Best way to splice into a 12 volt wire?

[mlts22]

For splicing into existing 12 volt wiring, what is the best way to do so? Best as in resistant to vibrations and won't burn out?

I have seen 3M Scotchlok connectors, but I wonder how secure they will stay over time.

Soldering is also an option with heat shrink tubing.

Of course, there are crimp connectors, but can someone recommend a good crimping tool? So far, the ones I've used, one has to be careful with or else it will cut the crimp joint in two. To boot, wires seem to work loose over time.

[s79vette]

x2 on the Klein 1006 stake on pliers. distinctly noticable by one black and one orange handle. have a pair for MH,garage and barn. not cheap

[time2roll]

I have and use these multiple wire heat-shrink crimp butt connectors.

Waytek wire

I would trust these in all conditions. The usual issue with butt connectors is getting the right size to match the wire. If you try to jam in multiple different mismatched wire the crimp can be poor. With the correct connector the crimp is not as critical. It just works. Heat shrink will prevent all stress from compromising the joint.

Soldered connections are very rare by a chassis manufacturer. Solder is for circuit board stuff. A mechanical connection is generally preferred by oem.

Splice kits for large wire

[wa8yxm]

For small wires I usually strip off about half an inch of insulation, "Merge" the new wire onto the existing, solder and tape.

Cutting and splicing by solder and heat shrink (Epically marine heat shrink) is better.

But that is me.

Larger wires are harder to solder Once you get above 12 GA I don't really have a big enough tool to solder them properly.

Split bolts then become the only option,

[Bill_T]

can't beat a split bolt with a couple of wraps of splicing tape and a couple wraps of Scotch 33. Easy to do and easy to undo.

[BruceMc]

Another option is to solder ring terminals to the wire, then use short bolts to bind the connections. Use a little electrical rubber sealant if desired, and tape and/or heat shrink. I've done this when I want a connection that can be removed or added to in the future, but is solid in the mean time.

For connectors, I use a stake style professional crimper - none of those cheap ones for me! Stake style crimpers form a gas free connection while maintaining the form of the barrel.

Here's the style I use:



Klein Tools 1006 Crimping/Cutting Tool Non-Insulated Terminals 10-22 AWG

[hershey]

Soldering is by far the best and thats what you asked for. But only if one wire is wrapped around the other. If your talking about a butted connection I would not solder. Vibration can cause that to fail.

[Almot]

What Mr Wiz said. Depends on what you want.

Crimping in tube/butt joint has to be done properly, and the cheapest tool that "looks" proper, costs $40 on Amazon, not hydraulic of course.

You can't go wrong with a split bolt or set screw butt-joint connector, costs a few bucks in Home Depot, you can wrap it into insulating tape and dissemble later with just a screwdriver. For low-current 12v circuit it doesn't have to be perfect.

[Bobbo]

When I have done it, I have used crimp on butt connectors. Maybe not the best, but works, and if it comes loose, you can pull the wire out and replace the butt connector for another try.

[tvman44]

I refuse to use 3M Scotchlok connectors as they will eventually cause intermittent problems especially when exposed to humidity. Seen way too many problems from them. They are quick & easy but that is all. 😞

[roam1]

Cut, strip, add in extra wire, get butt connector with adhesive lined shrink tube from West Marine, crimp, heat the shrink tube till the adhesive oozes out, cool, good to go!

[MrWizard]

splicing for 'what' ?

location , wire size, and load dictate what can be done, which may not be optimum which can be done in a easily accessible location

if it is to be permanent soldering is best

next crimped with a hydraulic crimper

next use a 'split bolt' connection and tighten fully, before taping and sealing

something you might want to change

split bolt is best
next is solid 'wire nuts', not the soft scotch lock type

the only time i will use the soft ones is if that is the only thing available, and time is of the essence, then i will replace them with the good kind

[SAR_Tracker]

Best way?

Cut the existing wire. Strip back enough to solder. Strip the additional wire to the same length. Twist the "new" wire onto one of the "existing" wires. At this point, slide on some shrink tubing of the appropriate size, and slide it out of the way. Flux and solder the 3 wires together. Using something like liquid electrical tape coat the splice and let dry. Slide the shrink tubing over the splice and shrink it (heat gun is best).