crimping vs. soldering

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Solder also degrades over time...I still stick with crimping, copper to copper every time

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

that may be so, BUT, the solder can't support the weight of heavy wire pulling down on it especially in the ht engine bay, metal expands and contracts, causing looseness. it will work its way loose. maybe a light solder and then crimp.

Solder joints are not meant to support weight. Improper utilization is the fault of the user, not the method.

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Solder also degrades over time...I still stick with crimping, copper to copper every time

Now you are just looking for reasons to be right. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

How quickly do you expect silver solder to 'degrade'?

Shrink tube should be used no matter which connection type you use. And if you are worried about, or think a crinp joint is somehow superior due to the difference in coefficient of expansion between unlike metals, crimp then solder. Pretty simple stuff, I dont see why we need a multi-page discussion on it.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

I like crimping because it gives me an excuse to use a sledgehammer, so what, wanna fight about it?

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

I like crimping because it gives me an excuse to use a sledgehammer, so what, wanna fight about it?

For large wire to terminal connections, a ratcheting crimper should be used. Im the first to admit that Ive used hammers and vices to crimp large connections before, but since we are splitting hairs over minor details, we might as well discuss the proper (and improper) way to make those connections. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

For large wire to terminal connections, a ratcheting crimper should be used. Im the first to admit that Ive used hammers and vices to crimp large connections before, but since we are splitting hairs over minor details, we might as well discuss the proper (and improper) way to make those connections. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif

Oh now I know your not talking shit about my sledgehammer method...I use a swedge-on which is the proper crimping tool //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Solder also degrades over time...I still stick with crimping, copper to copper every time

you mean after 50+ years? i'm not sure that is applicable. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif there are electronics from the 30's and 40's that have solder joints that are just fine.

i agree that poorly done solder joints aren't desirable.

as has been mentioned, solder is intended to reduce resistance between wire and connector. solder is not meant to be a method of mechanical fastening nor is it intended to withstand strain. that is why you should always secure your wire independent of your connection. i rarely see this done, and only in competition vehicles who follow the installation rules. most people just rely on the ring terminal to hold the wire - which is poor form.

crimping alone puts stress on the wire strands and some are damaged in the process. additionally, only the outer strands have contact with the connector, the inner strands have more resistance to the connector. lastly, crimp connections are subject to oxidation, which further increases resistance. without solder, a crimp connection increases in resistance over time. i've also seen many crimp connections pull off over time.

crimp then solder then heat shrink is the most reliable and least resistance connection method. period.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

If crimping damages the conductors and soldering provides a less resistive connection, why do both? Why not just solder/heatshrink?

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

If crimping damages the conductors and soldering provides a less resistive connection, why do both? Why not just solder/heatshrink?

If you solder, the damaged strands will no longer be a problem. Im mostly of the opinion that crimping before soldering is just to hold things together until the solder hardens, but everyone has their own theories. If you are going to skip one or the other, skip crimping, and yes just solder then shrink tube it.