Splice lock connectors...

[flatbutt]

I need to tap into a switched power lead on the Duc so I can power a relay on a fuseblock. Cutting and soldering is NOT a one handed skill so I'm considering using these press splice connectors.

Yea or nay?

[cabmandone]

Are you talking about the 3M snap lock like these? If so, my vote is No.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Are you talking about the 3M snap lock like these? If so, my vote is No.

Yup.

[Norm K]

BY "these", do you mean the cheap plastic things you buy at any auto parts store? If so, I'm not a fan.

If you need to use that sort of connector, here's hoping there's something better out there.

A good method, if you can't get in there to solder, is to carefully remove 3/8"-1/2" of the insulation of the existing wire, then insert something between the wire strands (assuming not solid core) so about half are on each side. Once you've created an opening, pass the stripped end of the new wire through the opening and twist everything together. You'll figure it out from there.

Then there's these, which I've used a lot over the last few years with great results ...

[Baz]

I've never used those - I always wire nut my spices. Seems to be a better method. Can you not use wire nuts?

[craigster59]

I've used the 3M gel connectors before, worked great! It depends on the wire gauge which one you would use.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by Norm K

BY "these", do you mean the cheap plastic things you buy at any auto parts store? If so, I'm not a fan.

If you need to use that sort of connector, here's hoping there's something better out there.

A good method, if you can't get in there to solder, is to carefully remove 3/8"-1/2" of the insulation of the existing wire, then insert something between the wire strands (assuming not solid core) so about half are on each side. Once you've created an opening, pass the stripped end of the new wire through the opening and twist everything together. You'll figure it out from there.

Then there's these, which I've used a lot over the last few years with great results ...

That's a good idea.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Norm K

BY "these", do you mean the cheap plastic things you buy at any auto parts store? If so, I'm not a fan.

If you need to use that sort of connector, here's hoping there's something better out there.

A good method, if you can't get in there to solder, is to carefully remove 3/8"-1/2" of the insulation of the existing wire, then insert something between the wire strands (assuming not solid core) so about half are on each side. Once you've created an opening, pass the stripped end of the new wire through the opening and twist everything together. You'll figure it out from there.

A military splice Norm??

I'd go with shrink tube butt connectors, get one that can handle two wires into the one end, slide a longer piece of shrink tube over the single wire, make the splice and heat, let cool, slide the bigger piece of shrink tube over the splice and shrink it on. I'm a fan of a double seal on things that might get wet.

[cabmandone]

I like craigster's top pic as the best solution. Those things are slick. I've used the round two wire connectors before but not that larger one.

[Wetwork]

I just bought a pack of these for some mod stuff I'm doing on my FJ cruiser seem pretty slick so far. If I ever have to remove the splice its just a pin hole.-WW

[RWebb]

how to tap? into a terminal or into a wire?

terminal is easiest - get a single to double Faston and yer done

for tapping into a wire, there is a columnar shaped thing with prongs - it unscrews and you enclose the wire in it; screw to pierce
- then you put the add-on wire into the other end and screw that down

wish I had a p/n or pic handy but hope that helps - ones I have are yellow

[RWebb]

ya know I think it is called Posi-tap

mine are yellow and longer than the ones above

[craigster59]

The ones I posted are pretty slick. You push the wire stripped or unstripped in either end, crimp the button down with pliers and blades slice into the wire while releasing a gel that helps with conductivity.

They’re waterproof but you can shrink tube or tape for extra protection.

[pete3799]

Scotchlok is what you want.
These things are magic and last for ever.
https://www.parts-express.com/3m-idc-self-stripping-connector-with-sealant-10-pcs--082-165?gclid=CjwKCAiArIH_BRB2EiwALfbH1H-REXUhbT79djzBc1XzY2UPHwpuqWDNEN_A_KWdjQeFim2uK8Hv9 hoCO-UQAvD_BwE

[craigster59]

^^^^ That’s a version of what I posted. They’re the tits.

[RWebb]

but will they work for an inline connection?

or are they the butts?

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by craigster59

I've used the 3M gel connectors before, worked great! It depends on the wire gauge which one you would use.

This is what I use on projects. 3M scotchlok. You dont need to strip the wires either.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Posi taps are used on adventure bikes all the time. They’re quality and hold up under harsh conditions.

[rusnak]

I WOULD NOT use the item in Post #2. Those things are awful. Can't you run a wire straight to the fuse block? Just pick a switched terminal.

[asphaltgambler]

If I had a nickle for every electrical problem that was eventually traced to a G&**,,,,%%n scotchlock connector - I could retire now. Seriously, please use quality butt connector with heat shrink.