The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay Wire Connectors

I use the uninsulated butt splices and terminals with heat shrink over that. I like the way the uninsulated crimps work better than the insulated ones. The uninsulated connectors drive a dull spike into the connector for a better connection (first photo shows the crimper). Insulated connectors just crimp down on the wire like a vice and if you don’t apply enough force on the crimp, they will pull out fairly easily. Like Kevin said, more “self-training” on any of the different style connectors helps.

My latest favorites are open barrel connectors. They are for 16 gauge and smaller wire, but look like factory crimps. They also require a special crimper. This connector will also require a heat shrink.