How to Crimp Small Gauge Wires | AnthonyJ350

[@GIZZMOTORSPORTS]

Looking good, I also use the uninsulated crimps/connectors and shrink wrap. Ever since a guy in aviation told me it's a big no no for them, I've been on the lookout for solder connections in automotive, never see any from the factory. My only exception, I still will add solder to big gauge power wires to add a little more strength.

[@AnthonyJ350]

Nice, ya I add solder a lot just to make sure ring terminals never slip out. When integrating with remote starters, solder is still my preferred connection. Also harnessing wire to wire solder and shrink tube for how slim it is and the reliability hasn't been an issue.

[@silentbravo]

Spot on video. You should post the model numbers or links to the tools you used so others can find them and hopefully use them. The solder vs no solder debate on automotive (probably marine/aviation too) will always go on. Both have their place in certain situations. With a proper crimp though, you will destroy the terminal or tear the wire before the crimp fails, so soldering isn't usually necessary.

[@AnthonyJ350]

Great idea, I'll add the tools in the description.

[@jameseby-ny3eu]

Hey great video....Just wondering if you use the folding trick to make the wire bigger ?

[@AnthonyJ350]

Thanks! Yes I will if I think the wire isn't big enough.

[@jameseby-ny3eu]

@@AnthonyJ350 Would you fold it 2 or 3 times to fit into a spade connecter Thanks !?

[@AnthonyJ350]

@@jameseby-ny3eu Just once. If you're folding 2 or 3 times you need a smaller size connector.

[@jameseby-ny3eu]

@@AnthonyJ350 Thanks Anthony

[@AnthonyJ350]

@@jameseby-ny3eu You're welcome!

[@doanehoag870]

Any ideas on attaching connector pins to those hair size leads on SMD 0402 LEDs?

[@AnthonyJ350]

What are you connecting it to? Might have to sold3r and shrink wrap.

[@doanehoag870]

@@AnthonyJ350 I'm attaching to terminal blocks and power distribution strips.. The power strips with very small set screws seem to hold the hair thin wires, just barely, but the terminal blocks only go down to about AWG12 I also have been attaching them to resistors by cutting 1/6" copper tubing into pieces about 1/2" long and soldering the resistor to one tube end and the resistor and LED wires into the other end. I use shrink wrap on other soldered wire joints.

[@AnthonyJ350]

@@doanehoag870 Have you looked into ferrules?

[@doanehoag870]

@@AnthonyJ350 The smallest ferrules I have seen with a post type end are AWG23, way to big... I don't even know how they designate these hair thin miniature SMD 0402 leads; they are extremely thin, I have to use nail clippers very carefully to strip the coating off the ends

[@AnthonyJ350]

@@doanehoag870 I've actually never had to deal with wire that thin. I don't have a good recommendation for you unfortunately.

[@stealthg35infiniti94]

Very good information Anthony...In my experience, I would tin the wires before crimping...I believe it serves 2 purposes, first reduces the chance of the connector to damage a strand of wire while crimping and better electrical connections between strands...Also besure to use flux on the connector barrel to aid in getting the best soldering and avoiding a cold solder joint...When working on wires external of the cabin of the car, use every precaution such as soldering wires,heat shrink, wire loom,and dielectric grease...Otherwise failure or poor performance will eventually occur.

[@AnthonyJ350]

All great tips!

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Even n in extreme conditions like salt corrosion iv seen fails

[@stealthg35infiniti94]

@@DynoDieselWagon Nothing is 100%. All you can do is minimize and slow the corrosion effects.

[@martinhildenbrandt1680]

Thanks for a really helpful video! I’m just wondering if you have a brand preference for the connectors you use. I had grabbed some from Princess Auto, and they seemed to make a loose connection, exactly as described in the video. Figured I was doing something wrong, or missing a step, and google eventually led me to your channel.

[@AnthonyJ350]

Metra has a sub brand called "The Install Bay". Check it out here, you need to apply to be a dealer to get the parts or you can purchase parts from an authorized dealer theinstallbay.com/. What I noticed, generic electrical parts found at auto parts stores are sub par leading to a poor install, that's why DIY installs don't turn out so well.

[@viableattic_gaming3512]

We use butt connectors and we use heat shrink over it but we test everything before we heat shrink it

[@AnthonyJ350]

Right on, thanks for sharing!

[@viableattic_gaming3512]

@@AnthonyJ350 np

[@donearl6675]

thank you so much for thess trade secrets👍🥰❗

[@AnthonyJ350]

Thanks for watching! I wouldn't call these "trade secrets", more of "best practices". There are a lot of things I don't show as a professional courtesy to my peers. 😉

[@mallorymcguire833]

What heat gun is that?

[@AnthonyJ350]

It's a Wagner from Home Depot

[@doanehoag870]

I just noticed I made a typo above on my small iPhone keypad.. I typed 1/6” copper tubes, that should be 1/16” They actually work very well, but are a bit of work to cut them and file the ends smooth first and they have to be soldered onto the wires, crimping doesn’t work well.

[@AnthonyJ350]

Folding the wire doesn't help to make it thicker?

[@doanehoag870]

Not enough.. have you seen Pico SMD wires? They are like thick hairs! 😅

[@AnthonyJ350]

@@doanehoag870 No I don't work wiring that thin.

[@lukaszceglarek9107]

So when checking continuity you should never touch the wires/leads. For regular dc voltage/ohms makes really no issues, when working with something that is highly sensitive you will get resistance across your body.

[@AnthonyJ350]

Good thing this is a DC application. I don't know any techs that use alligator clips to test wiring or devices, we all use prongs.

[@DynoDieselWagon]

SOLDER IS THE IDEAL METHOD

[@AnthonyJ350]

Depends on the application. I talk about both here kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJ-zmp9vrZ2ai8U

[@AnthonyJ350]

I also compared the two connection types I'm this video a few years ago kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmHMZHZ3erGUeZo