[Shop-talk] Tapping off a crimp connector?

[Randall]

> They had lengths (a couple of 
> inches) of heat
> shrink already attached as well as having some sealer inside 
> the tubing.

FWIW, you can also buy just the tubing with the sealer inside.  Any good electronics supply should have it, or I get mine at
McMaster-Carr.

My preference is to start with an uninsulated terminal (cut off the plastic if necessary), crimp it on the wire, then solder the end
of the wire where it protrudes from the crimp.  The crimp gives a sound mechanical connection that will resist vibration better than
a solder joint; while the solder ensures a sound electrical connection (and the crimp prevents the wire from vibrating at the
surface of the solder).

Then add a piece of shrink tubing over the crimp and up onto the wire for 3/4" or so.  For a female terminal, add a second piece
that fits over the large part of the terminal and partially covers the opening.  The open end will stretch to let the male terminal
in, and help seal the joint.

http://tinyurl.com/l73f8dh

One other point, be sure the wire surface is clean and bright before the crimp.  If the wire itself is old, you may need to clean
the strands.
http://tinyurl.com/ksfgktk

Randall