Woody
Woody GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
8/6/19 7:35 a.m.

I need to install a new wiring harness on my trailer. I need to make a bunch of connections. I could solder them, but I don't feel like it. What is our favorite method of accomplishing such things?

wae
wae SuperDork
8/6/19 7:39 a.m.

I have actually had pretty good luck with the watertight Storehouse brand from The Hammer Store.

TurnerX19
TurnerX19 HalfDork
8/6/19 7:56 a.m.

Thomas & Betts brand from your local electrical supply house. For a few years I worked in a generic electric connector factory. We made the same parts for most brands, including T&B. Their tolerances on the print were always the tightest. When setting up a high speed multi step process we used the T&B identifier stamp first. When the parts began to fail QC we would change the stamp to someone else, usually Siemens. When the machine would not keep Panduit brand in tolerance it was time to repair the machine. Look in the end of the barrel on a T&B connector and see the greater wall thickness compared to any other. Use the ones with the built in heat shrink as well.

EvanB
EvanB GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
8/6/19 8:09 a.m.

I use these:

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/31980/Molex-19164-0044-Perma-Seal-Butt-Connector-/

They shrink faster than the nylon ones and hold up just as well, better than polyolefin. 

pirate
pirate HalfDork
8/6/19 8:16 a.m.

I use standard insulated crimp connectors with a section of heat shrink tubing. I crimp with Eclipse Ratchet tool which gives a uniform and tight connection every time. The Eclipse Ratchet Tool is neither the most expensive or least expensive but is good quality. Also has removable jaws so can be used for a number of different crimping jobs.

MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt PowerDork
8/6/19 8:29 a.m.

I've been using 3M terminals with built in heat shrink, or uninsulated connectors plus glue lined heat shrink. If you do the latter, just make sure you don't run into the problem that Gru is facing:

Dusterbd13-michael
Dusterbd13-michael MegaDork
8/6/19 8:35 a.m.

Uninsulated and heat shrink with adhesive for me. Done about 10 cars this way, as well as tons of repair work. Not a single failed connection since switching. 

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