Solderless solder connectors are a thing? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nixfu
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 16, 2019, 11:42:48 pm
content: This has been popping up in my facebook feed.https://icycreamyy.com/products/waterproof-solder-wire-connectorsWhat will they think of next, solderless, solder connectors.I don't understand what is wrong with just a quick solder and a bit of heat shrink. It's like 1000x cheaper.

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2019, 11:48:36 pm
content: Quote from: nixfu on March 16, 2019, 11:42:48 pmless convenient having to get solder, soldering iron and heatgun, instead of just a heatgun

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2019, 01:56:49 am
content: It's a product for people who don't have the right tools available. Probably works well enough for joining two wires, but can't handle much else (like attaching a wire to a switch). Overpriced for what it does, of course.

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 07:33:49 pm
content: Quote from: Nusa on March 17, 2019, 01:56:49 amOr for when you just don't want to take the whole damn thing apart to fix it. I've had several occasions where abraded insulator was causing problems and there wasn't room to get in with vinyl tape and do a "proper" job. Not that I think vinyl tape is a very good idea. To get shrink tube on, you're going to have to cut the wire anyway so this seems like an ideal solution. Cut the wire, put on the connector and heat it with a small gun or wand. Job done.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 07:41:55 pm
content: Hopefully that solder ring is accompanied by a suitable composition and quantity of low temperature flux!

author: bsudbrink
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 07:47:40 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on March 18, 2019, 07:41:55 pmHmmm... yes, you're right there. Although it would be easy enough to dab some flux on the end of one of the wires that you are inserting into the connector.

author: dcarr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2019, 07:53:47 pm
content: These (well high quality versions of these) are commonly used in avionics to attach individual wires the shields of shielded wiring.https://www.steinair.com/product/18-solder-sleeve/

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2019, 08:05:46 pm
content: Quote from: nixfu on March 16, 2019, 11:42:48 pmYou can find cheaper sources, and I wouldn't expect normal heatshrink to be quite as durable. Its the usual, pay a bit more for convenience.https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100pcs-Mixed-Heat-Shrink-Terminals-4-Sizes-Waterproof-Solder-Sleeve-Tube-Electrical-Insulated-Butt-Connectors-with/32741389549.htmlhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/100pcs-Solder-Seal-Wire-Terminals-Connectors-Heat-Shrink-Kit-Butt-Wire-Connectors-Waterproof-Copper-Solder-Seal/32917512033.htmlIn the photos you can see what looks to be a yellow flux.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2019, 02:27:18 am
content: this product of a real manufacture is used in serious production (think chassis mount elements that don't have crimp connections)

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2019, 09:01:08 am
content: I just noticed they're on offer on Amazon UK this morning (100pc set) ...https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connectors-Waterproof-Sleeves-Insulated-Electrical/dp/B07J4MDNV7/

author: martin1454
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2019, 02:15:28 pm
content: The look nice - but do they offer any advantages to a crimped connector other than not needing a crimp tool?

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2019, 02:19:10 pm
content: Quote from: martin1454 on March 22, 2019, 02:15:28 pmActually, you lose all the advantages of a crimped connector, since these aren't crimped at all!

author: martin1454
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2019, 02:23:47 pm
content: Exactly my thought - But I guess it is nice if you are out doing field work and does not have the correct crimp tool for the job.

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 23, 2019, 12:56:39 am
content: Looks like a good alternative to crimping. I can see using those.Soldering isn't always the #1 choice. In any vessel or vehicle that moves cables will fatigue and break right where the solder creep ends, and require fixing up to and strain relief somewhere past that point. If you let a cable with a solder joint flap freely it will eventually come apart at either side if of the joint. The need to determine the extent of the creep can be problematic since solder can creep much further up a cable than you'd think. Crimped joints by contrast have a gradual transition from free to fully captive. These things look pretty good too, and are water resistant to boot.

author: Fludo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2019, 11:38:24 am
content: These are used a lot in MIL STD cable harnesses, here's a work instruction from NASA showing how they are used.https://workmanship.nasa.gov/lib/insp/2%20books/links/sections/406%20solder%20sleeves.htmlThe main purpose is to terminate a TSP to the EMI backshell of a connector. The melting temperature of the sleeves require that you use a high temperature wire insulation like PTFE to prevent shorts. They are fast to install but the temperature required to melt them can make a mess of the insulation.