Heat shrink **** connectors

[InsanePyro]

Anyone got a brand recommendation? Usually I just pick randomly off Amazon but as of late I've been getting some real crappy ones. Hope someone has a tried and true brand. Thanks!

P.S. No, I don't care if you think soldering is the only right way to do it. If I wanted to, I would

 

[Grant Gunderson]

These are the only ones I’ll use. https://www.mcmaster.com/terminals/solder-loaded-heat-shrink-crimp-on-****-splices/

I’ve never had any luck with the cheap knock offs working consistently. Also make sure you use a quality ratcheting crimper with them.

 

[Sumboodie]

I've always used the non insulated ones and then a piece of 3:1 heat shrink over that.

The couple times I've tried the heat shrink built in ones, I ended up melting the wire before the connector fully shrank. Also they are huge compared to the other option. Sometimes that becomes an issue, sometimes not so much.

 

[InsanePyro]

These are the only ones I’ll use. https://www.mcmaster.com/terminals/solder-loaded-heat-shrink-crimp-on-****-splices/

I’ve never had any luck with the cheap knock offs working consistently. Also make sure you use a quality ratcheting crimper with them.

Pricey little buggers, still might give them a go

 

[InsanePyro]

The couple times I've tried the heat shrink built in ones, I ended up melting the wire before the connector fully shrank.

Yeah, thats what I've been experiencing with these last few batches

 

[Jlarson]

We use Kimball Midwest for good ones. Using uninsulated terms and shrink does elminate the need for a good heat shrink crimper tho.

 

[WWheeler]

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b00013962/

I wasted a fair bit of coin on several different craptastic Amazon brands before I went and asked a guy in purchasing at work what brand we get since they have always worked really well. The 3M ones seemed a lot pricier but I learned the hard-headed way they are actually cheaper. Re-dos after failure and tossing several sets in the garbage costs a heck of a lot more than buying just what I need for a one-time fix I can depend on.

 

[Stobal]

Belmetric carries quality heat shrink crimp connectors.

 

[Dave455]

O.P. - totally understand what you mean. I reckon the crappy ones are getting crappier!

I was removing a (malfunctioning) aftermarket immobiliser from a friends vehicle and used some connectors he had sourced, but I’ve never used connectors so bad. They wouldn’t even hold the wire securely, so never found out if the heat shrink worked!

Can’t help with a particular brand, but one way I’ve found to get decent ones is to buy them from a local electricians supplier. The brands vary but the quality is always up there. Another way is to buy them from an online electronics supplier. Again, always decent.

The online suppliers usually have certification that states the standards the connectors meet, and also the country of origin. If they meet the specs, and originate somewhere acceptable, you’re usually o.k. None of these things are cheap though.

I’m not usually one to endorse products from big corporations, but I have to say that everything I have ever obtained from 3M has always been of first class quality, so I’d trust their connectors.

 

[jsmeece]

The last pack of heat shrink **** connectors I bought were Camtek brand, got them off Amazon. They seemed pretty good for the price.

 

[dnschmidt]

Here's the deal. Having been in autobody, where everybody despises 3M due to their pricing, you will eventually realize that you can't avoid the power of the Dark Side of The Force (3M). Hate them all you want but their **** always works. Their masking tape is the best. Their sandpaper is the best, their other autobody glues and sealants are the best and you will eventually just give up and pay because their **** always works. JUST ACCEPT THIS FACT and your life will get easier. When your car doesn’t start because of that cheap *** connector you’ll realize that it’s time to just pay up. Some things are just the way they are.

 

[charbar]

I've used Pico for a long time now. I'm damn picky about connectors too and these ones are good-only ones you'll find in my shop. Little spendy also, but worth it.
I've never tried the 3M ones to compare, but I honestly can't see how they can be any better than the Picos I use. I should at least compare prices sometime though.

 

[BlackBowtie]

I like Molex Perma-Seal

22-18

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/30980/Molex-19164-0013-Perma-Seal-****-Connector-/

16-14

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/31980/Molex-19164-0044-Perma-Seal-****-Connector-/

12-10

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/32980/Molex-19164-0056-Perma-Seal-****-Connector-/

Sometimes I'll use non-insulated **** connector terminals and use my own adhesive lined heat shrink as well.

 

[seber]

I've always used Thomas and Betts. Never thought about anything else as they work.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, T&B is the “Gold Standard”

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Pricey little buggers, still might give them a go

They are solder loaded. So best of both worlds. You crimp, then heat to get the solder to flow and the heat shrink to activate.

 

[dchawk81]

I have solder seal heat shrink connectors that seem to work fine.

No name on them that means anything to me but they say "Sopoby." Probably just a made up Amazon name. You know how they do.

 

[rdoty]

Waytek at waytekwire.com is a good source of commercial/industrial grade connectors. Like other people I've moved to non-insulated connectors and marine heatshrink. For **** connectors, something like https://www.waytekwire.com/item/32260/Molex-19215-0028-Standard-****-Connector-/ which is a Molex connector priced at $12.32 for 100.

They also have a wide range of insulated and heatshrink connectors. Sometimes a little pricey, but they don't sell junk and the price per piece is reasonable when buying in bulk.

I've stocked up on a variety of connectors to make sure I have what I need when I need it.

 

[InsanePyro]

I like Molex Perma-Seal

22-18

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/30980/Molex-19164-0013-Perma-Seal-****-Connector-/

16-14

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/31980/Molex-19164-0044-Perma-Seal-****-Connector-/

12-10

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/32980/Molex-19164-0056-Perma-Seal-****-Connector-/

They shrink and seal up good?

 

[AdAstra]

(Engineer who's specified off-the-shelf connectors/terminals for production usage, as well as designed new custom crimp terminals.)

Assuming we are talking US usage/designed for AWG wire...

Top tier: TE/Raychem DuraSeal, Molex Perma-Seal (stock issues) (full ecosystem, published gauging standards)
Solid tier: NSPA, FTZ, Panduit, T&B (limited lineup), 3M (limited tooling)

I rate some of these as slightly lower tier since they don't offer a full line and/or controlled-cycle ratcheting tools for these, or publish tooling gaging dimensions, seems like they kinda phoned this one in to fill out their product line, and maybe get it contract manufactured elsewhere? (Not a lot of visibility into who does that in this industry, others above might too.)

Any of these will be high quality and consistent, although some will be easier to get than others.

They are each designed around their own specific tool, with published gaging dimensions, and it does vary for each. If you already have a heat shrink crimp tool, assuming it's not one of the manufacturer's own tools, you might want to measure your dies and pick the terminal that matches closest to the manufacturer's tool. (That said, for non-production usage you'll probably be fine. Do a pull test and compare it to the spec.)

 

[qqzj]

Those at harbor freight work and are cheap. I had good luck with them.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I did a bit of research. The McMaster crimps are made by

NSPA- sealed crimped and solder connectors

They are pricey, but by far the best I’ve ever found.


I crimp them using a pair of Knipex multi crimpers. Once crimped you heat till the heat shrink melts and glued to wire. You the. Keep heating till you see the solder in the center flow.


I then label them using my Bradley label maker and it’s permasleve heat shrink labels.

 

[charbar]

Wow....if the Molex Perma-Seal connectors are that good then I will be stocking up on those. They are WAY cheaper than the Picos I buy. ****** thing is the link for the 14-16 ga. size says they have 0 available!

 

[AdAstra]

Wow....if the Molex Perma-Seal connectors are that good then I will be stocking up on those. They are WAY cheaper than the Picos I buy. ****** thing is the link for the 14-16 ga. size says they have 0 available!

Wouldn't be surprised if Pico just private labels from other companies and marks it up, their range of products seems way too big for a company with zero engineering docs (gaging, specifications, etc.) published on their products. I think they are effectively just a distributor.

 

[AdAstra]

I did a bit of research. The McMaster crimps are made by

NSPA- sealed crimped and solder connectors

They are pricey, but by far the best I’ve ever found.


I crimp them using a pair of Knipex multi crimpers. Once crimped you heat till the heat shrink melts and glued to wire. You the. Keep heating till you see the solder in the center flow.


I then label them using my Bradley label maker and it’s permasleve heat shrink labels.

Awesome, NSPA looks legit, didn't know about them until now. Nice to see their factory video to know they are really the maker. I wonder who else private labels from them... Panduit or T&B seems like they might.

 

[BlackBowtie]

They shrink and seal up good?

Yes, I can share a photo later if you would like.

Edit

Here is the Molex Perma-Seal, iphone hardly wanted to focus.




Here's some heat shrink I ordered in bulk from Mouser, Delphi no Aptiv makes these. They were used in GM LS engine harnesses at the ignition coil pack harness. I took one apart once and there wasn't even any solder, just a bunch of stripped wires layered on top that needed to be branched off. This **** shrinks then hardens like a rock.

Aptiv 12186167

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Aptiv-formerly-Delphi/12186167?qs=CSLd874fYV0jNiGm2atUxQ%3D%3D

Non-Insulated.


Here is the Aptiv heat shrink

 

[BlackBowtie]

Wow....if the Molex Perma-Seal connectors are that good then I will be stocking up on those. They are WAY cheaper than the Picos I buy. ****** thing is the link for the 14-16 ga. size says they have 0 available!

0191640044 - Molex - Terminals

Order Molex 0191640044 from Sager, an authorized distributor of Terminals product. View product details, stock & pricing.

www.sager.com