What kit should I buy for doing car electric work?

Post by **matthew1** » 21 Jan 2012, 19:38

Like splicing into dash light switch wires to add power to a boost gauge, etc?

For that I cut existing wires, stripped off the ends, spliced in the wire going to the gauge, then finished it with one of those wire nuts (small).

: wire-nuts.jpg (16.52 KiB) Viewed 2142 times

Questions: What should I buy (tool + connectors) to do this sort of thing regularly? Was the wire nut a bad choice? I usually see those in home 120v applications.

Post by **fazool** » 21 Jan 2012, 19:56

Wire nuts are not really the best choice. They are relatively large and clunky and you have to twist the wires from the same direction (which pulls them tighter).

If you have a snug wire and cut it, then resolder or splice it in line you dont lose much. If you have to turn one cut end around to twist the same direction as another you lose length.

For auto applications and max reliability, I prefer to solder my connections. Get a GOOD quality pencil soldering iron. Use GOOD quality electrical tape. ANother option is crimp in place connectors like these:

http://www.towingandtrailers.co.uk/cgi- ... _ETC110x25

You also want some extra paired wiring and test clips. A cheap voltmeter. Shrink tubing.

Post by **Jack Rock** » 22 Jan 2012, 06:25

I would only use these for non-essential things like radios and gauges but they are really fast, easy and not too bulky.

D_V_ENT850R · Post by **D_V_ENT850R** » 22 Jan 2012, 07:14

^^^^^^ we call those comeback clips. Those are fast but if your not careful it can cut the wire cause excess resistance and in some cases cut through the wire! If anything just use regular butt connectors heat shrink tubing will make it more permanent! They do make heat shrink butt connectors! But nothing is better than soldering the wires and covering with heat shrink! Just depends on how you would rather do it, half assed or good! The next person that works on it will comment on the repair either way....... Just my thoughts but yes I have all the tools to do it properly. If you are going to maybe need to change something out later butt connectors without heat shrink is easier to clip and reconnect! If I think I may need to get back in there for something I would put some extra length of wire in there for further use! My $.02!!