[Shop-talk] Scotch-locks and T-Taps

[David C.]

Scotch-locks are 3M's version of wire nuts.  You have to have two (or 
more) stripped wire ends to connect with them.  T taps are crimp on 
connectors that connect in the middle of a wire, no cutting necessary as 
the metal connector in the T tap cuts the insulation when the connector 
is crimped onto the wire.

I generally regard T-taps as a Bad Thing and won't use them on my 
motorcycles or cars. (I try to avoid wire nuts, too.)  They get loose, 
can cut the wire, and generally cause problems.  I prefer a soldered 
splice on motorcycles, or, better  yet, a fused auxiliary distribution 
panel.

Steven Trovato wrote:
> Hello all and Happy New Year.  I am getting ready to install a remote
> car start unit. The installation manual says:
>
> If you use tapping connectors such as T-Taps (not to be confused with
> Scotch-locks), avoid using them in higher-current applications (constant
> 12V, ground, etc.) These connectors are inferior in quality and should
> be avoided.
>
> So, can someone tell me the difference between T-Taps and Scotch-locks?
> I always thought that "Scotchlok" was just 3M's brand name for T-Taps. I
> can find lots of arguments online about how soldering is better. In the
> discussions, it seems that many people seem to agree with my manual, and
> they treat scotch-locks and T-Taps as different things. Can anybody
> clear this up for me? Thanks.
>
> -Steve Trovato
> strovato at optonline.net
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