proper way to connect ring terminals to 1/0?

[jtomsic 5,000+ posts]

what is better? soldering the ring terminal to my 1/0 or crimping them.. i soldered my ground terminal so far because they are a ***** to crimp but will go by a vice if it does the job better

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[hispls 5,000+ posts]

go to weldingsupply.com and search "swedge tool". They make crimp tools as well but they're a lot of money and the really good ones are either electric or pneumatic AFAIK.

You can do it with vice grips if you're patient too.

 

[sacsking916 5,000+ posts]

I use a bench vise at my job. Took all the measurements an right before I leave I crimp, then I heatshrink to be safe. Do those swedge tools work for split ring terminals too?

 

[nateberrier 10+ year member]

I ALWAYS use my vice, just crank them down really good then tape/ heat shrink around them. make sure you put the terminals on before the wire is in the car though, and make sure the terminals fit through the car.

 

[BlactimusCrime 10+ year member]

I ALWAYS use my vice, just crank them down really good then tape/ heat shrink around them. make sure you put the terminals on before the wire is in the car though, and make sure the terminals fit through the car.

or leave enough extra wire so you can back up to your bench vice and crank them down lol

 

[R34P3R 10+ year member]

Lol my broke ass sits outside on my front steps with a hammer and smacks them closed. Then I slide on the heatshrink and electrical tape the shit out of it.

 

[bhsdriller 10+ year member]

once you use one of these you won't want to do it any other way

Hydraulic Wire Crimping Tool

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

go to weldingsupply.com and search "swedge tool". They make crimp tools as well but they're a lot of money and the really good ones are either electric or pneumatic AFAIK.
You can do it with vice grips if you're patient too.

Exact name is "swedge-on" and it only costs like $7 plus shipping but it's worth its weight in gold because of how much time it saves...

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

I use a bench vise at my job. Took all the measurements an right before I leave I crimp, then I heatshrink to be safe. Do those swedge tools work for split ring terminals too?

I've used a bunch of style crimp terminals and it works fine

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

I have a Weller bench top butane torch, for soldering ring terminals.

I used to crimp in the vice, the problem is stress to the wire causes an increase in resistance. You also get oxidation and you can usually pull the wire out if you want,

Soldering is the ideal method. It doesn't stress the wire strands and it tins the copper to prevent oxidation. I will lightly crimp first to ensure good contact. Then I heat shrink to insulate and provide strain relief.

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

I use bolt cutters to crimp. I have crimped 4/0 lugs with bolts cutters, worked great.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Good idea!

 

[Jasonc13 10+ year member]

I just bought one of these hydraulic crimpers from Harbor Freight. Find a 20% coupon in the back of many magazines, and you have quality crimpers for $40.

Hydraulic Wire Crimping Tool

I also solder them once crimped for many of the reasons stated above.

 

[groundpound4200 5,000+ posts]

Those hammer crimpers work on split connectors, just put the open side down when you go to crimp

 

[craigzter 10+ year member]

Crimp...That make me laugh hehe.

But seriously, I have the crimper from harbor freight as well, def worth the $40(with discount)!!