Favorite wire splices

[maylar 10+ year member]

What do you guys use for wire splice terminals? Looking for a kit of butt terminals and T-taps.

Click to read more...

 

[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

What do you guys use for wire splice terminals? Looking for a kit of butt terminals and T-taps.

For wire splice terminals, many users prefer using a combination of butt connectors and T-tap connectors for flexibility and ease of installation.

### Recommendations:

1. Butt Connectors:
- Quality: Look for heat-shrink butt connectors, as they provide a waterproof seal and ensure a strong connection.
- Gauge Size: Make sure to get a kit that covers multiple wire gauge sizes (16-14, 12-10, etc.) to accommodate your setup.
- Heat Gun/Crimp Tool: A good crimping tool is essential for proper installation, especially for heat-shrink connectors.

2. T-Tap Connectors:
- These are great for adding additional wires without cutting into the main wire. Make sure you get a high-quality kit that includes various sizes to fit different wire gauges.
- Installation Tip: When using T-taps, ensure that they are properly crimped to avoid any loose connections, which can lead to intermittent issues.

### Kits to Consider:

• EZ Connectors Kit: This typically includes a variety of butt connectors as well as T-taps, making it a versatile choice.
• E-Z Red Butt Connector Kit: They offer a good variety of butt connectors with added heat-shrink features for durability.
• Amazon Basics Wire Connector Kit: This option provides both butt connectors and T-taps at a budget-friendly price.

### Installation Tips:

• Make sure to strip the wire ends properly before inserting them into any connectors, ensuring a solid connection.
• Use a multi-meter to check connections after installation.

Make sure to check reviews and user feedback on specific kits to find the right one for your needs. If anyone has more recommendations or personal experiences with specific products, feel free to chime in!

 

[Old_Slapper]

What do you guys use for wire splice terminals? Looking for a kit of butt terminals and T-taps.

It depends on the gauge of wire and what the wires are for. I never use t-taps. They are very unreliable. For 10 gauge, and up, I use butt connectors to streamline things, but crimp caps if I have the space. Crimp caps offer a more reliable connection due to less crimping points. If it is for an alarm, I will solder the connections for the best reliability. I use all nylon coated connectors. If they are heavier gauge that is used for 20 amps, or higher, I will use screw down type connectors or solder them. Bigger than 10 gauge, I will solder or use screw down connectors. There have been a few times I used copper butt connectors, but I put a little solder on the joints to help.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FG6QTC1/?tag=caraudiocom-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FG3ZTRV/?tag=caraudiocom-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FG49BZX/?tag=caraudiocom-20

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

I'm looking at small gauge wires, nothing bigger than 16 ga. Need to bypass the factory amp, snipping speaker lines and running them to my own amp. Just looking for something more reliable than the standard automotive "red" crimps for butt connectors. The T-tap would only be for the switched 12V power line, no bigger than 16.

 

[RobGMN Premium Member]

My preference is to solder and shrink tube when I can. Takes longer, but you always know what you have.

Butt connectors can be fine. I like to make sure the wires reach almost through the other side so they are mechanically and electrically meshed, and not just bridged by the tube of the splice. It also means that each wire is pinched in two places.

As said, T-taps are not reliable, and can actually casue issues in the long run. Crimp caps can work well, but are not visually a joy if you have a lot to do. If using them and in multiples, not a bad idea to zip-tie the wires as a bundle to act as strain relief.

 

[ThxOne Premium Member]

What do you guys use for wire splice terminals? Looking for a kit of butt terminals and T-taps.

T-Taps are nice when used correctly. People who have problems or claim they can cause problems are probably using the wrong size or incorrectly using them. Use the size that matches the wire needing to be tapped. I like to cut the wires jacket with a blade so that it separates easier when the tap is installed and clamped tight. Secure the wire to something that doesn't move and it will give you no issues... not even down the line.

 

[Old_Slapper]

I'm looking at small gauge wires, nothing bigger than 16 ga. Need to bypass the factory amp, snipping speaker lines and running them to my own amp. Just looking for something more reliable than the standard automotive "red" crimps for butt connectors. The T-tap would only be for the switched 12V power line, no bigger than 16.

If you are using the right crimper, like a Klien 1006 or 1005 crimpers, the red butt connectors will be just fine. If you want it to be a little stronger, use crimp caps. To tag the power wire, I would solder it or cut it and use a crimp connector.