Solder seal heat shrink butt connectors

[jviss]

This could be the deal of the century, and product of the century! Ha, ha.

Has anyone tried, or analyzed, this kind of butt connector for yacht use? It's an adhesive-lined heat shrink butt connector, but instead of a crimp connector, it uses a low temperature solder connection. It's much, much less expensive than a similar crimp, which is in the 70¢ per neighborhood; these come out to 6¢ from this supplier! And, I like them, based on what I've read. I'm interested in hearing others' opinions and knowledge. Thanks.

Kable Kontrol® Heat Shrink Butt Connector Kit

 

[dlochner]

This is a re occurring topic. Search the archives. There are multiple problems, not the least of which is the low temp needed to get the solder to flow. MaineSail debunked these years ago.

 

[stickinthemud57]

All new to me, but I was dubious about the ability of the plastic to stand up to the temps necessary to make the solder flow.

That said, I am totally impressed by the shrink tubing I have been getting from Amazon, like this:

Amazon.com

This stuff has a remarkable 3:1 shrink ratio with an adhesive interior, so it seals up nicely. It is thicker than your ordinary shrink tubing, so much more durable. I have used it for a number of applications, electrical and non-electrical, and have yet to be disappointed in its performance.

 

[Davidasailor26]

I think this was the last time these came up - Heat shrink solder connectors

 

[JamesG161]

The key to using this type, Per ABYC standards, is this...

They must not be stressed. Meaning free of push or pull.

I used them with a simple heat gun to see the solder melt.

Experts agreed, but MaineSail said he would not use them.

Jim...

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

I tried them. Garbage

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

I am guess they are a step up from the wire nuts the previous owner was fond of.....

 

[JBP-PA]

I've used them to wire a trailer in a pinch (not in the boat). They do work. It is difficult not to burn the plastic while melting the solder but you can do it. I used a lighter flame as I did not have a heat gun available. On the plus side, you don't need a crimper or other tool. You can do the connection with just a pocket knife and a cigarette lighter. Good to carry while camping in case you need to fix a wire with no tools, but not the best choice if you have proper crimpers available.

 

[jviss]

I saw the pic comparing the solder seal to crimp/heat shrink butt connectors, and confess that I, too, experience that squished look with crimp connectors. I have a ratcheting crimper, but it kinda flattens things instead of producing a nice round or hex crimp.

 

[Maine Sail]

I saw the pic comparing the solder seal to crimp/heat shrink butt connectors, and confess that I, too, experience that squished look with crimp connectors. I have a ratcheting crimper, but it kinda flattens things instead of producing a nice round or hex crimp.

Factory made heat shrink terminals require the right crimp tool.

As to those cheap Chinese terminal that are solder only. One word, no especially if your vessel is insured.

There are terminals that do meet ABYC standards that are crimp/solder..
Crimp/Solder Butt Splices

 

[jviss]

Factory made heat shrink terminals require the right crimp tool.

Hi Rod,
Can you recommend a crimp tool for small terminals that works better than the garden-variety ratcheting crimper?