Suggestions for Wire Connectors?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 13
From: Virginia
Suggestions for Wire Connectors?
Hi All-
I'm currently doing some electrical work and have been connecting/jumping wires.
Using "t" connectors like this,
https://www.google.com/search?q=wire...86%3B500%3B500
Are there better or more reliable wire connectors anyone might suggest? I have found these connectors a bit unreliable and making the jump from wire to wire is challenging since they don't splice so well..
I'm currently doing some electrical work and have been connecting/jumping wires.
Using "t" connectors like this,
https://www.google.com/search?q=wire...86%3B500%3B500
Are there better or more reliable wire connectors anyone might suggest? I have found these connectors a bit unreliable and making the jump from wire to wire is challenging since they don't splice so well..
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,213
Likes: 952
From: Fl
How about these? I used this type and they were very easy to use and fast. They grab the wire when you push it in.
http://www.idealind.com/prodDetail.d...v=0&l1=push-in
I want to say I purchased them at Lowes.
http://www.idealind.com/prodDetail.d...v=0&l1=push-in
I want to say I purchased them at Lowes.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 185
Likes: 2
From: VA
Hey Brett the ones you have are the old fashion way of connecting wires that works all the time. The ones Bgw showing on the link looks fancy. It says that it reduces stress from wires moving.
If you decide to get them Brett, please get extra so I can use some too, Lol!
Thanks, Roy
If you decide to get them Brett, please get extra so I can use some too, Lol!
Thanks, Roy
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 13
From: Virginia
How about these? I used this type and they were very easy to use and fast. They grab the wire when you push it in.
http://www.idealind.com/prodDetail.d...v=0&l1=push-in
I want to say I purchased them at Lowes.
http://www.idealind.com/prodDetail.d...v=0&l1=push-in
I want to say I purchased them at Lowes.
But I am looking for a connector for a solid line to a partial wire.
For example, a power source coming from the OBD2 port and connecting a wire.
Makes sense? A solid continuous wire that needs to be joined with a cut/stranded wire.
The ones you show I think are only for two stranded/cut wires...
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 8,213
Likes: 952
From: Fl
Hey thanks looks fancy!
But I am looking for a connector for a solid line to a partial wire.
For example, a power source coming from the OBD2 port and connecting a wire.
Makes sense? A solid continuous wire that needs to be joined with a cut/stranded wire.
The ones you show I think are only for two stranded/cut wires...
But I am looking for a connector for a solid line to a partial wire.
For example, a power source coming from the OBD2 port and connecting a wire.
Makes sense? A solid continuous wire that needs to be joined with a cut/stranded wire.
The ones you show I think are only for two stranded/cut wires...
I will keep looking...
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 2
From: SC
Here's a trick I always use on those T-Taps (red ones in your pic: Once you get the wires in the tap like you want them (fully seated) and before you fold the little plastic flap over, use a pair of pliers to really squeeze that little metal guillotine in tight. I used to make the mistake of clamping down AFTER closing the flap and you can never get a good connection that way.
Hope that makes sense!
Hope that makes sense!
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Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 13
From: Virginia
Here's a trick I always use on those T-Taps (red ones in your pic: Once you get the wires in the tap like you want them (fully seated) and before you fold the little plastic flap over, use a pair of pliers to really squeeze that little metal guillotine in tight. I used to make the mistake of clamping down AFTER closing the flap and you can never get a good connection that way.
Hope that makes sense!
Hope that makes sense!
the battery is disconnected :-)
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Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 209
Likes: 3
From: CT
I've used both the old T-Taps and the newer push-in ones BGW linked to but I prefer using Posi-Locks for wiring projects on the cars or bikes (unless I'm doing wire-end work when I use Molex connectors). Posi-Locks also come in waterproof models. A better connection then the older connector types although they only work at 90 degree angles to the wire when making an inline connection (although you could cut the original wire and use an inline Posi-Lock as well.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 2
From: SC
I had never seen posi locks before. Just looked them up and those look like the way to go! I will definitely use those on my next electrical project. Thanks for the tip! 
I've used both the old T-Taps and the newer push-in ones BGW linked to but I prefer using Posi-Locks for wiring projects on the cars or bikes (unless I'm doing wire-end work when I use Molex connectors). Posi-Locks also come in waterproof models. A better connection then the older connector types although they only work at 90 degree angles to the wire when making an inline connection (although you could cut the original wire and use an inline Posi-Lock as well.
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 209
Likes: 3
From: CT
You can get them all over but not always all of the sizes/types. Walmart carries them as do Advance Auto and Autozone. Not sure if I've seen them at Pep Boys. I do a lot of farkling on my motorcycles so I just buy bunches of them off Amazon. I really like the waterproof ones because water always seems to work into odd places on the bikes (although I could just blob up a regular one with some silicone).
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 2
From: SC
Farkling! That's a new one on me. I like it. 
You can get them all over but not always all of the sizes/types. Walmart carries them as do Advance Auto and Autozone. Not sure if I've seen them at Pep Boys. I do a lot of farkling on my motorcycles so I just buy bunches of them off Amazon. I really like the waterproof ones because water always seems to work into odd places on the bikes (although I could just blob up a regular one with some silicone).
Driver
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 137
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I just go old-school: Skin, Splice, Solder, then shrink wrap, and make sure they Ω - out when done .
The new stuff is great and easy to work with, but I learned years ago from riding old British and American Motorcycles that it was worth doing it right the first time instead of chasing electrical gremlins on the side of the road during a thunderstorm ...
The new stuff is great and easy to work with, but I learned years ago from riding old British and American Motorcycles that it was worth doing it right the first time instead of chasing electrical gremlins on the side of the road during a thunderstorm ...
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 3
From: CA
I just go old-school: Skin, Splice, Solder, then shrink wrap, and make sure they Ω - out when done .
The new stuff is great and easy to work with, but I learned years ago from riding old British and American Motorcycles that it was worth doing it right the first time instead of chasing electrical gremlins on the side of the road during a thunderstorm ...
The new stuff is great and easy to work with, but I learned years ago from riding old British and American Motorcycles that it was worth doing it right the first time instead of chasing electrical gremlins on the side of the road during a thunderstorm ...