I just bought some Tweco style (import knockoff) welding lead connectors. These use a ball point set screw to secure the conductor in the brass body of the connector. The package came with a couple small pieces of copper shim stock about .005 thick. I assume it’s to wrap around the conductor so the set screw won’t smash those tiny strands of wire but no instructions were included. Is this standard practice when assembling these type connectors? I’ve taken old ones apart and have never seen anything wrapped around the conductor.
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Tweco Welding Lead Connector
- Thread starter LG63
- Start date
dbonne
Well-known member
Those are wire ferrules, you are correct in that they keep the wire together. I see that a lot in european equipment. Use 'em if you got 'em!
Yes, as explained that's what they're for.
I prefer to tin the end of the cable with solder though. It seems to generate a better connection.
I actually tried tinning some #2 lead one time before and didn't have much luck. I was using rosin core without any added flux so maybe that was my problem. By the time I got it hot enough the solder wicked way too far up under the insulation. Just need more practice I guess.
Use a propane or propylene torch and heat only the very end of the wire, then add solder to the end. If you're fast and use large solder it will only wick a couple inches in.
Rosin core solder is the correct solder to use. Acid core will cause corrosion of the wire strands.
Rosin core solder is the correct solder to use. Acid core will cause corrosion of the wire strands.
sberry
Banned
Use a tad of anti seize on the connector screws,
Use a tad of anti seize on the connector screws,
Hmm, I never would have thought to do that. Is this for the corrosion that might occur over time or do the screws have a tendency to gall?
sberry
Banned
Both, have seen a lot of connectors not able to be repaired due to seized screws.
Rezeppa
Well-known member
Use a tad of anti seize on the connector screws,
Wise man, there is a huge difference when repairing welding lead ends with and without the anti seize. Always put anti seize on the screws I even put it on the screw that holds the rubber in place.