Weather Pack or Deutsch tools and connectors?!

[lilscorpion]

Working on my vehicles I have a variety of accessories that require waterproof connections (if I do it right). i've been researching and it appears that the two best choices are Deutsch and Weather Pack connectors. It appears the the Deutsch has more crimp points and they're available in higher terminal count connectors than the Weather Pack ones. Are there characteristics that make one better than the others? Is one better in some way? It looks like the Deutsch setup is more expensive in general (tools + connector cost). Is this true or is it deceiving?

TIA. Matt

 

[ca90ss]

I work on boats and come across both a fair amount and I end up having to replace most of the weather pack connectors I see because of corrosion. Don't have that problem with the Deutsch connectors.

 

[pi_guy]

Deutsch will be more expensive but is a better connector. But the high density connectors are mostly for low voltage data and control wires. Deutsch has a power series and a micro series and there is a DTM which is a bit cheaper and can use the cheaper pins not needing the expensive crimper.
Weather Pack also has a metric series and can range in pin configuration.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Deutsch is the way to go. Best quality connector on the market, IMO.

 

[MadMechMaster]

I find the Deutsch easier to work with. The wire seals on the Weather Packs are just another part to keep in line. Also, Deutsch's patents expired, and you can now find several copies for much less.

 

[plinker]

Tool-aid makes a decent crimper(s) for the closed barrel pins. Mack would send an open barrel type pin assortment with new trucks and they work ok, the closed barrel pins were faster/better though. I think the Deutsch are better overall, more oil & weather proof, rarely saw a corroded plug on any truck.

 

[lilscorpion]

Tool-aid makes a decent crimper(s) for the closed barrel pins. Mack would send an open barrel type pin assortment with new trucks and they work ok, the closed barrel pins were faster/better though. I think the Deutsch are better overall, more oil & weather proof, rarely saw a corroded plug on any truck.

something like this? - Amazon_Tool-Aid Crimper

 

[lilscorpion]

I work on boats and come across both a fair amount and I end up having to replace most of the weather pack connectors I see because of corrosion. Don't have that problem with the Deutsch connectors.

Do you replace like for like or do you then convert the eroded weather pack to Deutsch?

Which tool do you use? Is there a difference in quality for the tools?

 

[ca90ss]

I generally replace them with Deutsch connectors. I use one of these, haven't tried any of the others to compare it to.
https://www.amazon.com/HDT-48-00-Deutsch-Solid-Barrel-Crimping/dp/B01N1IUV5C

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I do a fair bit electrical work on the machinery I work on for my living. I only use weather pack to match existing stuff, otherwise it all Deutsch when dealing with removable connections.

I recently had a flooded machine that got submerged that the owner really wanted me "find" a lot wrong so he could total it out on insurance. I found stuff, but water in the connectors was not an issue.....

 

[Luciferi]

I don't like weatherpack. There are much better options from Delphi, look for metripack Gt series.
http://www.powerandsignal.com/docs/DCS%20Global%20Catalog.pdf


Deutsch connectors are great but the terminals are too expensive. I use Daniels crimper with interchangeble turrets for the solid terminals

 

[Hagatronics]

I recently built a wiring harness for a race car. First time I've ever done something that complex for wiring.

I found the Deutsch closed barrel connectors really easy to work with and got a great connection every time. I have a cheap crimper for 22 gauge and another for 16/18 gauge.

I then had to use some open W style connections for specialist connects for injectors and sensors etc and I had a pretty average hit rate - I think weatherpack uses this style connectors. The connectors often needed re-crimping, pulled out etc.

I'd go Deutsch closed-barrel every time.

 

[lonestarky]

Everyone is right. Deutsch is the way to go. We used them for everything ip67, and ip69k

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[blarf]

Deutsch will be more expensive but is a better connector. But the high density connectors are mostly for low voltage data and control wires. Deutsch has a power series and a micro series and there is a DTM which is a bit cheaper and can use the cheaper pins not needing the expensive crimper.
Weather Pack also has a metric series and can range in pin configuration.

From what I can tell there are four main series in the DT family: DT, DTM (DT Micro), DTP (DT Power), and DTHD (DT HD). You can get open and closed barrel contacts for all of them.

I find the Deutsch easier to work with. The wire seals on the Weather Packs are just another part to keep in line. Also, Deutsch's patents expired, and you can now find several copies for much less.

What alternatives have you found? The only one I've seen was Amphenol's AT/ATM/ATP series as sold by Waytek.

I found the Deutsch closed barrel connectors really easy to work with and got a great connection every time. I have a cheap crimper for 22 gauge and another for 16/18 gauge.

What closed barrel tools are you using?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I find WP/MP to be easier to pin/de-pin. Best of all, they're fairly easy to get locally if you need to add a quick disconnect to a harness you're making. Wiring up fog lights for instance, want to use OE switch/wiring. Cut factory plug off, add plug to harness. Now you can swap back to stock if need-be, just plug the factory connector into the connector you added.



I also like them because they seem to be the simplest to back probe. As a mechanic, I can steal 4 pin connectors off 02 sensors I replace. So it cuts down on my costs having to only buy one connector (the mating one to the standard GM 02) when I need one for a quick project.



EDIT: I don't usually bother pinning my own connectors most of the time with raw wire. I just buy pigtails and crimp in. YMMV.

 

[MadMechMaster]

Amphenol is one, Molex has the ML-XT line. I bet there are others.

Digikey and Mauser are also good sources.

 

[blarf]

I find WP/MP to be easier to pin/de-pin. Best of all, they're fairly easy to get locally if you need to add a quick disconnect to a harness you're making.

I took a quick look at the Kragen, AutoZone, and NAPA sites and had a hard time finding MetriPack bits. Found a few WeatherPack housings though. I wouldn't want to count on any of that being available locally in an emergency.

Amphenol is one, Molex has the ML-XT line. I bet there are others.

Digikey and Mauser are also good sources.

Probably worth noting that Amphenol bought Deutsch a while back so AMP = Deutsch. That's probably why AMP's AT system is marketed explicitly as being DT compatible.

DigiKey and Mouser (and Newark/Farnell) are great (reasonable shipping, low/no MOQ, huge inventory) but Waytek is typically much cheaper. The Waytek site is currently down but I remember their AT system components were about half what you'd pay elsewhere.

 

[pi_guy]

From what I can tell there are four main series in the DT family: DT, DTM (DT Micro), DTP (DT Power), and DTHD (DT HD). You can get open and closed barrel contacts for all of them.

Yes and some of the pins can cost 2$ depending on material. Most of the kits and the connectors on sale have open barrel pins.

I got my closed barrel crimper from Pi/Cosworth

 

[MadMechMaster]

AMP is now TE Connectivity, who indeed has bought Deutsch. Amphenol is a separate company.

I get all three in at work pitching connectors.