Crimp is required

[Realgun]

In the big long debate wether to crimp or solder is mute.<br /><br />In the rules all connection must be crimped.<br /><br />Soldering is optional to the crimp. Some who use the boat in salt water really recommend this.<br /><br />There is only 1 exception to the crimp rule and thats a battery cable and lug. Ther rule is the lenght of bared wire must be 1.5 times the diameter of the lug. <br /><br />In other words if the lug is 1/2" wide then the wire must be 3/4" insulation stripped that slides into said lug.<br /><br />I am sorry I had to add gasoline to the flames! I like the big boom!

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Crimp is required

I'm thinking Realgun is bored out there in NM.<br />

 

[snagroms]

Re: Crimp is required

I expect the usual folks to be along in a minute or two. This will be fun to watch!<br /><br />I just ordered my crimp tool and all wiring and terminals to rewire mine. No solder on my boat!

 

[JB]

Re: Crimp is required

Well, he wont be bored for long.

 

[John McFarlane]

Re: Crimp is required

Crimping and soldering are both incorrect.<br />The items in question should be placed in very close proximity to each other, not actually touching, then a small mixture of flour and water used to complete the joint. Into an oven at 180 for 25 minutes, or until gloden brown, then allowed to cool on a heat proof rack, and finally, topped off with a splash of raspberry puree. <br />The last bit is most important, as it effectively seals the mixture against everything except cosmic Big B type Gamma radiation.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Crimp is required

Shhh I am repeating this post for the Newbies that can't search. Shhhhhh.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Crimp is required

What is this crimp thing you speak of? Don't you just strip the ends of the wires and either twist them together or wrap them around the instrument/battery posts? <br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Crimp is required

There's an important point I think you overlooked:<br /><br />A good crimp is an art that requires practice. In order to keep up with the Standard of Quality found in marine electrical on small boats, your crimps should be formed with a pair of slip joint pliers. You may use channel-lock type adjustable pliers as long as you loosen the pivot screw first.<br />Make a few crimps and pull on the wires. They should not come out easily or they will fail too soon. They should come out with under 10 lbs of pull so that if they do come loose you can re-use the crimp fitting.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Crimp is required

Good point, Paul. Some people have found that if you put one or two wraps of electrical tape around the stripped wire before inserting it into the connector, the tape acts as a cushion that keeps the crimp from getting too tight.

 

[crab bait]

Re: Crimp is required

all of ya's are a buncha hacks.. <br /><br />everyone knows the best crimp is to smash a pointy rock into the barrel..than smash it again.. <br /><br />hate to be in your boats..!!

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Crimp is required

Geez, now ya tell me! I've been using my special, expensive, SS, BFH tool that cost me $75 at the Marina and hitting it exactly 1/16th or so from where the barrel ends near the connector... I've been using a really special marine rated anvil and swinging that BFH with a force of about 1500 n-m but not more that 1750 n-m and then sealing the whole thing up with west marine brand double glued duct-tape in black or red... now WTF do I do? Do you think it will be ok for me to take the boat from Boston to San Juan w/o a problem or what? Gee now I am nervous! I was leaving Monday

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Crimp is required

Absolutely not. Heat all your crimped connections until they glow cherry red, then cool them slowly. That should make them loose enough for the trip.<br />

 

[Mark42]

Re: Crimp is required

Ralph, It's not too late to pull out the scotch tape and give everything a few wraps. Make sure you twist the wires good and tight first.<br /><br />Gee Realgun, what happed? The lake dry up?

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Crimp is required

So, Realgun...are you happy now that all the newbie’s are getting quality instruction?<br /> <br /><br />Edit: btw, we just dumped that school gymnasium loft. Too many restrictive covenants and the grounds are a city park. Thinking security issues.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Crimp is required

scotch tape? Is that ok with the ABYC? The USCG? The NMMA? Ok, I'll give it a try...

 

[cpj]

Re: Crimp is required

Im sure that I am part of a plan to make fun of newbies, and that I am sacrificing myself for the laughter of others (which is fine) but solder and heat shrink tubing is the way to gr if you tape your splices, make sure that you use twice as much as needed so that you can pull half of it off to patch holes in the bottom of the boat!

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Crimp is required

Cpj - spoken as a true 'salty dog'.<br />

 

[cpj]

Re: Crimp is required

I get it. I read the original post.But the better way to crimp is to place the splice on the bow of your boat and let the trolling motor prop smash into the crimp.Just watch your fingers.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Crimp is required

Gee Realgun, what happed? The lake dry up?

No its got lots of HOT water! Or is it just hot air. Both I think. water was at 77 degrees and air was 101 when I left! But the kids caught three white bass trolling for about 20 minutes. <br />Sorry forgot camera again. <br /><br />Actually I really was posting this for noobies as I was seeing a lot of questions on this and they cannot seem to search. Although that crimp vs solder is a headache maker!

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: Crimp is required

Use your teeth for stripping and crimping. Saliva makes a good conductive lube too. Just be sure the battery is disconnected!