@joeblk27956]

My favorite for joining (x2) wires is (x1) straight/in-line wago connector to hold the wires, then adhesive heat shrink to weather-proof/accident-proof the connector. That way it's strong, removable by cutting the heatshrink, and can't pull out as easily or accidentally as just the having the wago connector holding everything itself.

[@crabwalk7773]

What are your thoughts on liquid electrical tape?

[@Von_Hohenheim]

never use in residential settings only place for that is "repairs" imo

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@Von_Hohenheim You mean pretty much like soldering then?

[@LRN2DIY]

I've never used it but that's mostly because it looks like a lot more work/mess than just using electrical tape. I can see that it could be useful in very specific applications, though.

[@ianmcnally8501]

I love liquid electrical tape! I use it on my Ebikes and batteries, great for outdoor connections. Also please note it is very flammable. I use heat shrink also, keeps it neater. But the liquid tape also helps support the wires, and builds in strain relief if required.

[@crabwalk7773]

@@ianmcnally8501 Thank you for the information!

[@jonathancall9967]

Can you use solder to bridge across broken wire strands in a section of stranded wire?

[@joshmonaco6170]

If you have broken strands you will need to cut them off and strip back further. A couple of strands might not seem like a huge deal, but for every strand you're missing the rest of them are drawing more current and producing more heat which could damage and degrade the insulation and eventually could become a fire hazard.

[@LBCAndrew]

It's always good to use double walled adhesive lined heat shrink to properly protect the wires.

[@notadumbblond3]

How do you know which connector you need to rejoin two wires or two sets of stranded wire? I have a portable heater that I have to rejoin the chord on and don't want to cause a fire when I turn it on or lose the little bit of chord still left on the heater side. I'm thinking electric tape or the nut connector would work better for me with my limited experience, but am a bit afraid of possible fire if I use those.

[@MangoNizer]

You'll only cause fire if you short circuit the cables. Just make sure the two leads don't have contact with each other before you connect the power.

[@susan_vegas]

Or you can melt the plastic coating with your lighter and then pull it off with your fingers if you have no tools Thank you for your video

[@urbanorebosa]

How about the wires that are color coded Cause some appliances have an electrical socket that has 2 or 3 different colored wires.

[@janetlecomber705]

Does this apply to fine wire.

[@michaeljohn7467]

Is there a liquid plastic or liquid shrink that you can use if a wire gets chewed on by a rat n the wire is exposed but still in tack, so you can't get a shrink tube thing on there I saw some guy use this liquid what ever it was when a porcupine chewed some wires under his truck, he heated something up n it covered the exposed wires n made it water proof also

[@chanteloukami6694]

can you fix the wire if broken right at the plug?

[@karlxu782]

Nicely explained, thanks so much. If I just have a scratched and exposed wire still in good silhouette, can I just simply wrap it with electric tape?

[@circlepfarm9729]

Can’t find the links in the description?

[@LRN2DIY]

There’s a “Products In This Video” section with all the links. Let me know if you don’t see it. On the phone, KZbin makes it kind of tough to see the description now.

[@Janita_S]

Thanks! now I just need to buy electrical tape and my first wire repair is completed :)

[@DanielGonzalez-zd9zq]

What is the temperature of the iron. To Sauder wiring.

[@michaelsmith-bn6no]

solder* The L is silent ....... 900 degrees minimum fahrenheit

[@sally-3830]

so I used the last method, minus the soldering 😮

[@etyiyensebze1466]

I just fixed my computer charger with this, I know it's now much but I feel like I am a Spartan warrior

[@andremartins6247]

Can anyone tell me if when we fix a broken wire, the new one we going to use has to be the same colour as the old one? Or can we twist it up with a wire from a different colour?

[@BusterMSC1]

Always twist together the way it broke. Same color. Never twist a different color together. If you twist a positive and a negative it will spark and probably damage whatever it is connected and maybe even start a fire

[@TheSquirrelmender]

How do I know what guage wire I have?

[@TM-mc5jt]

My dog chewed the wire. At first I just re-connect them without cutting off the chewed-off part. When I plugged in, the light turned on but there was a spark. So I thought I might do something wrong, I then cut off the chewed-off part then re-connected the new part of the wire. Now when I plugged in the light, it caused the circuit breaker to flip and turned off the electricity in the whole room What did I do wrong ?

[@crackheadmaury]

This is going to save so many cords from my rabbit's path of destruction, thank you!!

[@md.rejaurrahman7279]

For me beginner is the best

[@AndyA1234]

The correct way is to "tin" each end of the wires prior to joining the wires. i.e. Heat up each end of the wires individually and put solder (soul dur) on. Then when you heat the 2 ends up as you bring them together. Voila (some French as well).

[@lathanzawilliams3302]

It's the slip-on crimpable sleeve for me!

[@Sleepinggato]

Thanks dude this happend ti the cord of mu wii u

[@Newwaver2007]

There's ways I thought were pretty inventive, with the red squeazies, but I always solder stuff by default.

[@TheSquirrelmender]

I'm trying to fix my tv wire that my dog chewed in half so I need a video showing the two ends and how you fix it.

[@tots4]

Wire nuts definitely don’t seem to be waterproof, does anybody know if they are?

[@ElizabethWeaver-y5q]

Very helpful thank you. I am now able to fix my kids mini lights rather than buying new.

[@Timespace101]

I've always been taught to use wire nuts for wiring that I don't want to cut in the future as a possible long term, but temporary solution. If a wire gets damaged and I'm looking at replacing it, or shortening it and shortening it is feasible, the ONLY WAY to join the wire back together is permanently with solder and heat-shrink. If you don't want to do that, buy a new wire. It's safe to say something else will eventually break in whatever system the wire is a part of looong before you should have to worry about that wire. The only way to do it is to do it right. Otherwise, you've done little to nothing to "repair" or "assemble" or "install" anything. It just looks like you did.

[@runescapebothelp1]

There ain't a right way all the time, every job is different. Use what's efficient and will hold up for the life of the wire/device. It's a bad outlook to say one method is better than all.

[@Timespace101]

@@runescapebothelp1 yeah.. that’s true

[@jack002tuber]

If you just wrap wires and cover in black tape, no shame in that. If you just use wire nuts and do it right, no shame in that. Been there for years, no regrets

[@oldspiced]

idk you didnt show us forgetting to put the heat shrink on first XD