[Healeys] Solder joints

Tue Oct 3 05:31:04 MDT 2023

I too use solder and follow the protocol that is outlined in the Chrysler manual that Mike attached.  HOWEVER, I am on the fence a bit on this one.  I struggle to get just enough heat to melt the solder fully into the twisted wires without melting the adjacent plastic insulation and, worse, over-heating the wire for an inch or so either side of the joint.  Over-heating the wire makes it brittle and prone to failure (i.e. breakage), especially if it is in a position where is it is vibrating or subject to flexing.  The mechanic who services my BMW, and who is a fully qualified Bosch technician (a few years ago he re-wired a DeLorean from scratch without a manual), swears by crimping because of the embrittlement caused by heating.  He services older Porches and English cars like ours, as well as new stuff, and has noticed that when wires break, it is usually within an inch or so of a solder joint.

For now, I am staying with the solder and being very careful, but I take  the point of the crimping advocates.

Cheers, Mirek

From: Healeys <healeys-bounces at autox.team.net> On Behalf Of Michael Salter
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2023 4:17 PM
To: healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Solder joints

I have always used the method recommended by Chrysler in their Workshop Manuals.

Never let me down.

On Mon., Oct. 2, 2023, 11:19 a.m. Michael Oritt via Healeys, <healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> > wrote:

I did literally thousands of inline and terminal connections while building and rewiring the main and sub panels of my boat and always used proper cutters, strippers and crimping tools with quality tinned terminal fittings--sometimes resin-filled and sometimes not depending upon location and service, etc.  If there was ever a failure it was only due to a bad crimp, etc.  

In addition to what Bob says re these fittings only being for inline butt joints there is always the risk of damaging adjacent wiring with careless or too much heat, etc.

They look slick but I think I'd agree with Bob.

Best--Michael   

On Sun, Oct 1, 2023 at 1:23 PM Bob Spidell <bspidell at comcast.net <mailto:bspidell at comcast.net> > wrote:

I've never used these--in fact, this is the first I've heard of them--but, of course, that never stopped me from having an opinion or two. My 'hot take' (heh):

1) there may be solder formulations that a heat gun could melt, but calling this 'solder' seems to be a mis-characterization: the 'fine print' says it's 'hot melt adhesive.' I didn't see anything about its conductivity, nor it's strength (though the shrink wrap part would be reinforcing). 

2) when I was maintaining my own aircraft, I subscribed to a magazine called 'Light Plane Maintenance.' It didn't take any advertising, and never shied away from 'calling it like it is.' They did exhaustive research and experimentation on the benefit/risk of solder joints vs. crimp joints and came to the conclusion that crimping was superior to soldering (and easier, to boot). But, it has to be done properly; e.g.:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIfoSSmlQR8

3) I only see them as being used for splices; apparently, you still need to employ crimping or soldering for terminals (loop, spade, etc.). I'd prefer all my wiring to be consistent.

4) the advert claims they are 'waterproof;' that, I think, is a stretch. Most similar ads only claim 'water resistant' (for liability, I suspect; water will eventually get into almost everything).

5) for most solder joints you want to twist the bare ends together; that doesn't seem possible with these.

So, no dice for me.

bs

On 10/1/2023 7:46 AM, Simon Lachlan via Healeys wrote:

Ah, yes. Good point!

200PCs Solderstick Waterproof Solder Wire Connector Kit Original Connector Tools | eBay <https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404496927584> 

From: Jim Ryan  <mailto:ryan at jimryan.com> <ryan at jimryan.com> 
Sent: 01 October 2023 14:01
To: simon.lachlan at alexarevel.plus.com <mailto:simon.lachlan at alexarevel.plus.com> 
Cc: Healeys  <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> <healeys at autox.team.net>
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Solder joints

Simon,

I didn't see a link or attachment.

On Sun, Oct 1, 2023, 3:39 AM Simon Lachlan via Healeys <healeys at autox.team.net <mailto:healeys at autox.team.net> > wrote:

Has anyone used these? And, if so, are they any good?

I saw them on some car show and was impressed. Seems like they’d make a pretty decent joint if they’re as good as they’re cracked up to be. Not very original in their appearance but sound enough?? 
Touch wood, I don’t have many (any?) connections to make in the 3000, but for general use?
Simon

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