Phak1, you got it. Jerry's info on the connection style is good stuff.
Here's an image if the Western Union (aka Lineman's) Splice, in case you aren't familiar. They do provide a superior joint - strong and low resistance. In cases where the wires to be spliced will be soldered, I especially like this type of splice, since it isn't reliant on just solder for mechanical strength and low resistance.
