The Best Wire Repair Method... Or Is It!?

[@SouthMainAuto]

41 Feet 1/8" Clear Heat Shrink Tubing Roll 3:1 - amzn.to/4ecwLob Non Insulated Butt Connectors Kit 420pcs - amzn.to/3V2zg3D Haisstronica 6PCS Crimping Tool Set - amzn.to/3QZv2Zm KNIPEX Automatic Wire Stripper 10-24 AWG - amzn.to/3yDHWpu

[@OcRefrig]

Thanks for Posting the Link for the Knipex Wire stripper. I'm definitely going to get one. Been using little blue-point ( snap-on ) Little wire stripper for years. lately been using the Klein tiny yellow handled ones. basically same as blue point - but with cushier handles. i'm older - i like a little more cush in these old hands. Top notch repair of those wires under that car !!! You are a Master with that torch 🔥 in hand. not a burn mark in sight ! i'm a Heat gun Man myself. Everyone to thier own. Results - is All that Matters !

[@YOUZTUBE2000]

Eric, I really appreciate you taking the time to show & tell us viewers which tools and supplies you are using and why you like them. It’s nice coming from you because we see you “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk” Thank you for helping me and so many others!!!!

[@harrywalker968]

taaalkin about stripers. back in the mid 80,s. mate i was traveling with up to townsville, where the army airforce navy is, dont tell the chinese, his bro was a seargent in the army, 20 odd yrs old.. at a nite club, his buddy,s said, dare you to ask the striper for a date.. he did.. she was surprised as, being a striper guys were scared of her.. 2c..

[@bobdoingbobthings]

Which code is Yada Yada? I don't think I've ever seen that one on my code reader.

[@JohnSmith-xp1ph]

Eric, here is one for you your mini torch get only 370 degrees hotter then most heat guns so keep on using it.

[@island03z]

Ive repaired thousands of wires but the reason I watch this is the commentary, pure gold!

[@ronallen6578]

It's better than the message in the video. Eric needs a late night show🤣

[@peskypeet]

Truth right there

[@ronallen6578]

@@luisamoa2500 Sorry, I don't follow 🤔🤔🤔

[@ronobrien7187]

"A squeeze and a tug, a move that every young man knows." THAT is gold.

[@DDescalchuk57]

Hahaha same here

[@garycurry4600]

I love when you piss off the haters, Eric! 😂😂😂

[@prussiaaero1802]

Piss off, or piss on? Same same I guess!

[@griffinreitz7041]

OMG !!! Crimp connectors, heart shrink with an open flame, all the same color wire, and the thumb nail, in one video ! I'm going to have to mix a strong Chocolate Milk, and just set here a while to let my eyes heal ! Not sure I'll ever be the same !!

[@MrOlea]

all we need is the can of brake klean with the intro music!

[@michaelreese3950]

Or the fluid film sound effect.

[@wurlyone4685]

Eric O's propensity to pour petrol on the title and then play with matches, knows no bounds 😂

[@SouthMainAuto]

Have you seen a hornet's nest? I have a poking stick I want to try out ....

[@wurlyone4685]

@@SouthMainAuto why not really go to town and go at the hornets nest with big nasty? 😂

[@richardguse3410]

I gave you a thumbs up just for the use of the word "propensity"....to pour petrol!

[@LTVoyager]

@@SouthMainAutoWould that hornet’s nest not be named Mrs. O? 😁

[@toenails.]

​@SouthMainAuto OH those nests are so much fun to play with!!!

[@larryspetoskey]

I have been retired for 7 years now, but for the previous 40 years I was a auto repair business owner and chief mechanic just like you. What you do and how you go about repairing things is almost identical to what I did for those 40 years. When I watch your repair videos, it is like watching me. They say everyone has a doppelganger out there in this world and I have found mine. From your wife working with you in your business to the way you just go about things on a daily basis, it is like a duplicate of my 40 years in the auto repair business. Keep up the great work and making your videos. I enjoy watching the very much.

[@freeatlast1020]

After 50 years of stripping wire I can honestly say that I figured it out how to strip a wire with a razer knife without knicking the wire. If you want some comments try that.

[@dav1dsm1th]

You should do a troll video using the gas axe for the heatshrink. The comment section would be a sight to behold. Stay safe and awesome out there, Mr O.

[@olivergardner7664]

There's no reason that a skilled guy could not use a gas axe to activate the heat shrink. It would look a bit odd. Just wave it like a fairy wand at the right distance.

[@Mike_Engel]

I love how you do your work the way you know how and dont give a crap about pissing someone off... Thanks Eric!!

[@LouJustlou]

I have the H F version of the Knipex. For the 10 times a year I use it it works great. Next year for April Fools you need to stuff a bunch of Wago connectors under a car. 😊

[@InquisitiveSearcher]

🤣😂🤣😂 (p.s. I don't like Wago connectors even in a house)

[@davidkroth]

Stopped at the Twin Kiss yesterday when rolling by Avoca. Now I know why Eric visits regularly. Highly recommended.

[@cgmoog]

Planning a motorcycle trip out this summer.

[@cgmoog]

Will honk as I go by (yes I'm that guy).

[@davidkroth]

@@cgmoog Three things to do when visiting Avoca: SMA, Wilberts U-Pull-It and Twin Kiss.

[@ron.owensby]

Your wiring is a thing of beauty. Open flames will destroy the wire.... If you Light It On Fire. I bought some liquid insulation, threw it away after five years, just couldn't bring myself to put it on anything. Thanks for the videos!

[@uenragedbro]

The stuff is gold in a pinch.

[@russellstephan6844]

I lightly dab it on soldered wire joins before the first heat shrink layer. Old habit... Not so much necessary anymore with the availability glue-included heat shrink tubing.

[@uenragedbro]

@@russellstephan6844 the glue included stuff is mint and a standard in the shop I'm in, I almost don't believe in using anything else, had a tailgate stop working with four open circuits because someone repaired the wires using some subpar clear heat shrink

[@goranekstrom708]

Yeah, it is very easy to overheat the insulation, then it hardens and cracks after a while.

[@michiganracer1181]

Before I knew about small handheld torches or if they even existed, I used my ole "bic concert light".

[@timm5527]

The minute he said he was gonna piss off the internet...... I gave a thumbs up.... love it lol

[@donniev8181]

The old grip and tug, I've heard it'll make you go blind! Thanks for the video!

[@SouthMainAuto]

I think that is a myth....

[@paullenzen2562]

@@SouthMainAuto you need glasses don't you?.. stopped just in time huh?😉

[@meganluke444]

Or grow hair on your palms.

[@miceinoz1181]

@@SouthMainAuto Dunno, could be hit or myth 😁

[@misterhat5823]

Grows hair on your palms.

[@whaler9955]

Was in the communications business for 45 years. Early on in my career, I learned how to strip wire from an old Bell Telephone engineer. He used a small pair of dikes (diagonal cutters for the PC crowd). He would pinch the jacket and make a small nip. then flip the dikes over and pull the jacket away. He had done tons of these procedures over his career and he made it look easy. I still do this today for small signal wires. I use a Klein auto stripper for bigger stuff.

[@rodparker4514]

Important safety message.Dont hit your thumb with the open flame .love your stuff young man ,more please .

[@abw121]

I think SMA has to do a list of Eric O. Quotes? “There’s that guy” “There’s your problem lady” “Squeeze and tug” “Chevy Thunder”. You can put them on T-shirts and sell the swag! People’s Republic of NY! Watching this while eating dinner and can barely finish the meal!

[@sblagg527]

Don't forget "We're gonna talk about strippers-- I'll show you my favorite pair." 😃

[@jiujitsuforall8627]

Great idea!!! Hope he sees this and makes those shirts or hats! I'd buy some.

[@ajfurnari2448]

PRNY would probably tax him to death

[@Foxfatherracing]

Hey it's that guy!! I would buy that one

[@Larry-sf9nb]

I'd buy a "there's your problem, lady" Tee-shirt!

[@JoeKThePotter]

The dry humor is 100%.😂😂😂😂 No notes. Good job.🤘🏽🖖🏼

[@brian2359]

Strippers and a squeeze and a tug! Auto mechanic family channel! Love it.

[@nbh5452]

" A squeeze and a tug, which any young man knows" 😂 Priceless.

[@LouinVB]

I was an instructor & had certifications on aircraft cable, wire, & connector repair. Good to see you using a method & product I recommended in one of your previous videos. TE Connectivity sells "Environmental Splices" and heat shrink designed for and specifically made for use on these splices. If you use sealed heat shrink there is no need for liquid tape.

[@wesihcfan]

Perhaps you can answer a question for me. On Facebook I see multiple ads for Solder Stick and invariably there are comments about using them on military aircraft. I find it hard to believe such an inferior connection is approved for aviation. Comments?

[@jred4421]

Eric & Vanessa, always great content! Was an auto mechanic after completing high school vocational trade. Then onto jet engines. Wiring Diagram's (WD's) are essential in both fields. Not only with diagnosing faults with what ever is on the road, or in the air, but also with computerized diagnostic test equipment. Hands down, understanding wiring diagrams is key to success. Repaired many faults with Jet Engine Test Cell equipment, jet engine wiring and associated components with using WD's as the source document.

[@johnpereira822]

Hey Mr O hope you and the family had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend thanks for the video

[@hardtopte72]

I absolutely LOVE your commentary. Such a natural gift of wit you have with calling out haters!! This is also the way I do all my wiring connections. With the correct crimp strength, you will break the wire strands before it pulls out and it full movement of the wire outside unlike how solder creates stiff areas at the repair site. Keeo doing what you do!! I watch every SMA upload.

[@jamesu]

The Knipex auto stripper is my favorite. My grandson likes to strip the wires for me when I am working and it is pretty foolproof even for a 5 year old!

[@riaanlouw1874]

The Knipex is nice. I have the bigger model than the one EricO uses. Just as a reminder, if they start having issues, the cutting blades can be replaced.

[@paulmoir4452]

These are the kind that more or less pinch the insulation and pull it off rather than slice it? I have a real cheap version with probably 10s of thousands of uses and really love them but they're showing their age and are rather crappy generally. If they are I'll get a set. I've never been a fan of the slicing type ones: I've never known one not to knick.

[@jamesu]

@@paulmoir4452 The Knipex gently (you can adjust the tension) slice the insulation on four sides and pulls it off

[@grahamcooper3399]

Hey - I'm real! :) I used your 10mm mini roll last Christmas "beefing up" some connectors that power those lawn decorations. I'm pretty sure the manufacturers use the cheapest, thinnest crappiest wire they can get their hands on. Worked beautifully! I keep learning stuff from Mr. O all the time!

[@sspnugen]

Now that’s the correct method, nice work

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

The only thing liquid electric tape is good for is covering piercings you make probing wires. I use the older style strippers to cut the insulation so I can twist it off. Wire is now ready with a tight twist for open barrel crimp. I do it the same as you after that on my 1991 Chevy 1500. Most of the connectors on the engine harness have been replaced the same way due to age. Little guys were falling apart causing havoc with the money light. Good visual inspection told me to replace the little guys and the money light went out. Yay Chevy Thunder! Thanks Eric, I learned it from you, no more soldering and good heat shrink, just non-insulated crimps and good heat shrink.

[@josholsen6985]

I’m using it to fix a hack repair. But, the vehicle is not in a corrosive environment. Time will tell…

[@RK-kn1ud]

The uninsulated butt connector with adheisive-lined heat shrink is my favorite way to join wires, when possible. The clear heat shrink is great because you can see if the joint has been compromised in the future. Not sure if they may clear heat shrink in 4:1, but the greater the ration the more durable the heat shrink tends to be against chafing.

[@smiley3303]

You are always so modest. I like the way you think and explain what you are thinking.

[@cycleguy666]

Mr O, when you start out poking the bear and pissing people off....... i am all in!! Love it!! And the repair will outlive those snow belt specials for years down the road!! Till they hit the junkyard!! Hahaha 😆 Good video!

[@andrewg6238]

What I like is you offer information, you point out pluses and minuses, and why you do what you do. What makes us like you is your honesty and the fact that you’ve been there done that. We get to learn from your experience! Always great to watch you. Glad GM keeps you in business!!😂

[@941Earl]

I'm in Iowa, so I see plenty of cars drenched in the battery acid they treat our roads with in the winter. I have resealed nicked wire insulation with liquid electrical tape for decades and had no problems. Just as long as the damage is fresh and no corrosion has set in.

[@josholsen6985]

I plan on using liquid tape for some redneck wiring mods that need to be sealed.

[@davebarcus7118]

Hats off to you, Eric! How you manage to avoid burning your fingers while using that torch is beyond me...

[@milan1969]

Eric O, my man of upstate NY. Keep up the great work and explanation. This is what KZbin is about.

[@johnw1178]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You have some of the best troubleshooting videos by far. It just drives me crazy to watch someone heat shrink tubing with a lighter. For most who don’t do it on a regular basis a cheap heat gun with the circular attachment is the best. Both work but way less chance to overcook the tubing with a heat gun. Thanks for sharing all your great troubleshooting and videos. They are invaluable!

[@scottyparker2534]

Eric I love your videos but you're commentary it's fantastic I love your sense of humor you're a damn good mechanic

[@PhillipBailey]

I was thinking of a different favorite stripper but that's a different subject... This is exactly how I do 99% of the time. Great demonstration!

[@adamtrombino106]

IKR? I was thinking, hmm, the 1 handed stripper, the two handed stripper, the mini stripper, the stripper that can handle the large gauge, the automatic stripper, the stripper with 2 legs with pole riding skills... oh wait, nevermind.

[@keithlibner9259]

Do you get a squeeze and a tug?

[@michaelrania1985]

I know you think nobody wants to watch you do wiring repairs, but I could watch and listen to you do wire repairs and brakes jobs for hours Eric!

[@texpegan705]

I love crimp and seal connectors made by anchor. With the adhesive never had a failure, cars, boats, RVs motorcycles. Water dog out 😂

[@jamram9924]

I used those heat activated connectors. The solder rings take much longer to melt where the heat gun doesn’t work well. We found ourselves putting direct heat on the ring and end up melting the plastic connector. We ended up slipping heat shrink before this to protect the melted connectors. Eric O. had his share of issues with these connectors. Class is in session today. I hope to learn something today to apply at the shop.

[@eddiereichel9354]

Rodent damage is covered under "comprehensive insurance" up to and including replacing whole harness with brand new. Not just repair.

[@michaelskinner896]

Interesting and hadn't thought about that. That makes sense though.

[@robertheinkel6225]

True, but the deductible is probably higher than the repair.

[@eddiereichel9354]

@@robertheinkel6225 usually comp is 500 or less in most cases.

[@eddiereichel9354]

@@robertheinkel6225 id bet you didn't know that either

[@josholsen6985]

The last thing I want a OEM service tech doing is a full harness replacement. A sub harness is a definite maybe.

[@markcaldwell1245]

HVAC/R tech here and I like T wire strippers and a separate Klein crimper tool. As far as shrink tube I have the gun and micro torch and use whichever is closest.

[@YOUZTUBE2000]

Speaking of micro torches- they look like they’re perfect for tight spots. Any suggestions or Amazon links?

[@markcaldwell1245]

This is my favorite nice steady flame and lock control. Bernz-O-Matic ST2200T Micro Flame Butane Torch Kit, Small, Black

[@peterhodgkins6985]

Ok... I got rid of my car... Now what? ;) Another great one Eric! lol

[@sksnormand]

I just love watching your video Eric O I just had a tip for the electrical tape on the 10 mm socket. You can use a battery operated tool and start the tape on the socket manually then use the tool to wrap it up the socket so it’s quicker then by hand.

[@mikeybhoutex]

The "Cut. It. Out!" hand gesture is indeed from Uncle Joey, Full House TV show. Dave Coulier! But he was doin' the "Cut. It. Out!" hand signal thing on the old show Out of Control, way before Full House was a thing, back in the olden days. That show was... well, yeah, out of control indeed. :)

[@craigcraigster4999]

Hey Eric, since you asked, my go-to wire stripper is my Stripmaster 45-292 (by IDEAL Electrical) -- handles 10-22 AWG, precise cutting blades, comfortable for long-term use, quality construction, and has yet to fail me, ever. I highly recommend this tool unless working in super-tight confines where the horizontal jaws movement may not be ideal. 👍

[@LTVoyager]

This is what I am using for my airplane build. It can be bulky in tight confines as you say, but this is pretty much the standard tool in the avionics world. It is quick and accurate particularly when installing terminals for high density d-shell and similar connectors.

[@craigcraigster4999]

@@LTVoyager My late father, a 39-year United Airlines employee (A&P mechanic following his WWII Pacific Theater service who then moved into the cockpit and eventually retired as a flight engineer on 747s) had one of these wire strippers in his huge tool collection which I inherited -- the patent on it goes WAY back, it's THAT good. Keep 'em flying! ✈️

[@markamcampbell5795]

my favorite was miss lola down at the boom boom room.

[@JeRKII]

Ya know 1 if the best things about this channel is the auto repair shop commentary but with a little KZbin flair tossed in. Keep up the good work

[@BigDaddy_MRI]

I’m here for the becoming triggered and for the Chevy THUNDER!! I’m not triggered and I heard the THUNDER. HEY!! One outta two ain’t bad. What’s for lunch? Nicely done!! You da man. Say HI! to the family and keep the dirty side down. Oh, I do love my knippex. Great tool!! I have 3 of them. Good stuff.

[@Todd66]

I assure you young man, I am REAL…real glad I got to slide into the comments section and comment.😊 I’ve never used the barrel connectors…looks like a much easier solution with small wires and in tight areas. I’m always learning me sum good stuff on SMA channel!!! It’s fun to watch you react to Mrs O. Luv me sum SMA video ❤

[@texpegan705]

Mr. o I like that you don’t let them get you down just move forward and don’t look back. Hi Mrs. o water dog out. 😂

[@kenfromsilverdale5675]

Best automotive wiring repair procedure there is!!!

[@solvend]

They make these heat shrink tubes similar to butt splice but instead of crimping there is a solder ring inside the heat shrink. You heat it up and it shrinks the tubing around wires and the solder melts and makes a solid GOOD connection. Super easy too no need to find that crimper that fits that pin size. They use them in aviation so they're trustworthy We used an infrared heat gun that got hot enough to melt the solder ring relatively quickly

[@ShainAndrews]

Junk.

[@riaanlouw1874]

Did you watch the last 2 minutes of the video, how EricO says that those Crimp and cold solder heat seal ones are VERY failure prone ?

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

How do I know you are a liar... Let me count the ways. 1. To achieve the melting point of the solder means exceeding the melting, and usually the burning point of the parent wire insulation. 2. The temperature window between the melting of the solder, and melting a hole in the shrink tubing is VERY narrow. Causing a ruptured seal. 3. There is no flux which leads to little to no wetting of the wire. You have a cold solder joint despite having burnt insulation everywhere. The temperatures and insulation issues also contribute to additional oxides.. and no flux. 4. Solder is prohibited in aviation by default. There are narrow circumstances that allow it. Solder is the exception, not the expectation. At no point are these all in one solutions ever allowed. Non insulated crimps with clear lined heat shrink is allowed much of the time.

[@thomasnawrot6872]

I work in aviation maintenance, those solder shrink connectors are used in very very specific circumstances, not super common. The thing with airplane wiring is airplanes and their wires are super clean, and the wires are a higher grade (more strands for a given wire gauge, and each individual strand is tinned). Where I have seen solder shrink connectors used is attaching a ground wire to the shielding of shielded wire. To the guy who said "soldering is prohibited in aviation by default", that's the dumbest thing I've heard all day, you're talking out your a$$!!!! I solder in connections on a regular basis.

[@timwintersoncntr]

My many years of field work (automotive, industrial electrical, machinery, computer controlled control and data systems) have left me of the opinion that uninsulated wire terminals and splices insulated with one or more shrink sleeves are best. They are the most foolproof, leaving no doubts as to conductor engagement or security. They are much smaller in diameter with less snag surfaces and hide better in a cable (with strategically chosen shrink sleeve color). At wire terminations, they look "factory" with the shrink sleeve neatly shrunk right to the terminal's ring or blade; plus, the sleeve can extend over and insulate an entire slide connection. They are not subject to compromised insulators (especially those of vinyl, nylon are better) that are so common in the work of electricians (about 80% of them) who insist on using the uninsulated bit of their crimpers on insulated terminals for "better connections." (As the troubleshooting engineer on a project gone wrong in Virginia many years ago, I could not disabuse the lead electrician from his unshakeable belief in using the wrong crimper bit--the whole system was wired his way.) To this day, I prefer my old, taped-up, long-handled Klein crimpers for perfect uninsulated crimps. As you know, a small heat gun is way faster and easier for shrinking sleeves. I get your joke though. I've watched amused as technicians used match after match in the attempt to make shrinking easier. In a pinch, far from the rest of my tools, I've been known to shrink the sleeve around a newly soldered repair with the cooler parts of my soldering iron. Oh, on shrink sleeve, that newfangled glue-impregnated sleeve is certainly a good development over what I'd used for years (although without any problems). On to wire stripping. Funny you should mention stripping with one's teeth; on my tween years' electrical projects, that was my method of choice; I still bear the chipped front teeth. Next came the trusty pen knife, wire cutters, and those little (Ideal, I think) one-size-fits-all strippers. I've stripped more wires of all gauges with those last than with any other kind. I wore the rubber right off my first pair doing industrial wiring and panel building. From the tiniest data wire to multi-conductor SJ cords, they all yielded to my finely developed "feel." But, oh, my aching thumb. I never much trusted strippers with multiple notches especially when going between solid and stranded conductors. I no longer wire professionally, but my arthritic fingers won't bear the pain of wire stripping manually, let alone feel for the perfect nick-less depth. I bought my first "automatic" stripper last year; it's a Klein Katapult (11063W), and it has been very good, stripping from 8 to 22AWG nick-lessly since it differentiates between solid and stranded conductors. Wires thinner than 22 AWG are still done manually.

[@BlewShirtGuy]

I've used a similar method for as long as I can remember. I use non-insulated butt connectors and put heat shrink over the top of them. Never had one break or have an issue and it gave the illusion that it's soldered under there. 😂

[@pirtatejoe]

Yea I don't understand all the heat for that method or the adhesive lined heat shrink and marine grade butt connectors. Like Eric was saying, just look at an OEM connector. There is a mechanical fastener with the wire to the pin and a mechanical water proofing with the O-ring or weather packing in the connector. I would trust the adhesive lined heat shrink over that and those work great to begin with.

[@jakekeller5670]

Very well said and very good video Eric. Thank you

[@topher8634]

Twist, insert, squeeze, tug

[@aldonco]

Eric these Chevys are keeping your family well-fed. Bless the Chevrolet company.

[@donmunro144]

I hate that I know this but it was Joey on full house. My daughter watched it every day after school.

[@SouthMainAuto]

TGIF was my jam as a kid and that was when it was on :)

[@misterhat5823]

I only paid attention to Aunt Becky...

[@threeputtpar6927]

Uncle Joey had a girlfriend named Alannis. She wrote a song about him.

[@SouthMainAuto]

@@misterhat5823 and then there was Topanga 😍

[@SuperSecretSquirell]

Yes, it was Uncle Joey (Dave Coulier). I prefer to use the bare crimps, they're less bulky than the crimp and seal ones, plus you don't have to worry about piercing the heat shrink. My favorite strippers are the OTC automatic ones. They actually cut the insulation instead of just ripping it off. Doesn't have a depth stop and don't work if you've only got a very small nub of wire left.

[@FixIt1975]

I must've entered an alternate universe; an SMA video with no lawnmower or leaf blower in the background. Or my hearing is getting worse. This right here is my preferred method, the metal connectors with shrink tube. Always use an open flame. If the car is leaking gas, the shrink tube will melt faster 😂😂😂

[@Jimmeh_B]

lol nope... it's your hearing... old mate made his cameo at 41 seconds in!

[@robertmichel4924]

In California where crappy cars last forever I soldier and heat shrink. Back east the crappy car will be crushed before any of your repairs have any issues. Keep up the great work. Thanks for the video.

[@wesihcfan]

The point he was making is that every connector is crimped and never soldered. I can't recall ever seeing a factory crimp fail in my 41 years of auto repair. Wire breakage, damaged insulation, terminal tension, yes. Actual crimp failure? Never.

[@vicarod]

Down here in the South, I have so few wire repairs that I just use wire nuts 😂

[@tylerandersen7792]

Powersports tech here up in Ontario, snowmobiles/atv/SxS - plenty of interesting DIY solutions on equipment, especially wiring in accessories or repairs. Classic e-tape and marrettes of course. Have definitely picked up on yours and others good habits over the years and nice to see my previous repairs coming through still in good shape. Appreciate the Amazon links to your stuff too, lets me go to our parts manager with some quality suggestions for shop supply restocks! Appreciate the effort to share your experience, always enjoy the insight, banter, and new ways to approach my own jobs.

[@JohnnyTalia]

I have used liquid electrical tape, but not on bare wire. I use it for extension or power cords where the external cover is nicked or torn but the individual wire insulation is intact. It works great for that, and also to reinforce the strain fitting on a tools power cord. As for repairing connections, I generally use automatic strippers, solder, and plain old tubing shrunk with a butane torch..

[@Krummin]

We use a silicone lined heat shrink that seals like crimp and seal butt slices. We also use butt slices along with Deutsch connectors. Although I work in a manufacturing setting.

[@marksneade8215]

Mr O feeding himself by baiting his own followers to comment! This guy is top of the food chain!! Genius!! Top quality commentary as ever mate, from "That guy" from over the pond...

[@davidbaldwin2729]

hi Eric, you helped me out today. all the lights on the wife's golf cart went out and so I used many lessons that you have taught to fix it. Found power going out of the battery but none on that color wire at the other end of the harness. Confirmed no OHM continuity between the ends. so then began opening up the harness, there are no connectors, and halfway along found the broken wire. Curiously it was at the site of a non insulated barrel crimp which had just come loose. I repaired with solder and 33+ tape and stuffed everything back into the loom and Bobs your uncle. many thanks.

[@blueoval250]

The return of innuendo filled video. It never fails to entertain. Western Union splice + solder and heat shrink is my preferred way to splice low voltage wires in this type of situation.

[@mikefrazier3826]

During my 35 years as an aerospace technician I've used several strippers. For years my favorite ones were the T-Strippers by Ideal but the powers that be decided that any mechanical stripper risked nicking the conductor and creating a potential failure point and so were banned in favor of thermal strippers. I believe the brand name is Hotweezers. they look like tweezers with notches in the jaws and a wire going to a power supply that heated the jaw and melted the insulation rather than cutting it. On a work bench they worked very well, if you can ignore the smell, but I would hate to try dragging them under my car. right now I still use my trusty T-strippers and I have another one very similar to your Knipex that are labeled PYT4 that seem to work well.

[@USAFredneck]

I remember you doing a tool review for the Power Probe PPSK butane torch and I absolutely love that thing! Coupled with the Solder-Seal (solder and heatshrink) its an unbeatable combo for wire repair: no open flame and doesnt burn the shrink tube. I've had butt connectors fail before even while using the "correct" and various other methods of crimping. With the solder-seal, they have held true with no water intrusion on various different applications over many years of service (golf cart, truck, boat, atv ect.)

[@seandieger3317]

I love how u fix it correctly the first time. No come backs for supid shit. Perfect.

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

I perked up when you said strippers MrO , your work never ceases to provide good content.

[@GregRuffino]

Mr. O, I am a certified International Organization Standardization Wiring Tech. (ISO) for short, The only thing I have to say about your repair is, PERFECT!!!! It would 100% pass visual and physical testing.

[@albertviger8518]

I'm a retired heavy duty truck and city bus mechanic and I have used the liquid tape but only on repairs to interior wires where there is no chance of water infiltration. Also it usually takes two to three light applications. All my other wire repairs were done just like you showed. Barrel crimp and flamed heat shrink. Cheers

[@ericreeves6784]

Very informative vid I always cut far enough back to eliminate any corrosion. And I start applying heat at center of heat shrink and work way to ends to make sure heated gooey goop gets migrated to the ends of shrink . From one Eric to another YOU ROCK !!

[@brenden2.0mckeon2]

I always did what you’re doing and soldered the crimp joint/butconnector. It just ensured that there wouldn’t get a hotspot where the pinch was. I always enjoy watching you continue this art form that’s slowly dying.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

I've done many wire repairs. I like solder and shrink tubing, for single, double and quad ought (0, 00, 0000) cable especially in diesel applications. Smaller than 12 gauge I have used crimp splices. We didn't have that fine deluxe selection of non-insulated splices like you have there. Also, didn't have the liquid tape until after 2016, but I found it does a very good job, albeit a little messy unless you put something under it to catch the drippings. Open flame? YOU BET! Propane torch with a smaller tip and, being careful, it works great! Good one Mr. O!

[@2nickles647]

I tried soldering, crimp with barrel types. I tried the forbidden solder in the connector type, I was not impressed. My favorite stripper moved away 😅 In her place, I own a pair of fancy strippers. Actually 2 kinds. The fancy one. I really like. I have about 3 to 4 feet of different colors wires about 24 to 26 gauge wires. I obtained the wire bundles from previous engine swaps, the owner did want anything to do with the broken engines. So I took them apart. Sold the Al-u-min-um for some cash with my grandson. Loved to see the sparkle in their eyes. Makes me happy.

[@satamanschmidt3428]

I agree Eric, The non-insulated butt connector with heat shrink is my weapon of choice. You can use the pointy part of the crimper to give the best tightest crimp possible and it provides the smallest repair footprint. The marine grade heat-shrink should take care of all environmental issues.

[@jw4620]

Learning through your experience. Thanks.

[@compu85]

Mercedes was using solder pins at connector terminals into the 90s! And they were not weather tight!

[@mckeeganator5844]

Seems like a simple yet very effective way of fixing stuff I like it

[@LMacNeill]

I have a pair of "automatic" strippers that I bought at Radio Shack back in the mid 1980s, so they're damn near 40 years old now. They're my favorites. They're not quite like modern "automatic" strippers. They have a "blade" with holes of different wire gauges (from 10 down to 24) and you place the wire into the proper slot in the bottom half of the blade, right at the point where you want the insulation to be cut. Then when you squeeze the handles, the top half of the blade comes down, and a "gripper" comes down a split second later, gripping the insulation and pulling it off. Works 100% of the time, assuming you put the wire into the correct slot on the blade side. Sounds a hell of a lot more complicated than it is. But it allows you to strip a wire using just one hand. Easy peasy, and like I said, it works 100% of the time, never mangling the wire.

[@adamtrombino106]

I have 2 20 + yr old Snappers ( which I'm sure aren't really designed by Snap On ) that work as you described. 1 is pistol grip, the other is straight grip, which works well in tight spots. Somebody told me that 1 was made by Ideal, the makers of several different heat shrink products. But I dunno

[@chrissmithz314]

10:10 I didn't even notice your thumb until you pointed it out 😂

[@RioTexUTRGV]

Always appreciate u humorously sharing ur vast knowledge of auto diagnostic and repair. They are very helpful, thank you!

[@mikespain8655]

I work on outdoor power equipment and don't do many electrical connection repairs. When I do, I solder and use heat shrink.

[@douglash3129]

Hi Mrs. O. I added peppermint oil and cinnamon oil to my bulk fluid film and it seems to deter the mice and squirrels and whatever! The uninsulated butt connectors I like the best, but I also use the insulated w/adhesive! They all have their place in the auto repair bizz! My opinion!

[@JayBaker-r9t]

I think this was a mighty fine repair. Crip and seal I’m a fan. It’s the best fix for this application. So anyone with complaints go watch Raymond Rainman or someone else. I’ll stay with the man who does the best and always is entertaining.

[@martydevall4302]

I do agree with you on using crimped connections. The reason given to me being in the electronic business for years is that stranded wire is used over solid core wire because of its durability from vibration or constant movement. When you solder connections you convert the section to solid core wire causing a weak point.

[@Dieseltechbrian]

I'm a mobile heavy truck and trailer Mechanic I use solder butt connectors with heat shrink or solder with heat shrink. Just my preference.

[@natetallman]

I have some automatic strippers I bought from Radio Shack about 25 years ago and they are awesome!

[@zachcypert4800]

I believe the best repair to be the low heat solder/shrink connectors. Ya can't beat em!

[@houptee]

Yes I use those and I pinch the solder onto the wires before heating them up so wires don't move as you heat them. I used heat gun and bic lighter both will work on them.

[@ChrisVargasrpht2000chris]

LOL you always know how to get the people going. Great as always.

[@GeminiSeven43]

I just started using a Milwaukee tools stripper that goes from 10 down to 26 and is awesome. I hate the strippers that have the strippers toward the handle like the snap on as I have problems stripping wires in tight spots with them and the wire cutters in that position are ridiculous as you have to work the stripper around to get the wire lined up and on smaller wires you can end up pulling wires too hard and snapping them. As for the knipex I found them to be kinda weak on the larger sizes and you are correct that most automatics are sketchy and junk. Great video and tips Eric, thanks so much.

[@guyconnell2250]

I started doing this method to splice a couple years ago. The solder method causing wicking and unseen brittle wires upstream and downstream from the splice is definitely a thing and, especially if any vibration, those areas will fatigue and you end up with a broken wire hidden by intact insulation and heat shrink. I've tried both this method with the closed barrel connectors and I've tried the open barrel connectors with equal success. I like how low profile the splice becomes using these methods and, if done properly, this is a better splice than soldering. As far as marine heat shrink, believe it or not the stuff from the Harbor Freight works quite well. I have a Capri automatic stripper and an Irwin. The Irwin works better.

[@slalomking]

Better than soldering. The Western Union splice is legendary

[@athhud]

I quit using insulated crimp connectors years ago (with the exception of the ones with heat shrink insulation). If I run out of uninsulated connectors, I cut the vinyl/nylon insulation off of the remainder of my insulated stock and use it as an uninsulated connector. In my opinion it is by far the cleanest/best way to repair wires that wiggle. My only criticism of your technique is that you don’t have a stash of Sharpies/paint pens to color match the wires. If you only use white wire, you can always have matching wires! Hold the side of the pen tip to the wire and drag down for stripes. Throw some clear shrink tube over the painted portion and it won’t wear off. I do insist on covering the solder joint/crimp connector with white shrink tube prior to paint and clear tube though. . . Keep in mind that I am just a cattle rancher with a touch of OCD. I don’t get paid by the hour (or at all really lol) and work at my own pace. Just because I go to absurd lengths to make it pretty though, doesn’t mean that I didn’t do a twist and tape patch months earlier, until I had some free time to do it “right”. :D I do expect every mechanic/technician to do it the same as me or better. Which is exactly why I never grace the door of a shop anymore... I know I am a bit loony and finally realized that I shouldn’t expect the rest of the world to join in on the disease.

[@watermanone7567]

I use the liquid elec. tape on places where the wire was pricked with a test tool. Works great and if you use a good brand, it won't be gummy. Thanks for a great video.