grinchsr 627 #1 Posted January 10, 2023 We have all used a few butt connecters around our tractors at some point. I am looking for the best ones and have no problem soldering if needed. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Achto 27,597 #2 Posted January 10, 2023 (edited) 30 minutes ago, grinchsr said: no problem soldering if needed. Twist the wires together, solder them, slide shrink wrap over the bare section and seal. Best butt connection there is. Second choice if you want a crimp connection. https://www.waytekwire.com/item/31965/16-14GA-Heat-Shrink-Blue/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwrLx_IS9_AIVBA-tBh24sgOkEAQYBSABEgL-t_D_BwE Edited January 10, 2023 by Achto 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonytoro416 1,034 #3 Posted January 10, 2023 Personally soldering is the way to go with heat shrink over the top IMO. There are butt connectors with a solder ring inside and the solder melts around the wires when you heat it with a heat gun. I have used all kinds but soldering to me is the best way for a permanent joint. I worked maintenance in a factory and I have seen unbelievable weight hanging from two wires soldered together. 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,632 #4 Posted January 10, 2023 @Tonytoro416 agree with you on the soldering issue , something I add to any wiring set up is RE ROUTING original tight / chafing / cracked set up . regularly wire wrap , and stick on tye wrap hold points . also enhance / verify grounding to the set up . since enhancing my grounding , that has become the foundation to any wiring I do . also regularly use , bolt on electrical lugs , at connection areas . keep improving , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,327 #5 Posted January 10, 2023 1 hour ago, Achto said: 1 hour ago, grinchsr said: no problem soldering if needed. Twist the wires together, solder them, slide shrink wrap over the bare section and seal. Best butt connection there is. Shrink wrap comes in a couple of styles - I prefer to use the "Marine Grade" stuff. I has some kind of goo inside that melts to seal out water when heated - great for a 4 season tractor... Bill 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy N. 2,154 #6 Posted January 10, 2023 I have been using solder heat shrink butt connectors like these. No mess with solder since it's already in the sleeve. https://www.amazon.com/TICONN-Connectors-Waterproof-Insulated-Electrical/dp/B07HCNTZ2Z/ref=sr_1_9?crid=1VCUPWOJH9SKW&keywords=solder%2Bsplice%2Bconnectors&qid=1673360404&sprefix=solder%2Bsp%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-9&th=1 5 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Freightliner Guy 1,327 #7 Posted January 10, 2023 2 hours ago, grinchsr said: We have all used a few butt connecters around our tractors at some point. I am looking for the best ones and have no problem soldering if needed. ahahahah you said butt thats funny Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,327 #8 Posted January 10, 2023 No go there !!! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,826 #9 Posted January 10, 2023 (edited) I'm with with the soldering crew. Nothing against crimping with the proper tool and on the job every thing was crimped due to time & ease. In the tractor shop I remove the insulator if it has one, solder then shrink. Most of my soldering is done with a HF cheapy micro torch. Edited January 10, 2023 by WHX?? 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grinchsr 627 #10 Posted January 10, 2023 Thanks for the great butt advice guys. Sorry I had to say it 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,233 #11 Posted January 10, 2023 (edited) 3 hours ago, Andy N. said: I have been using solder heat shrink butt connectors like these. No mess with solder since it's already in the sleeve. I used to be a solder-and-shrink user for everything. Since last year I've become a fan of these integrated connectors, as well, for wire-to-wire links. Clean, quick, strong and no open flames. You do need a good heat gun that’ll give you at least 500º F to do the melting/shrinking. (Watch for a sale at your favorite tool source.) BUTT () for two-to-one or two-to-two connections, I use these for the electro-mechanical and then add some “liquid black tape” for weather sealing where the wires enter the connector. For wire-to-connectors, If I can use the correct crimper, I’m good with that. If not, back to solder and shrink! Edited January 10, 2023 by Handy Don 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,905 #12 Posted January 10, 2023 (edited) In my wiring job today, I used a few of these for some 6 gauge wire. I put a piece of heavy duty heat shrink tubing on either wire just past the stripped end, then slid a larger heat shrink tube over a wire and assembled… then heat shrinked the splice as well. It’s in a breaker box, and I wanted to be sure the wires couldn’t touch each other. Edited January 11, 2023 by Pullstart Never posted the picture 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,283 #13 Posted January 11, 2023 Best Butt Connecter ? Oh, the trouble you could generate with a topic like that! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,826 #14 Posted January 11, 2023 (edited) 1 hour ago, Pullstart said: In my wiring job today, I used a few of these for some 6 gauge wire. I hope telling us you soldered it first? You guys with the solder in the connectors you tryin to tell me the heat gun melts the solder? You must have to really lay the heat to it. Good thread Grinch... long over due for wiring methods. Really the only thing i am half a$$ed at .... 'spite the clowns with the mind in the gutter... Edited January 11, 2023 by WHX?? Speeling 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grinchsr 627 #15 Posted January 11, 2023 I have a beat up 416 with an Onan. I am making the 9 pin go away. I know I can buy a connector and the pins but like I said it is beat up. It lived in Rutland VT under a cover sometimes and sometimes not 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick3478 428 #16 Posted January 11, 2023 32 minutes ago, WHX?? said: You guys with the solder in the connectors you tryin to tell me the heat gun melts the solder? You must have to really lay the heat to it. It's a low temperature solder alloy. Don't know the specifics, but I'll guess tin/antimony. And FWIW, solder is not the best choice for electrical connections. It's good enough for low current through-hole circuit boards and other connections where convenient speed of assembly is a high priority. But really, solder is a much poorer conductor than copper. If you need high reliability or high current capability, crimp or twist first to get good copper contact, then you can flow some solder in to fill and exclude environmental corrosion. Point being, copper should be counted on for most of the electrical work, while solder only does a little but can help in other ways. The self-soldering shrink-on splices don't impress me, and I don't carry or use them. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,233 #17 Posted January 11, 2023 13 hours ago, WHX?? said: You guys with the solder in the connectors you tryin to tell me the heat gun melts the solder? Yes. I set the heat gun to 500º. Low temp solder melts at 425-ish and then re-solidifies at 375-ish. Using a heat gun lessens the chances of damaging the insulation on the wires. (Most folks are not using temp-controlled soldering irons so overheating is a risk.) The metal ring in the connector appears to contract gripping the wires at a temperature lower than the solder melt point. I agree these are not appropriate for high wattage connections like starters or winches but for simple 12v lighting or activating relays/solenoids they are adequate, IMO. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,905 #18 Posted January 11, 2023 14 hours ago, WHX?? said: hope telling us you soldered it first? I updated with a picture. This was in a breaker box in an enclosed trailer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,233 #19 Posted January 11, 2023 3 hours ago, Pullstart said: Aluminum works just fine as long as the electrical connection is very solid and does’t generate heat that can cause loosening via thermal expansion/contraction. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,905 #20 Posted January 11, 2023 @Handy Don come to think of it, I used steel - I just found a picture of aluminum 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites