HIGH QUALITY Power Wire Connections - CarAudioFabrication

Making proper robust power connections is important for car audio. In this video we take a look at some high quality techniques for connecting power wires to an amplifier. This could also be used for a battery, distribution block, or other car audio electrical device. A special thanks to CT Sounds for providing the amplifier in this video!
🔨 Tools and Materials:
✔️ Wire Crimping Tool: amzn.to/2X3LJGh
✔️ Wire Ferrules: amzn.to/3628IW8
✔️ Tech flex: amzn.to/3dMkOFu
✔️ Copper Lugs: amzn.to/2X16i68
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
🔊 Want more? Check out these links:
✅Car Audio Tutorial Library: bit.ly/CAFlearn
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✅Join the CAF Patreon Member Team: bit.ly/CAFpatreon
🔊🔊🔊 FULL VIDEO SERIES PLAYLISTS:🔊🔊🔊
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Here at Car Audio Fabrication I teach you how to Master Car Audio in an effort to Design, Build, and Install your ideal car audio system. Whether you are a hardcore basshead or a HiFi focused audiophile I would love to have you subscribe and join our community!
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--LET'S CONNECT!-
Website: www.caraudiofab...
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Music by:
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Bottomless Cup - KZbin Audio Library
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
CarAudioFabrication - The Secrets of Car Audio Revealed

[@iTzDaNiiLo]

Man your channel is underrated! You deserve at least 300k subs

[@AngryDonutGuy]

It's type of a limited niche. It has a peak, but not there yet by far as you said.

[@drunkenbass6128]

I mean yes and no. The car audio niche market is a huge area

[@riveralley]

Well now he has 328k

[@tdannerth]

I'm in the 320k of new subscriber era. Even though I'm 41 and have many cars and many systems. I'd go so far to say he deserves every single car audiophile's subscribe, for sure.

[@MehemLED]

5 years later... 466k subs

[@blakeb4379]

Hey Mark, another great video man! Don't wanna rush you, but keep the videos coming. I've learned more about car audio fab on this channel than any other channel on KZbin. Much appreciated and keep it up bro!

[@mad-maxx2211]

I only subscribe to excellent channels like this!!!!!

[@bsbabcock]

Ferrules! Who'd a thunk it! And I've been messing with trying to twist and cramp into blocks and amps for all this time. Great great tip!

[@KinzQuest]

I was looking for something like this when I was buying parts for my build. Didn't have any luck finding them. Saw this video and it inspired a budget way to accomplish a clean look similar to using ferrules. I cut off the spade end and put the crimp part flush on the end of the exposed wire. Started crimping it with pliers to keep a barrel/cylinder form. Got it nice and tight so there wasn't any movement then finished it off with the set screw on the amp. It turned out great and looked much better than if I had bare wire in there. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@derbrandmeister4660]

Man, we got some german car audio channel on KZbin too but your channel is clearly the best. Amazing work!

[@lmadden6236]

Looks very neat... I like that! What state do you live in? I think you're one of the neatest installers I have ever seen. Pure perfection on all of your work! You take great pride in what you do and that's hard to come by unfortunately.

[@ArcadeDude44]

Awesome tips, thank you sir!

[@mytruckinlifeace4047]

I'm loving your channel. I plan on using many of your tips on my next project. In fact I didn't have any desire to have a next project till I started watching your channel.

[@g.d.2069]

Awesome video! Glad to see you are using a hex crimper, not a dimple crimper, really good stuff.

[@DaleLClay]

You Sir, are one of my KZbin Heros!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks!

[@gtavtheavengergunnerlegend3340]

Definitely ordering some of those. Looks much better than what I have.

[@Hadamona]

10/10, only thing I would suggest is to use glue-impregnated heatshink so the techflex doesn't come out.. but this is more applicable to engine grounds where there's a lot of movement. I love that hot knife method of cutting the techflex!

[@peloteroification]

I once attached the terminal ring to the cable smashing it with a hammer as hard as I could for about 5 minutes. I gave it a pull test and it came right off....just thought I'd share that story...

[@LegendaryGarageYT]

Iv been doing car audio for years now don't worry we have all been there when first working with lugs think you have it then it comes right off best 30 dollars Iv ever spent was a crimp tool like on this video

[@nuclearbum9858]

Joseph Stalin hammer terminals always fail i solder everything i dont care how long it takes

[@peloteroification]

CONCRETE MONEY Yeah, I was 15 years old..

[@VinnieVega76]

Same here

[@DerekBatesSr]

Too funny Me too

[@xmisslightsonmain]

this is gold and completely underrated good job

[@MrDarkSky176]

dude love your videos just wanted to point out from my electrician experiance that you should crimp the ferrel too :)so the screw doesnt bite holes in the ferrel

[@grantryan9591]

First time I have seen that done correctly ,I worked on big power mains for high rise and correct. Properly mark the full length needed to push the copper cable hard against the back of the copper lugs. Size matters.

[@klipnotik7835]

I've used this and never had a problem.

[@ramonrichards5302]

Always another awesome video, I have learned a lot from you, my wife on the other hand hates you as I don't leave the garage often enough. I like the ferrule idea for a much cleaner look and lowers the risk of shorting between the power connections, however being an I/E tech, I would give caution with the use of ferrules. As terminals contract with the heat and cold of the environment and cars sitting in the sun they tend to get loose and could cause issues and extra heat at terminals. How do the pros handle this? Would it be better to center drill into the ferrule where your terminal screw goes that way you get the clean look and your screw gets deep penetration?

[@CTSounds]

Great video! Nice amp :)

[@andufuse640]

Great video

[@austinhinckley6933]

Very well done the wiring job was very nice and your video editing is on key as always keep up the good work

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Austin Hinckley Thank you for posting and watching! Always good to hear the nice words, it keeps me going!

[@pepito01226]

One thing I learned working on costume PC is sleeving wires. I used to run with techflex and kobra since they offer a verity of size, length and color including UV reactive which is awesome if you plan to show off your wire and wire dressing (management) skill to the world. But one cool I think we should try and use is paracord as a wire dressing product. It is cheaper for the "budget" modder and builder gives you a costume look and feel. As well we should try to incorporate lacing the cable which I think gives your wire a very clean look. Something I believe should be used in audio some day. Why hide your wiring why not make it part of the art and show piece.

[@gordonmulcare1427]

Nicely done CAF

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Gordon Mulcare Thank you

[@gregorydj8137]

Another great video and thanks for the crimp tool information!

[@rhkips]

I like making my own connectors out of copper tubing. :D

[@chuckfinley3152]

rhkips dude, thats genius

[@riveralley]

Does it work well?

[@realgomez27]

Awesome video and.very clean professional installation. Finally I know how to fix.the shorting out.on.my.amp.between the ground and the power. I.have a phoenix gold ms275. And Idk i.u know this but the power terminals are very close to.each other and.cause shortage ever once in a. While. I didn't even know the little cylinder terminal even.existed

[@CarAudioFabrication]

realgomez27 Glad we were able to help you learn something new! Some guys in the car audio industry showed us this awhile ago, just paying it forward. Show someone you know so that we all can build better installs!

[@ldhenderson95]

CarAudioFabrication I want to has yer babehs

[@riveralley]

@@ldhenderson95 what?

[@wheelsistripping5641]

Another great information vid. I'm not sure if you have done this but could you please make a multiple interior speaker wiring video. I want to install 3 or more sets of component speakers on each side of my vehicle. A wiring and install tutorial would be greatly appreciated.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

I like this music intro the best!

[@OscarRodriguez-yz1ue]

Great video very helpful

[@mr.venom.4444]

Can i use welding wire as a car amplifier kit

[@drunkenbass6128]

Thanks for the link!

[@publicprofile1]

Wow! That is on trick cable. Sadly this video is a couple weeks too late for me.

[@alfredonolasco3527]

Thanks for the info

[@VINNY5674]

Great video 📹

[@TerryAssary]

I love this Channel

[@LiLB3LL]

That’s badass awesome vid

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for checking it out dude!

[@473toolman]

Where do you buy heat shrink this big,, and label it??? I'm having a hard time finding the right size,, 1 13/16?? I think,,

[@alejandrogonzalez3285]

clean job

[@darkknight80sbaby23]

Okay quik question? The other end of the power wire that goes to a screw what was the plans for it? What were you goin to hook it to? Nice clean way to get gd connection dough!!!! God Bless

[@andru502]

I think it is worth mentioning that techflex melts very easily and to be careful shrinking the heat shrink tubing

[@tommangu9940]

Could you damage the thread in the input block by using the set screw to crimp the ferrule on ?

[@trunkbangking]

Tom Mangu no it probably just crushes the ferrile securing it to the wire

[@riveralley]

And the ferrule is a fairly thin metal.

[@MouraTuning]

Just Perfect!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

HF Design sound Thanks for watching

[@fathead657]

Great info! I know this is old so I hope you see this..... What’s an easy way to decide size if tech flex for zero and four gauge

[@chrismiles4401]

Looks great. Question: on the ferrule why doesn't it get crimped on?

[@JBs_trucks_and_whitetail_bucks]

It get squished down/dimpled buy the set screw

[@myrideautosports9866]

Hey Mark great video has always. Just like the other guy mentioned, i have learned alot watching your videos and appreciate you taking the time to make them. After watching this video i thought thats a good ideal and then after teading the comments of some people saying they will come loose etc i had an ideal of putting ferrale in place tighten down set screw....then take it back out and where the set screw made an indention drill out a hole same size as set screw that way there is no doubt that it will not come loose.....what do you think of this ideal...good or bad.

[@papoportillo1019]

Nice .i have a JL Audio Slash 1000/1 with 4 gauge power & ground inputs. I'm running 0 gauge power & ground wire with Toolmaker 0 to 4 gauge reducers ..I'm supposed to trim back the wire insulation, insert into the reducer then into the amp ..my question is would it be worth while to put a 0 gauge wire farrel (spell?) on the wire before inserting into the reducer?? Or would bare wire be best

[@suprola7961]

Just wondering about the sizes for the techflex, what size for what gauge? I'm trying to cover some 4 gauge and some 1/0. What sizes should I order?

[@randyrusk5843]

I had the same questions. I had to call TechFlex or WireCare and tell them what I had so they could give me some options. 1 thing to keep in mind is the color of the wire. TechFlex PET expands 150-200%. Example, if you're using a red wire but want a white TechFlex covering, you'll want to make sure to get the Techflex slightly bigger so that it doesn't expand at all. If it does expand you will be able to see the red through the white.

[@kman915]

How do you figure which diameter of tech flex is appropriate for whatever gauge of wire? They have many different diameters. Lets, say you have 4 gauge, 8 and 16 gauge cables. What would fit best? Thanks in advance.

[@jeffsmith338]

Hi guys. Do you not use your crimp tool on the ferrule? From the video, it looks like you just put it on the wire and put it straight in to the amp. No solder either? Thanks!

[@arnoldsalazar5851]

I need some help mark, what size of this flex tech stuff work for 0 gauge power cable? Would the 1 inch flex tech fit nicely. Thank you

[@mikka1986]

will the set screw loosen itself due to vibration? I had cases like speaker wire getting a little loose from the connector overtime if I tinned or ferrule crimp it. The wire strand were too stiff for the screw to compress and bite on it tight.

[@vwjmkv]

CarAudioFabrication do you crimp the wire barrels? are they called barrels? and where can i get those?

[@afdanw]

New to the channel. Do you have a chart or something that will breakdown what size techflex goes on what gauge wire? example. What size do i order for 4 ga, 8ga, and so on?

[@sphwhat316]

Daniel Wheaton i need to know too dammit lol

[@liaubadar1824]

Love d snake look bro. 🤓

[@purepetroleumjellly]

What if the terminal is square instead of a circle like the Rockford Fosgate T1000X5ad?

[@suprola7961]

Also, do the wire Farrell's just slip onto the wiring? No soldering or crimping? If there is more to this, you could make a separate video on it since there is currently nothing on KZbin.

[@randyrusk5843]

The ferrule just slide over the naked wire. The shrink tubing holds it on temporarily, the amp set screw mashes the ferrule onto the wire therefore it needs to be extremely tight. I wouldn't recommend soldering the ferrule because when you place it into the terminal for the amp then tighten the set screw, the soldering will crack and fall out causing hard soldering to be broken inside the amp terminal.

[@bsbabcock]

Mark, Awesome as always. Babs from CAJ and DIYMA. On ferrules, may I ask what sizes/model#s you like for typical 1/0 wire and 4 gauge? I'm trying to get a starter pack together. I'll certainly need 1/0 for some rather thick NVX wire currently in the car. Much appreciated.

[@mickygaming1]

So, the ferrule isn't crimped on? You just slide it on and use the compression from the set screw on the amp to secure it?

[@GhilleGhille]

heatshrink kind of holds it tight then the set screw crimps it.

[@a-75n5lee4]

CAF I weld for a living and I attempted to cut one of those copper lugs off! I cut it completely in two, and I still could not get it off the wire because of the cold weld had fused it to the outer strands! I'm actually looking for a a set of dies to make my own RCA cold welds I've got a similar hydraulic tool but mine's only a 10 ton, would you have any idea where to get those dies if they even exist?

[@dominicankid585]

so the wire ferrules dont need to be crimped or anything? the heat shrink is enough to hold it?

[@brutisking]

Two thumbs up 👍 👍

[@MADMAGIN689]

Mark U rock man👍👍👍☝☝☝👏👏👏

[@silverrds]

Please help, I can’t find 2awg wire ferrules. Correction, I can’t find anywhere where they will ship to Canada, or sell packages that are reasonable 5-10 pcs.

[@villehartikainen3114]

What sized sleeve you use for 1/0 cable, in europe we use 12mm for 50mm2 cables

[@blech71]

Really wish you would do Audiophile Speaker/Power and Signal cables for home... I have a feeling you would help bust up some of the market with more willing to do DYI... have you seen some of the prices of the "audiophile" cables? I won't call out company names but making and marketing cables and selling them up to a few grand a foot is rather ridiculous.

[@CrashedDreams534]

Thank you so much :-}

[@zachpangos7159]

Your description doesn’t have the link to the crimping tool @caf

[@ProfessionalCrook]

What size tech flex should be used for 1/0

[@MyBlowncobra]

what about old school amps with the screw and plate system to hold the wire.

[@hemi08911]

What would you suggest if you have an amp with angle connections like the Phoenix Gold Ti amplifiers.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Ronnie Emerson I had to Google search to see what you meant, these appear to still be a set screw style application so this would still work.

[@gloriousrunningpotato]

Whats the hole size for a 4 gauge compression lug you usually use ?

[@mihaichiriac2959]

hey cand u make a video about how to make a loud speaker enclosure and style ?

[@johnsonspeedfab]

What size fuse did you run on this amp? I ordered one and I’m running 1/0 but no idea how big of a fuse to run

[@austinsvids1]

Will this work for battery's and other engine bay related items?

[@justtraining4702]

Would you do the same with the speaker connections?

[@austinhinckley6933]

Just an idea out there but I have a little Ford Ranger truck single cab so I have very limited room for subs but I love bass what do you suggest

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Austin Hinckley Take a look at shallow mount subwoofers. Many people get in over their heads with trying to install a power hungry beast of a subwoofer that requires lots of airspace into a small space, but you are better off with installing a subwoofer that is designed for use in a small location. Take a look at the under seat subwoofer box series we did for some ideas. You can fiberglass mold a location the vehicle and build off of that.

[@fxdaudio]

EXCELENTE!!

[@calebs.2166]

Does using a feral increase the overall resistance (or impedance) of the connection through a power/ground wire or through a signal wire? If so, is it negligible or would it be beneficial to instead solder all connections if you have the time, materials, and tools to do so? Thank you to anyone with some knowledge on this and who is willing to reply!

[@yungcrnck]

Caleb Sokoll soldering causes resistance.... so it doesn’t matter.

[@fatality_don7813]

So how to use 4 gauge wires in the regular amps

[@joselacera8716]

thank u sir

[@joeypowerstef6105]

I cant find those wire ferrule on the internet for 50mm wire

[@RobertChin]

Hey That Crimp tool you use what's the brand and what's the lowest gages wire will it crimp?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Robert Chin Details here: goo.gl/KSGzRV

[@tornado7002]

So, how are you keeping the wire ferrule on the wire, with just heat shrink? I didn't see you crimp it.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

+William Brown the set screw bites it onto the wire.

[@sphwhat316]

What size protective sleeve for 4gauge wire?

[@johnalenwork53]

so where can I get 2/0 ,1/0, 4 gauge & 8 gauge wire ferrules

[@warlock803]

Do u use power distribution block and if so what brand

[@TheShanerc34]

do you solder the ferrule ends to the wire?

[@princegivon5552]

whats the yellow crimping tool called ;o link?

[@CrashedDreams534]

Do you think is best to run both ground and + positive cables directly to the trunk or grounding the hole car?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Leonidas Limnios Your ground cable should be as short as possible and ground directly to the sheet metal of the vehicle. Use a location that is close to the frame and is solid.

[@netguidesitsolutions7695]

nice!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Netguides IT Solutions Thank you!

[@theale1]

how can i know witch texflex to use, would be nice to have a chart with every wire size and texflex size that goes well with it.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

theale1 Techflex sizes are listed in diameter, simply measure the outer diameter of your wire and pick the size that corresponds. They can't really say that a certain size works for all 0 gauge or 4 gauge etc because each manufacturer uses a different insulation size for each wire.

[@dwizl7213]

I've found that 3/8 fits snug for most 4 gauge, 1/2" for most 1/0, 3/4 for a lil breathing room or oversized 1/0 like Sky High and 5/8 fits nicely for SHCA 2/0

[@randyrusk5843]

When ordering TechFlex for 1/0 awg wire I normally get .25 TechFlex which is 1/4". 1/0 awg wire measures .38. TechFlex expands 150-200%. Just keep in mind that the more you expand the TechFlex the more wire color will show through. If you're using a red 1/0 awg wire and want to cover it in white, I would not use .25 TechFlex I'd use .5. It will be a little loose but at least it won't be pink from the red showing through the white.

[@datruthhurts6667]

Randy Rusk Thanks!!!! Basically buy half inch for 0 gauge wire!!!!

[@VloggingCountry]

I like this video a lot I have been watching a lot of your videonice video at less you help us people out I ask nother person on here what would be a nice subwoofer for now more then 200 but nothing I just got a 12 inch crunch 2 ohm sub give to me im going to it in my 2005 scion xb I just got I hope it kick but will see

[@nextrider123]

i strongly disagree with the ferile on the end that goes into the amp i see it being a potentially loose connection and using the screw to clamp it down like that you could very easily strip the threads in the amplifier input i think the wire going into the input is much better then this "fancy" ferile input

[@dwizl7213]

I tried the ferile thing a while back on speaker wire, noticed I lost signal...went to troubleshoot and saw that the bass rattled the speaker input screws right out. The screw doesn't really have anything to bite into.

[@nextrider123]

dwiz i agree

[@jerry800]

They clamp when screwed in. It isn't iron strong. They are usually one time use. If you pull it out you make another. They don't fit loose as you say

[@coasterlvr]

if you're stripping threads or screws are coming loose, that's a simple install fail or cheap terminal. i use insulated ferrules cause i don't use techflex much. covers all wire and wire strands.

[@lkjyuiop1987]

Make or sell a aftermarket part that has holes like you had in that amp that fit on a old school amp. I don't got the money to buy a new amp I have 3 already

[@CrazyCauyBoy12]

I wish you could build me a box😂

[@jmswillow5969]

My only question is without the ferrule being crimped how well is the connection on the distribution block and at the amp?

[@randyrusk5843]

They're solid. The set screws are basically crushing the ferrule inside the terminal. It's the best connections i've ever used.

[@jmswillow5969]

Had to ask the last thing I want is to fry an amp or short my battery out if I hit a bump driving.

[@BovineSweats]

Randy Rusk where did you buy your ferrules ? I need them for 0 and 4 gauge

[@Paul.atherton]

so whats the benifit of those connections versus bare wire in to the amp?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Wire strands cannot hangout the sides and potentially arc. Also the ferrule keeps the wire from fanning out, when stranded wire fans out the strands cannot pass electrons to each other as easily, this can increase resistance in the connection. When the individual wire strands fan out they can also break over time.

[@johnalenwork53]

question my friend.... how do you fuse a American Bass VFL 750.1 750,amp draw???

[@PeterOnBikes]

+John Work 60-80a should be fine

[@johnalenwork53]

It can draw up to 750 amps... How will a 60 or 80 amp fuse take it?

[@johnalenwork53]

Peter Salgado ^^^^How^^^

[@stertheder]

+John Work Easy, use a 350 amp fuse for each positive 1/0 guage wire :) The amp has two power inputs.

[@johnalenwork53]

stertheder where can I find Some of those?????????

[@chuckfinley3152]

Solder solder solder!

[@colorlessman2481]

Chuck Finley never solder these connections