In praise of ... what is your belated good find?

[gregcope]

So. Two recent discoveries that I think are great are; Wago 221 connectors and Hyflex Gloves! I knew of both. But had never tried them.

So I recently brought some Wago 221 Terminal Block Connectors. The newer versions can do upto 6mm2 cables. Quick, simple and strong. Coupled with some WISKA Shellbox Mini Gel Insulated Boxes - MJB2 - which are IPX8 rated! I knew of these before but was not a fan until I had to join between two to four wires in a hard to get to place. Pop them in the gell box. Some insulation tape. Done. I shall be getting more. I often used to solder with generous heatshrink (please no solder vs chrimp arguments) for strain relief. However these were in hard to get places and soldering was bordering on dangerous and it was hard to get the iron, wires and solder into the right places.

Second thing are Ansell Hyflex 11-518 Gloves. Never been a fan of gloves due to a loss of dexterity, but these are very fine, meaning I can still handle nuts/washers with ease. Combined with their cut resistance have saved my hands from lots of self inflicted abuse. Also good for winter jobs where you need to keep your hands warm. Available on ebay for a few £ per pair.

What things would you praise that you belatedly discovered?

 

[tudorsailor]

I am a fan of Wago but I wanted something that resembled a choc block so could make in line connections. I found these Wago look-a-likes on ebay that come in 2-2 or 3-3 connections
5Pcs Compact Wire Wiring Connector Conductor Terminal Block SPL-2 SPL-3_vi | eBay

TudorSailor

 

[Refueler]

I am a fan of Wago but I wanted something that resembled a choc block so could make in line connections. I found these Wago look-a-likes on ebay that come in 2-2 or 3-3 connections
5Pcs Compact Wire Wiring Connector Conductor Terminal Block SPL-2 SPL-3_vi | eBay

TudorSailor

We use smaller versions for connecting smoke activators on some models ... quick - dependable ..

 

[Refueler]

Belated discovery ?

Sounds like when I have a clear out of a locker !! Find that item you were hunting high and low for but couldn't find !!

 

[tudorsailor]

We use smaller versions for connecting smoke activators on some models ... quick - dependable ..

HAve you a link to a smaller version?

Tudorsailor

 

[Refueler]

HAve you a link to a smaller version?

Tudorsailor

No - because they are sold in my local electrical supply store ... I buy over counter. They have from tiny up to huge !!

 

[Poignard]

Small fleece travel rugs from Claas Ohlson (sadly no longer on sale). Ideal for putting round youir shoulders on cold evenings in the cockpit.

 

[gregcope]

We use smaller versions for connecting smoke activators on some models ... quick - dependable ..

Are those through connectors like choc blocs?

Looking for something like that for NMEA1803 cables (ie thin ones).

 

[Refueler]

Are those through connectors like choc blocs?

Looking for something like that for NMEA1803 cables (ie thin ones).

No .... these have a lift tab ... paired. I can buy with entry each end opposite or as I have entry same side next to each other.

Basically with finger nail - lift tab - slide in wire - close tab. Do same with tab next to it or opposite side to connect other wire.
You can also buy in single tab - just put both wires that need to connect under same tab.

Saves having to find small gauge screwdriver.

 

[Poignard]

What type of metal is used in their construction?

 

[Refueler]

What type of metal is used in their construction?

Gold contacts ... no idea under the plating .. TBH ... they survive all the crap we throw at them ..

I'll see if I can find a link online.

 

[zoidberg]

Would you use Tef-Gel with them?

 

[Refueler]

Would you use Tef-Gel with them?

Never used it so cannot comment. If I ever needed t make a permanent and sealed article - I used Potting Resin.

Here are the items I use but I cannot find as we have here in different sizes ... but the design is same.

3 SPRING LEVER PUSH FIT REUSABLE CABLE ELECTRICAL WIRE CONNECTORS - 10 Pack - | eBay

and another giving a picture :

They may not have same metal ... need to verify

 

[gregcope]

Those are wago 221 or copies. As in my first post. We are aligned!

 

[Refueler]

Those are wago 221 or copies. As in my first post. We are aligned!

Wago as I see are more rounded ? These are completely square .. but I agree same principle ...

EDIT :
Just looked again ... yes - right ... I've only seen the 222 versions ... but yes the 221 is like the square ones I have ...

 

[gregcope]

221s are a little smaller/squarer than the 222. The newer -6xx version can take 6mm2 wire if that helps, compared to the older -4xx that can only do 4mm2. Used them for things like solar connections.

 

[Old Bumbulum]

My Grandma's recipes for stews, soups and casseroles srored in Kilner Jars that last for months if not more, and are indistinguishable from those cooked recently.
It only takes an investment in (admitteldy costly) Kilner jars and a big cooking spree at home , but your cruise can the benefit from your own real home cooked grub that merely needs warming up.

I suspect the same could be done with Lock'n Lock boxes.

Bye bye Fray Bentos!

 

[gregcope]

Had to lookup what a Kilner Jar were.

Look like a good idea.

 

[Poignard]

Wine bottle cork.

Cut in half lengthways, makes two handy sanding blocks for small areas.

 

[gregcope]

Wine bottle cork.

Cut in half lengthways, makes two handy sanding blocks for small areas.

Great idea. Thanks