Anyone tried using heat shrink butt solder connectors?

[RIN]

After reading about them in a boat magazine, I bought some from ebay. Try as a might, I could not get the solder to melt with my heat gun or a craft blowtoruch. It may be I have bought an inferior make but I would love to hear from someone who has used them succesfully and can provide link to where they were bought. I have a little rewiring project on the boat that they would be very useful for.
Richard

 

[madabouttheboat]

I have used them. Just the cheapo ones from amazon. Found them ok, although you have to get just the right amount of heat in them. Too little and the solder doesn't melt. Too much and the plastic melts as well. Takes a bit of practice, but I can use them quite consistently now. Having said that, I don't think they are anywhere near a replacement for properly soldered and heat shrunk cable joins, they are just a bit less hassle and easier when you need a quick fix.

 

[BruceK]

After reading about them in a boat magazine, I bought some from ebay. Try as a might, I could not get the solder to melt with my heat gun or a craft blowtoruch. It may be I have bought an inferior make but I would love to hear from someone who has used them succesfully and can provide link to where they were bought. I have a little rewiring project on the boat that they would be very useful for.
Richard

Are you sure yours are solder? I have two types, the solder which honestly is a bit rubbish and what I suspect you have, the crimp and heat shrink which is actually not too bad. Better than the solder rubbish if I am honest.

 

[simonfraser]

bit of a compromise IMO, just solder and heat shrink after
stick a sliver of glue stick in if you want a better seal

 

[bedouin]

I haven't used the solder ones - i find the crimp connectors with adhesive heatshrink very good

 

[BartW]

I haven't used the solder ones - i find the crimp connectors with adhesive heatshrink very good

+1

 

[RIN]

BruceK , they are definitely solder plus glue and heat shrink joints. I'll have another try with them today.

But that leads me to another problem. How do you seal a 3 wire connection and make it waterproof? I will have take a couple of spurs from existing wires.

 

[bedouin]

BruceK , they are definitely solder plus glue and heat shrink joints. I'll have another try with them today.

But that leads me to another problem. How do you seal a 3 wire connection and make it waterproof? I will have take a couple of spurs from existing wires.

I think the correct answer is to use "gel filled" connectors. Google or search on amazon and you will find a wide range of connectors.

 

[Bran]

I use hilltop products, breakout boots are what you can use.
CCB Heatshrink Adhesive Breakout Boots | Cable Breakout Insulation