RE: Solder vs. Crimp

["Curry, Rene" <Rene@SINECO.com>]

Here is my $0.02 on soldering versus crimping:
 
Soldering typically has less voltage drop than crimping though very
undetectable.  The drawback to soldering contacts to wire is the skill
factor to achieve a reliable connection.   The biggest problem is that
if any solder wicks up the wire it will create a rigid area that will
not tolerate flexing, it is at this point that you will see failure
rather than at the contact itself. As we know a vehicle is hardly in a
static mode.
 
A good contact has both a wire crimp and an insulation crimp.  The wire
crimp should capture and compress all the wire strands to achieve a gas
tight seal.  (Make sure not to get any insulation in the wire crimp)
This is key to have full current carrying capability and prevent
corrosion.  The insulation crimp should wrap the insulation to provide
stain relief.  This insulation crimp should only be tight enough to hold
it, not overly compressed where it would create a failure point if
flexed.

I definitely prefer crimping over soldering for any automotive
application and you must have the proper crimper to make a reliable
connection.  If you cannot achieve a good crimp, then I would recommend
adding a little solder to the wire strands closest to the contact mating
side only. Then add a piece of heat shrink over the contact crimp ears
and down the wire about 1/2" [12mm] .  If it's in a very corrosive
environment, put some silicone under the heat shrink in the crimp area.
 
Rene Curry
Grosse Ile, MI
84 5KST  

>-----Original Message-----
>From:	Bernard Littau [SMTP:bernardl@acumenassociates.com]
>Sent:	Monday, May 10, 1999 1:38 AM
>To:	John Cunningham; The Quattro List
>Subject:	Re: Solder vs. Crimp
>
>>Anyone have contrary opinions to the latest Quarterly article asserting
>>'technical inferiority of a soldered joint' over a crimped one?
>>Specifically the idea that when crimping 'wires are fused together'
>>while soldering 'wires are stuck together'?
>
>All I can do to shed light on this is to pass along what the marine industry
>recommends, which is crimp over solder.
>
>My personal opinion is that a good solder joint will be superior to anything
>else.  However, a good solder joint is hard to come by and harder to test
>for.  Crimp joints are very consistent if you use good tools.  I now use a
>compound crimp tool that make consistent joints that are as good or superior
>to any solder joint I can do.
>
>The way I see it:  Solder can be superb, but it takes art.  Crimp can be
>superb with good tools.   You pick what the average worker can do better.
>YMMV.
>
>Bernard Littau
>Woodinville, WA
>'88 5kcstq
>