Crimping vs. Soldering

[My5ABaby]

Great info thus far!

What size heat shrink would be good to order?
1/4th for 8ga
3/16th for 10-14ga
1/8th for 16+ga?

Does anyone pack dielectrical grease in their connectors before crimping/heat shrinking?

Like these Ted?

https://www.msdignition.com/Products...et_Action.aspx

[RETed]

Originally Posted by My5ABaby

Like these Ted?

https://www.msdignition.com/Products...et_Action.aspx

Yep, that's the ones I got.
Summit Racing or Jegs is going to give you the best price.
Make sure you order the optional dies.
AMP lug = butt connectors, spade / ring / male / female insulated
AMP pin = non-insulated
Deutsch = almost all your sensor pin connectors including Weatherpack in a pinch

The price sounds high, but it's a well-made tool and will make all your crimp connectors professional.
You're going to kick yourself for not getting it sooner.


-Ted

[FC Zach]

Originally Posted by RETed

Yep, that's the ones I got.
Summit Racing or Jegs is going to give you the best price.
Make sure you order the optional dies.
AMP lug = butt connectors, spade / ring / male / female insulated
AMP pin = non-insulated
Deutsch = almost all your sensor pin connectors including Weatherpack in a pinch

The price sounds high, but it's a well-made tool and will make all your crimp connectors professional.
You're going to kick yourself for not getting it sooner.


-Ted

I have those and absolutely love them. I use DMCs at work and think those are precise aand awesome but I just can't see spending that much money on a set for the house when the MSD set does almost the same at a fraction of the price.

[RETed]

Originally Posted by FC Zach

I have those and absolutely love them. I use DMCs at work and think those are precise aand awesome but I just can't see spending that much money on a set for the house when the MSD set does almost the same at a fraction of the price.

Yep.
I have several DMC crimpers (and turrets) just to handle the solid, machined Deutsch pins.
At over $200 a pop each crimper, it pricey, but they sure do a nice job!

Yes, the MSD crimp tool is a bargain compared to the DMC stuff.
If you look hard enough, there are even "generic" versions of the MSD crimp tool (I think Summit Racing makes one?) that's even cheaper if you're trying to save some bucks.

I've never been too bothered with changing the dies out myself.


-Ted

[RETed]

Originally Posted by My5ABaby

Does anyone pack dielectrical grease in their connectors before crimping/heat shrinking?

Not normally...

Weatherpack / Metripack connectors usually have silicone plugs in them.
Deustch also using a single silicone block to back the connector housing (no matter how many wires).

These are usually more than enough to handle automotive environs.


-Ted