solder or crimp
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: Hamilton, New Zealand
Propper crimps fixed using the correct crimp pliers will be preferable but really it comes down to what you are most comfortable with. Some people think soldered joints won't last in areas of high vibration and some people think crimped joints are not reliable it all depends on method used.
If you want to be completely safe use a high quality heat shrink with internal heat activated adhesive/sealant and make sure you choose the correct diameter to suit your wire size.
If you want to be completely safe use a high quality heat shrink with internal heat activated adhesive/sealant and make sure you choose the correct diameter to suit your wire size.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Depending on connection, I do both. For example, on terminals, I crimp on the terminal, then solder it and use a good heat shrink tubing. For butt connections or splices, I interweave/twist the wires (not just twist) and then solder and heat shrink (sometimes I crimp on bare butt connector and still solder, although I do that less often, usually I just interweave/twist and solder). So technically, I sometimes do both... yes, I'm a bit **** like that.
I've been watching Mighty Car Mods on You Tube lately (check it out, fun show) and those guys are DIYers that like to solder, but their mechanic friend Turbo Yoda says to always crimp in cars (and the engine bay in particular). However, the crimps and tool he uses are better than the average DIYer.
As others have noted, there are two camps that will support either way to do it.
I've been watching Mighty Car Mods on You Tube lately (check it out, fun show) and those guys are DIYers that like to solder, but their mechanic friend Turbo Yoda says to always crimp in cars (and the engine bay in particular). However, the crimps and tool he uses are better than the average DIYer.
As others have noted, there are two camps that will support either way to do it.
Last edited by VIP1; Aug 17, 2014 at 01:24 AM.
