Scotch Locks

[jims-terrano]

How many people use scotch locks? I've used them in the past as a temporary connection. I personally feel they're blooming horrible things. To me they're prone to water ingress and corrosion. I also think they'll be a cracking fire starter if you pull too much power through them too.

What's other peoples opinions?

Personally I would rather have a nice soldered joint but that's not always possible.

 

[solarman216]

I assume you a talking about the push fit type cable connectors that clamp over an existing cable, yes you are correct they are not good,do not use them myself and never will, Rick

 

[makeitfit]

When I first found them I thought they were the mutz nutz. so quick n easy . Now I have more toys and can do the job properly.
Still handy for dash board stuff at low load though :thumbs

 

[rustic]

There is a place for them...



The bin...:augie



They are often used for tow bar electrics, and alarms, fantastic for lasting the 12 month warranty period.... then you are on your own.

Any damp causes corrosion, for this reason I am also going off crimped connectors in a marine environment. Factory tinned copper wire is preferred over plain copper.

I bet you don't find them in aircraft or the space shuttle lol...

 

[Lazy-Ferret]

I like to use them when first setting up, to make sure I have everything working, but I then put proper connectors in the wires to "T" off. Luckily I have a huge collection of AMP and MOLEX multi-pin housings in different sizes from when my Father used to make the Fruit Machine looms, so probably tend to go a bit OTT on the connectors.

I would never use them for long term use though, as like has already been said, they are too unreliable.

 

[macabethiel]

Wiring connectors

As has been said by others they are ok in low current situations if in the dry so sometimes the convenience factor wins.

They do not seem to be used as much in the car trade as they were in the 60's as many items such as radio / CD/ phone wiring often come with mini looms and universal Euro multi plug fittings etc.

 

[jims-terrano]

They are often used for tow bar electrics, and alarms, fantastic for lasting the 12 month warranty period.... then you are on your own.
..

Forgot about the towbar, summat else to check on the new one:doh

My first brand new car i paid for a towbar fitting with double electrics. All connections were bare wires twisted together and had no insulation tape on them. Only one connection on the 12s which was reverse lights. Rather than take it back i rewired it with soldered joints and correct feeds too.

 

[firebobby]

I use them on radios and interior lighting stuff, quick and easy to use and they well out last 12 months, I fitted extra lights to my van over 7 years ago and they still work fine.
Horses for courses

 

[johnb5177]

Soldered joints and double layer of heat shrink tubing for me.....
A mate of mine used to build custom choppers, his electrics were rubbish, so untidy. One day had a go at him about it, and gave him a crash course on tidy joints.....makes a whole world of difference.

 

[Adz]

I solder everything but do carry them in me 4x4 for an emergency :thumbs

 

[rustic]

I solder everything but do carry them in me 4x4 for an emergency :thumbs

I have a few in my tool box, different sizes, all from unused fitting kits for spot lights, alarms etc
They work for first fix, ie to make sure everything works, before you do permanent fix, also on company cars that were changed every three years...:augie as they left no obvious evidence of tampering...:augie

 

[micktheshed]

I've used, reliably, them for many years but they must be in a dry position as any damp will build-up & corrode them. Never had any trouble even on 15y old ones but care is required as with everything.
I do admit to always using 2 to make sure of a good contact.
Note that there are several sizes to take various loads.