Ok I’m doing the wiring education on myself and am wondering if heat shrink is the way to go on all butt connectors?
I’m starting with the Dynon probe specifically but this question is general in nature.
There are times when a good old "Western Union" splice and a piece of heat-shrink is the way to go. But, most of the time the Raychem "environmental" splices work great. They come in 2 flavors, tin-plated, and nickel-plated.
I haven't used the MS25181 "window" type butt splice since the mid '80s, when the Navy ditched them in favor of the Raychem splices. And, I'd never use the automotive "crimp" splices that seem to get crimped with just whatever tool happens to be handy.
The tin-plated Raychems are quite a bit cheaper than the nickel plated ones. And, I've had good results with them. You absolutely must use the proper crimper though. The GMT-232 @irgabriel mentioned is the right tool to use.
And, a proper heat gun with give you a clean heat-shrink sleeve that is sealed at both ends. I have used a lighter in a pinch. But, I think a good heat gun is not that expensive, gives much more consistently better results. And, it has several other uses.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/d-436raychem.php
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/crimptoolgm232.php
Ancor (and others) make crimp connectors with built-in adhesive heat shrink for marine use.
That crimping tool is 233.00. Wow.
That crimping tool is 233.00. Wow.
Making folks feel like if they don't environmentally seal all their connections, they are somehow doing substandard work is incorrect.
$233 for crimpers is super cheap compared to most crimpers, below is my go-to for most crimps, and it’s the same tool I used in the airline.
Making folks feel like if they don't environmentally seal all their connections, they are somehow doing substandard work is incorrect.
I suggest folks stick to mil-spec parts.
... below is my go-to for most crimps, and it’s the same tool I used in the airline.
(I have thousands invested in wiring tools but many can be found at used sellers for less, good tools=good connections )
https://www.newark.com/amp-te-connectivity/59250/crimp-tool-pidg-strato-therm-plasti/dp/50F546?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIruTFlonR9wIVv2pvBB2o7QUuEAQYAiABEgJ4lfD_BwE&mckv=_dc%7Cpcrid%7C578406215036%7Cplid%7C%7Ckword%7C%7Cmatch%7C%7Cslid%7C%7Cproduct%7C50F546%7Cpgrid%7C133263230112%7Cptaid%7Cpla-1598254952066%7C&CMP=KNC-GUSA-GEN-Shopping-Smart-Low-ROAS
For AMP Terminals I like the aircraft quality PEW crimpers made in Germany by Rennsteig. The AEA had Rennsteig tools in their classroom and I was impressed enough to order up a Rennsteig 619 060 3 0.25-6.0MM crimper for my every day use. Cost me $211 in 2016. It does the double crimp (wire contact and insulation strain relief). High quality product:
Rennsteig also makes some great wire strippers that release at the end of their stroke.