I want some decent crimp terminals for general use. Rings, spades, quick-disconnect, splices, that sort of stuff, not connector pins. 10 awg would be the biggest use, 18 or 20 the low end. Basically, the red, blue, and yellow kits found in autoparts stores would cover my needs, except those are garbage. I don't use them very often, but when I do, I need them now, and it gets something done today, instead of, well, sometime later. Insulated preferred, but not a deal breaker if I have to shrink tube them. Probably should get a decent crimper to go with it, so recommendations for that accepted, as well. Use is mostly "random stuff", not automotive. (my last remembered uses were fixing an AC wiring harness, and replacing the cord in a power tool, which is pretty typical.)
Good crimp terminals
- Thread starter dscheidt
- Start date
jbfsr
Well-known member
We used Thomas & Betts years ago. They performed well. Just checked online and wow, the blue rings are $1.62 each.
toolenthusiast
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 21, 2017
- Messages
- 723
FTZ Crimp-n-Seal are among the best connectors you can buy. They are adhesive-lined heat shrink connectors.
If you want something similar with good local availability, search autozone.com for “dorman conduct tite waterproof”.
Be careful because not all connectors with translucent insulation are heat shrinking type.
If you want something similar with good local availability, search autozone.com for “dorman conduct tite waterproof”.
Be careful because not all connectors with translucent insulation are heat shrinking type.
Waytekwire.com They have 3M, Molex etc brand connectors/terminals at a pretty decent price--Have to buy in bulk though so if you're a home gamer you might end up with enough for three lifetimes. I've even used their 'no-name' connectors plenty of times and have been more than fine with them.
Dagny
Well-known member
3M has very good products
whateg01
Well-known member
What quality is it that makes them garbage? Conductivity? Appearance?
I like this website that has been around for a while.
Marine Wire Termination - Marine How To
Marine Wire Termination - Tools of the Trade MHT Recommended Tools: The products below are our top picks for crimp tools. RecommendationsI include; PRO GRADE, MARINE GRADE, & PENNY SAVER GRADE. Every tool recommended BELOW, we have tested here.
marinehowto.com
bluedog225
Well-known member
3m is always good.
Strangely, harbor freight have gotten better.
I got some Amazon “Wirefy” that were good.
Klein ratcheting crimpers are good enough even though they have outsourced to china and lie about it.
Strangely, harbor freight have gotten better.
I got some Amazon “Wirefy” that were good.
Klein ratcheting crimpers are good enough even though they have outsourced to china and lie about it.
Go to an commercial electrical supply (or sometimes even commercial electronics place) and buy 3M or T&B. If you are doing weather tight, go to HD truck/trailer place - but you need a different crimp tool so as not to damage the heat shrink outer layers.
CGarage
Well-known member
I like this website that has been around for a while.
Marine Wire Termination - Marine How To
Marine Wire Termination - Tools of the Trade MHT Recommended Tools: The products below are our top picks for crimp tools. RecommendationsI include; PRO GRADE, MARINE GRADE, & PENNY SAVER GRADE. Every tool recommended BELOW, we have tested here.marinehowto.com
Agree, it is excellent
CGarage
Well-known member
I like Ancor Marine and Blue Sea Systems products for this application
www.ancorproducts.com
Kit, Heat Shrink Terminals & Connectors
160 piece Heat Shrink Connectors and Terminals
www.ancorproducts.com
CGarage
Well-known member
Grant Gunderson
Well-known member
I keep a large assortment on hand. Thomas and Betts makes nice ones. However I’ve mostly switched over to these Solder Loaded heat shrink terminals for anything important. These are the same as the NSPA ones linked above.
Regardless of what terminals you use, having the proper dies and a ratcheting crimper makes the biggest difference.
I have a knipex multi crimp that I purchased years ago that does damn near everything and always produces a perfect crimp.
CGarage
Well-known member
I do not leave anything to chance. Especially when it is electrical.
I will spend the few cents extra and buy 3M or Ancor or similar and won’t have to mess with cutting insulation, etc
They do say made in Taiwan. At least the ones I got.
kbeefy
Well-known member
I have found cheap connectors lacking and money well spent on nicer ones.
You’re probably best off making your own assortments. Find someone who has what you want at good prices and fill some compartment boxes. Mouser or many smaller resellers carry wide ranges.
For insulated choose nylon over vinyl and double-crimp over single. For uninsulated, look for brazed seams.
For North American/AWG wire terminals of this sort:
The best:
TE, but you’ll pay for it. PIDG, Solistrand, FASTON lines specifically. Also surplus often available on eBay.
US OEMs with excellent quality (maybe 95-99% of above?) and good price:
Molex. (They do have an assortment of uninsulated rings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HPYNMXP/?tag=atomicindus08-20 alas the nylon insulated analog appears sold out currently.)
FTZ
NSPA
Also perhaps Hilldale but no firsthand experience.
US high cost/name recognition brands, with prices similar to TE, but for these sorts of terminals for non-production applications I don’t think they are worth the price. Unclear to me which of these make vs outsource their terminal production, they don’t have as complete lineups in many categories, and kinda seem like these product lines are a legacy/afterthought/range-filler for them:
T&B
Panduit
3M
Companies who private label from the above, mostly FTZ and NSPA, generally at a markup:
Ancor
Pacer
Lawson
Quick Cable
Mueller
Del City
For insulated choose nylon over vinyl and double-crimp over single. For uninsulated, look for brazed seams.
For North American/AWG wire terminals of this sort:
The best:
TE, but you’ll pay for it. PIDG, Solistrand, FASTON lines specifically. Also surplus often available on eBay.
US OEMs with excellent quality (maybe 95-99% of above?) and good price:
Molex. (They do have an assortment of uninsulated rings: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HPYNMXP/?tag=atomicindus08-20 alas the nylon insulated analog appears sold out currently.)
FTZ
NSPA
Also perhaps Hilldale but no firsthand experience.
US high cost/name recognition brands, with prices similar to TE, but for these sorts of terminals for non-production applications I don’t think they are worth the price. Unclear to me which of these make vs outsource their terminal production, they don’t have as complete lineups in many categories, and kinda seem like these product lines are a legacy/afterthought/range-filler for them:
T&B
Panduit
3M
Companies who private label from the above, mostly FTZ and NSPA, generally at a markup:
Ancor
Pacer
Lawson
Quick Cable
Mueller
Del City
Last edited:
CGarage
Well-known member
TE Connectivity ?
www.te.com
Buy TE Solutions Online
Shop our TE Store for your electronics and connectivity solutions like sensors and tooling. Get real-time access to pricing, inventory, and technical documentation.
www.te.com
Yep, formerly AMP, and “Tyco” for a few years there too. AMP pioneered high reliability crimp engineering.TE Connectivity ?
Buy TE Solutions Online
Shop our TE Store for your electronics and connectivity solutions like sensors and tooling. Get real-time access to pricing, inventory, and technical documentation.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
@Grant Gunderson
That organization looks amazing man.
I dont see any bullet connectors, which are super handy for inline splice/disconnect.
Ive also been using ferrules with the Weidmuller PZ10 hex crimper, which I like over pin terminals where applicable.
That organization looks amazing man.
I dont see any bullet connectors, which are super handy for inline splice/disconnect.
Ive also been using ferrules with the Weidmuller PZ10 hex crimper, which I like over pin terminals where applicable.
Anchor or T&B is usually my preference.
Got a few things from these guys and they seem quality:
CGarage
Well-known member
CGarage
Well-known member
https://www.lawsonproducts.com/Electrical/Terminals-Wire-Connectors/****-Connectors/EL600175.lpc
Lawson Non-Insulated **** connectors and ring terminals above
For the heat shrink style connectors, I only use Molex Perma-Seal or 3M, but for these you really should use a crimper designed for them, I use a Molex crimper for this, also have a Knipex.
For the standard insulated stuff, I usually use T&B, but I don't use those very often. Lately, I've been using mostly non-insulated and adding my own heat shrink. Surprisingly, the seamless Chinese connectors from Amazon aren't half bad, I think the brand I bought was Ginsco, or something like that. For these, I use a Klein 1005 or 1006 crimper. I've found that the small Snap-On crimper, as well as the copies kinda ****.
For the standard insulated stuff, I usually use T&B, but I don't use those very often. Lately, I've been using mostly non-insulated and adding my own heat shrink. Surprisingly, the seamless Chinese connectors from Amazon aren't half bad, I think the brand I bought was Ginsco, or something like that. For these, I use a Klein 1005 or 1006 crimper. I've found that the small Snap-On crimper, as well as the copies kinda ****.
whateg01
Well-known member
I keep seeing people saying "x" brand is inferior but no reasons given. Are they made from pot metal instead of brass? Does the plating flake off? Are they thinner? Is it the insulation?
You've basically answered your own question.
CGarage
Well-known member
jayemm
Well-known member
The harbor Freight assortment (150 pc ?) I eyeballed looked like the metal gauge was really thin. Out and about looking at terminals at different stores/brands, it looks like the Taiwan stuff is a little heavier gauge metal and a different size of the same brand could be China. I saw some Dorman (horrors) that were made in Taiwan and actually looked OK. In the big box stores it's like a crapshoot what you'll find. I sent back an assortment I bought online because they were China made but advertised as Taiwan manufacture. The ad wasn't updated regarding COO. The plastic collar on the Taiwan stuff seems better than the 'slicker/slipperier' Chinese plastic in my estimation. Also, some of the China stuff had shorter plastic collars and shorter grip length. JMO.
That is totally fair. If you're going to do it yourself, ensure that you slather everything in diaelectric grease. That is more important than brand of terminal as far as I'm concerned.
CGarage
Well-known member
I agree about using dielectric grease.
Terminals are just as important.
Do not overlook that.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
This is my "go to" place for terminals !TE Connectivity ?
Buy TE Solutions Online
Shop our TE Store for your electronics and connectivity solutions like sensors and tooling. Get real-time access to pricing, inventory, and technical documentation.
I prefer using uninsulated terminals and marine/dual-wall heat shrink tubing, so I purchase TE Solistrand terminals.
chappys4life
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2008
- Messages
- 421
chappys4life
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2008
- Messages
- 421
I need to see more of your toolbox setup! what bins are those inside the drawer?
TxMN
Member
Thomas & Betts is what we used for aircraft wire harnesses, with calibrated and certified crimpers and strippers.
Grant Gunderson
Well-known member
@Grant Gunderson
That organization looks amazing man.
I dont see any bullet connectors, which are super handy for inline splice/disconnect.
Ive also been using ferrules with the Weidmuller PZ10 hex crimper, which I like over pin terminals where applicable.
I tend to use weather pack connectors when a bullet style connector is warranted as they are waterproof.
The bins are from Schaller Corp I like them as it’s easy to pull a bin and take it to the project.
All of my small parts are stored in my Lista cabinets. Those drawers are all full!
I keep small bar stock etc in old safe deposit boxes.
My tools are in a variety of Vidmar and craftsman boxes plus some Systainers.
The foam is a combination of Kaizen foam from FastCap and custom cut from ToolBed.de. I have more pics of the setup on my garage thread
