Connecting 12 volt wires

Quality crimp and heat shrink connectors installed with the correct quality crimp tool is the most "efficient" way to quality repair the common electrical wire on today's automotive and heavy truck wiring.

That being said there are ways to make a higher quality repair, but most methods take longer and efficiency is lost.

Anything less up here in the rust belt is simply a waste of time and resources. If your gonna use an open butt splice you might as well use a household wire nut.

 

Personally I hate those heat shrink butt connectors. I find that no matter what tool I use to crimp them, the heat shrink over the barrel gets pierced. My go to are uninsulated barrel connectors and then slide a piece of quality heat shrink w/sealant over the uninsulated connector. Plus it has the added benefit of not being overly bulky like the heat shrink butt connectors.

 

It may not be efficient in the short term. But I always clean the wire to clean copper, solder and heat shrink anywhere the insulation exposes the wire. And I never look at again.

The only exception is when the truck is headed to de-rig to get sold. Then I’ll use anything to make that piece of copper connect to the other.

You should be able to find a butane torch and a heat shrink (w/glue) at any parts store. The glue is inside the shrink tube and is activated buy the heat. Solder also there if you feel like going that far. And a jug of radiator cleaner (acid) to clean the wires if they are black or corroded.

 

You just hook the red wire to the...

 

That's the way to do it! All ways use the correct size connector for the wires you are connecting.
Have to agree with Amodelcat, less bulky.
The best way is to solder the wire and protected by heat shrink..And remember to secure the wire with cable ties after you are done.
You can buy heat shrink connector online.

 

My opinion is to solder the wires together then shrink wrap. No chance of moisture when soldering, unlike when using butt connectors.