Strain relief for spade terminals

[jonny705]

I have a friend that is a Avionics engineer, he was telling me crimps were the only thing they use when they terminate electrical wires.

Was saying that screws /bolts are never used because vibration would ultimately cause them to fail .

Although his crimping tools are serious quality , and have to be calibrated quite regularly.

Since then have happily used them, just like other people have advised , don't get cheap ones or fittings - but if they are good enough for the aircraft industry , a car will be fine :smilewinkgrin:

 

[Jodes]

I suppose the only remaining question is how can I tell if crimp terminals are good quality? I haven't seen any local avionics stores! Sort of surprising given I'm near Biggin Hill lol. I would go for branded items, but I've learnt not to trust brands as far as I can throw them.

 

[uksparks]

I've not got these ones but I would highly recommend Knipex, they will be about £110. I've got a few of the other type of crimps and they are if exceptional quality.

 

[shanky887614]

£110 for a set of crimpers? they better come with a calibration cert for that kind of money.

i would recommend tri-rated bs6231 cable or yy, its a lot more flexible than say 6491b so it wont snap, 6491b has very fine strands so will be fine

 

[Deleted member 26818]

There's a company called Vehicle Wiring Products where crimps and crimpers can be purchased online.
Vehicle Wiring Products Ltd Suppliers of Auto Electrical Parts

 

[davesparks]

i would recommend tri-rated bs6231 cable or yy, its a lot more flexible than say 6491b so it wont snap, 6491b has very fine strands so will be fine

Why when he's already using thinwall cable, which is manufactured specifically for use in vehicles?

 

[jonny705]

Jodes have found these type of crimps - this will be fine around £25-30 , I have had mine for years .

Insulated Terminal Crimping Tool - Standard Duty | 12 Volt Planet

Not that you will need all of these but this type of crimps.

385 Piece Pre-Insulated Terminal Kit | 12 Volt Planet.

depending on how many wires are going in , the red should be fine for 12v.

The jaws on crimper are colour coded so you cannot go wrong- I find it easier to put crimp in jaws first,

Crimp down so it just grabs it , then inserted stripped wire with other hand and just crimp down- it will not open up until you have right pressure - so cannot get it wrong mate- just practice on a couple first.

 

[shanky887614]

Why when he's already using thinwall cable, which is manufactured specifically for use in vehicles?

missed that bit, i only skimed the post

 

[shanky887614]

Jodes have found these type of crimps - this will be fine around £25-30 , I have had mine for years .

Insulated Terminal Crimping Tool - Standard Duty | 12 Volt Planet

Not that you will need all of these but this type of crimps.

385 Piece Pre-Insulated Terminal Kit | 12 Volt Planet.

depending on how many wires are going in , the red should be fine for 12v.

The jaws on crimper are colour coded so you cannot go wrong- I find it easier to put crimp in jaws first,

Crimp down so it just grabs it , then inserted stripped wire with other hand and just crimp down- it will not open up until you have right pressure - so cannot get it wrong mate- just practice on a couple first.

there just standard crimpers, go for a proper branded pair for that price.

just be careful that some crimpers jaws put more pressure on one side than the other

 

[Jodes]

Great stuff - will wait for next pay packet and invest, now that I know what I need. Thank you all!