crimp vs soider

[Spooney 10+ year member]

When every tenth counts(like in an spl install) it is solder no doubt. For the average street install a proper crimp connection is sufficient . If you have doubts about your crimps solder that *****.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

For basic installation w/ aftermarket to stock harness adapter...I use crimps. For instance, Hu install using a metra harness to the stock HU harness.

Some people want to solder these installs, but look at it like this. You are using a molded plug for the harness...how much difference will a crimped connection make given that you are going thru a pin/plug?

I do like to make a dedicated ground to vehicle body for DDin and flip-up HU installs, just to keep from picking up ground noise in the screen.

i agree on all accounts. the main goal i have with behind the dash connections is confidence in longevity. crimping, if not properly executed, can damage wire strands or not be completely tight. if you have ratcheting crimpers and properly sized terminals it can be just fine. if you solder and heat shrink you KNOW it's not going to fail. i'm not as concerned with reducing resistance in those connections, but being confident a customer doesn't come back with an issue.

for power wire and high current draw systems - solder is the way to go.

 

[tylork92 10+ year member]

i always end up melting the insulation on my solder joints. so i usually get mad cause i cant get it right and use my hammer crimp.