What makes the best electrical join?

[colvic987]

i use this company, for lugs crimps etc, even the tools are realistically priced.

http://www.crimpterminals.co.uk/copper-lug-terminals/cat_5.html

 

[Trundlebug]

On the issue of crimping tools, I don't have anything to add for small wires.

However for larger wires and cables (e.g. battery cables) that are too large for the average crimping tool, there is a cheap and very effective way of crimping them without resorting to extortionately priced specialist tools.

I have a small anvil, (although a piece of steel plate would do), and a specially blunted cold chisel. Two good thumps with a lump hammer on the cold chisel and it's well and truly crimped.

I completely rewired my charging system and made dozens of crimps that way, and it was both effective and satisfying! Thought it was worth a mention

 

[colvic987]

However for larger wires and cables (e.g. battery cables) that are too large for the average crimping tool, there is a cheap and very effective way of crimping them without resorting to extortionately priced specialist tools.

even the larger crimping tools which can be approx £130, can be got from the obvious internet auction site. I have found that the hydraulic crimping tools ranging from 4mm2 to 70mm2 will fit copper lugs to most battery leads satisfactory.

 

[Trundlebug]

even the larger crimping tools which can be approx £130, can be got from the obvious internet auction site. I have found that the hydraulic crimping tools ranging from 4mm2 to 70mm2 will fit copper lugs to most battery leads satisfactory.

Sorry but I class £130 for a tool I'll use only every 5 years or so as extortionate! I bought 2 new leisure battieries for that money!

An old cold chisel, a piece of steel plate, and a lump hammer I already have - no contest

 

[colvic987]

Sorry but I class £130 for a tool I'll use only every 5 years or so as extortionate! I bought 2 new leisure battieries for that money!

An old cold chisel, a piece of steel plate, and a lump hammer I already have - no contest

you can get them from the internet auction site for less than £130 which was my point,

for £25/60 a hydraulic crimping tool i mentioned in the post is adequate.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HYDRAULIC-CRI...ls_Supplies_Electrical_ET&hash=item45f5382848

(for illustration only)