[Shop-talk] Tapping off a crimp connector?

[Jeff Scarbrough]

I think sometimes we might lose sight of the fact that we aren't
driving to the Moon in our cars.

Yes, MilSpec connecting is a critical science, and must be done
exactly as specified.  Yes, it works great under severe circumstances
where lives are at stake.  Yes, sometimes soldering can lead to
problems, and sometimes inadequate crimping can as well.

But, I've done all sorts of automobile wiring connections over the
last 40 years, including twisted wires under black electrical tape,
and the only kind I've had fail was the IDCs that Volkswagen used in a
fuel pump relay recall campaign.  And even then, it was probably less
than 10% failure.

Given a preference, I'd use a $300 crimper to make my connections.
But, I'm too cheap to spend $300 on a tool I'll use rarely -
especially when that task can be carried out quite adequately with a
lesser crimper, solder, and heat-shrink tubing.

Put some thought into the connection, and how it will be used,
protected, and secured, and you'll likely be just fine.

Jeff Scarbrough
Corrosion Acres, Ga.