Which Wire Connector is BEST?

Here are all of the items used in this video:
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I wanted to show my first hand experience with different connectors, and let you decide whats best for you.
After nearly 20 years of crimping connectors, it took a bunch of internet scientists on TikTok to correct my upside down crimp technique (I always wondered why my connectors would rip off so often 🤦‍♂️
With some self depreciation out of the way, I will still say that using connectors is often 10x more efficient than breaking out the soldering iron, a role of lead solder (which isn't particularly great for you, and LEAD FREE SUCKS 😜 ).
I do have some upcoming videos that will show different ways to make soldering more convenient, with tools available from different manufacturers, but for this one, the bench top solder station was shown along with some non marine heat shrink and a heatgun.
Last i show what so many believe to be the end all be all solution for connecting wires, with the heat shrink solder combo, all in one. I'll let you be the judge.
Which have you tried, and which do you like most? Comment below.

[@robsapplianceplus6071]

I believe those connectors with the solder inside are using a lower melting point solder since they are also inside the heat shrink tubing. Because of that, I think because your're pre-tinning the wire, you're actually causing your own failure since the connector solder is inhibited by the tinning solder and us unable to flow into the wire ends..., plus your heat gun can't heat the tinning solder enough with the connector solder insulating it. When I use those connectors, I slide the connector on and past the end like heat shrink, then twist the wires together, and finally slide the connector over before using a lighter or heat gun. It very quickly flows into the wires and then I finish off the heat shrink part. First time I used them, I was putting a high rise handle bar set on a snowmobile. It's held up for years through summer heat and frigid cold in Jackson Wyoming winters. Try my method and see if you get better results? Update: As I read down through the comments, I see others have said the same thing and you made another video showing this method works. I thought about deleting this comment, but instead left it showing you listen to your readers. Thumbs up.

[@MrGlenburton]

Amen this vid should be deleted not your comment. no bueno. Expert You Tuber... novice instruction

[@kw2005582]

You're not supposed to tin the ends of the wires w/ those heat shrink/low temp solder connections. They work really good if you establish a light mechanical (twist) to the wires before you heat it.

[@tjesnaps]

I can contest to this! I’ve had great success with those connectors with really strong bonds.

[@flyryde]

Just published a new video based on the feedback I got here 👌 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKa4oJ5upteig5Y

[@DirtyNastySi]

​@flyryde that's badass bro good content creation right there

[@ttww1590]

6:27 The connector relies on the low temp solder penetrating the strands. You introduced high temp solder and covered the strands preventing it from working.

[@rossevans1774]

You could not see the join, but it doesn't matter it was an excellent demonstration of how not to join 2 wires using solder.

[@Qazxswer68]

All the crimp I've done and I never thought about crimping the seams into the wire🤦‍♂️ Always learning, Thx :)

[@ttww1590]

Related if you're looking to desolder something adding some low temp tead solder can help remove components without damage.

[@MightyMagnificent]

This is a great video thanks for this. What connector would you use under bonnet/hood of a vehicle which has to stand higher temperatures?

[@jesseyoung7959]

I solder and heat shrink all my stuff. When it comes to ring terminals and spades and stuff of the sort I usually pull the insulator off crimp and solder them then put heat shrink over the exposed bits. It has yet to fail me and it ensures the best connection I can get

[@DirtyNastySi]

Ur God damn right

[@ttww1590]

Keep in mind most factory pins and many factory connectors are crimp on. Like with your controllers it's right part right technique.

[@jacoblittle3209]

Hey, i always crimp down on the seam too. Looks like I learned something in this video

[@flyryde]

Thank God for you man. I thought I was the only one that didn’t just instinctively put the seam opposite to the point of the crimper.

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

Soldering tip: Clean your soldering iron tip by wiping it on a wad of wet paper towel. Tin it good first with flux and solder. A sponge gets funky, the paper towel is a throw-away.

[@Matty_mccfly]

Do you recommend heat shrink for wires that are exposed to the elements?

[@philoso377]

Nice video and presentation. Remember that not all solder wire are created equal. DIY solder wire melting point runs much higher than solder in these heat shrink connectors. The catch is overheated heat shrink and mixed solder. So at least we have to provide extra cooking time in the process. So don’t time the wire for these HS connectors.

[@paulmanhart4481]

I found that the solder center heat shrink thing works best if you hold the heat gun there a long time. That little blob of solder in the center must collapse and really grab the two pieces. I also expose more wire on each end than you did. I make sure the two wires are twisted together inside the tube. You didn’t conclude your test. Which one was the strongest? You also should do each one separately and check for continuity before pulling apart.

[@94kenDOLL]

could you do a comparison of ballasts with different wattages and if it's the bulb that makes a brighter light, or the ballast, or both. Pleasee I have aftermarket HID's in stock projector housing and I want a brighter light, would I change the bulb, the ballast, or both?

[@aldenconsolver3428]

Maybe this is belt and suspenders but I use those Chinese things (that you shove the wires into from both ends) and solder the wires together with a nice wrap then slide the assembly into the heat shrink with solder thing. I have a piece of shrink tube also to make sure that the connection is waterproof I add that to the mix. At that point I shrink the tube (have not even bothered to test the solder part). All I really use the solder part of that hard tube is to keep the joint from sliding out. I do not pre-tin the joint between the wires but I do use a good flux and my solder has a flux core to go with it. When I tried to pull them apart the insulation on the wires began pulling off. If this is a terrible thing somebody tell me why and I will probably take them up on it. I REALLY like my connections to stay put (oh and this is for connectors that are either inside the engine bay or outside the cab)

[@dude...are-you-sure]

I'd love to be able to solder like a pro the way you do it. But I don't have the skills nor the needed practice. So for people like me, I resort to the solder seel tubes. Is the traditional solder method better than solder seel? maybe? But that depends on the experience of the person soldering. In your case, the solder may well be better than the tubes. But if I tried the traditional solder method, results would be much different and not in a good way either.

[@Hermiel]

I'm not a fan of those solder-belly splice conenctors but I think you'd get much better results if you would expose about 1/2" of conductor on each end of the wire, mesh the strands together then slip the connector on so that the meshed conductors are centered inside the solder ring. There's just no way to get any kind of mechanical strength when the conductors are just in there like 👉👈.

[@BLueFeaTHeRedOliVeS]

Nice comparison! I use a different brand of solder/heatshrink and they work great as an on-the-fly backup. They're actually meant to be used with a lighter! Heat guns get too hot, too quick, and end up getting too much dispersed heat. A standard Bic and those pre-soldered heat shrink connectors would be way faster. Not those specific ones, because it looks like the solder ball is awfully small in comparison to the ones I use

[@flyryde]

lol I filmed a video of the Bic lighter and it exploded (the connector did) and spit at me, lol.

[@thanapatrachartburut513]

I hate soldering, too cumbersome. Love crimping strong enough for most work if done right.

[@mellowrebel4618]

FOR STRANDED 2 BACK TO BACK WESTERN UNIONS!!! SOLID IF YOU ARE GOOD AT IT!!!

[@rollypoli5570]

Crimp caps over butt connectors all day. But nothing beats solder connections

[@DrJuan-ev8lu]

And crimp connecters are unreliable on boat trailer wiring because of salt water corrosion.

[@robers6297]

You didnt use the one with built in solder correctly. You are suppose to have more wire exposed crossing over each other at the solder point. You can watch the solder move into the wires when it melts. Ive used these and have been quite successful. Mindful i always use an extra piece of shrink over it as well just to be safe.

[@SLR-hn5yy]

Good video really informative

[@SpencerHogg]

Super useful video, thanks for showing some of your secrets to the trade

[@teligon]

I avoid cutting factory wiring at all costs. If there are ever issues with the build or the need to return to stock, the entire application is totally plug-and-play. Contrary to popular opinion, the solder-made heat shrink works great for me. I intertwine the wires just as you would if you are going to solder them, and then apply the heat shrink. None have ever come apart with all my efforts to do so. Some wires have burst at what was probably already a weak point, but never the heat shrink made with solder. I stand by it. Best thing after accidentally picking up the solder iron like it was a pen.

[@orlinchirinos1981]

Nice 👍🏼 little tutorial

[@hhaste]

7:25 you didn't even melt the solder fully. Rotating the wire and keeping ir further away from the heat gun, it can perfectly liquify all of that solder in there. Yours barely began to do that. Sorry but that was a terrible test for those solder butt connectors. They can hold together very good, when properly doing it.

[@AngelArsFoundation]

Been customizing automotive electronics for well over 40 years now and there is only one way that I solder connections. This video shows the professional way to do it: ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6nUi31-aLiZhJY ). If you want to have connections that will last for decades, this is the only way to do it. I sometimes also apply liquid heat shrink over the connection before applying traditional heat shrink to seal. Also, keep in mind that your connection will only be as strong as its mechanical connection, so twisting the wires is also important.

[@smhs1262]

cool vid, men from the boys...boys from the men 🤔cool tools/toys...toys/tools😏

[@fablighting7884]

Dude I knew the butt connector would fail💯🙈

[@fishboy3179]

You are using non-insulted crimpers on insulated connections.

[@invisableobserver]

The china made ones have the seams

[@davesmith5382]

DON'T tin the ends of the wires on the solder type, remove cable sheathing both ends put soldered type crimp over one end of wire, push wire together so the strands of copper intertwine with each other then keeping wires pushed together slide solder connector over the ends then heat and melt solder. All this guy has done is butted two end together a real lousy weak joint tbh.

[@MrGlenburton]

So much wrong here. Ironic that you mock people who actually know what they are talking about. You should thank them. Nothing worse than a guy who acts like a teacher who knows nothing more than the watchers of his video... Expert KZbinr poor wiring instructor. Perhaps watching a few videos before making one. 1- error Need to learn about the insulated and non-insulated crimp locations on your crimper... You are using the non-insulated crimp location in the jaw, on an insulated butt connector... You should be using the insulated location shaped like 2 female parts. Rather than the male/famale crimper which is for NON-insulated connections.. 2-error You don't/shouldn't tin the ends of the wire prior to using the Solder Seal Connector... you SHOULD mechanically wrap them first. then heat without tinning. 1- proper crimping: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5DQaaucaNuZj6c 2- proper Solder Seal Connector use : kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnrQd2tshNycgZo Even with soldering most would tell you to twist the 2 wires together before soldering then Solder.... but you could argue it is overkill.... but only takes a couple seconds so why not do it...

[@TonyEisenhower]

Lame🤨