Substitute for GM crimper tool
11-07-2011 | 11:11 PM
#11
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Certified GM nut
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 17
From: New Milford, CT
Wal-mart, in the auto section, carries the solder you need, along with the heat shrink tube, which is about 80% cheaper than Radio Shack. Practice a bit on some old wire, you will find it is not that hard. Since you are not doing work on a printed circuit board, a high power solder gun is the easiest to work with.
Thanks for telling me that Walmart has solder and heat shrink. I would have gone right to Radio Shack.
11-08-2011 | 07:33 AM
#12
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True Car Nut
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,616
Likes: 581
From: western,ny state
cold solder joint is not any better than the crimp probably worse. it would have to be a good pencil set on the highest setting. twist the wires together and apply heat from one side and solder to the other. you can put a little solder on the tip to get better transfer. you know when the wire is hot enough when you can melt the solder right into the wire.
the guns are relatively cheap, most people who do anything with cars have one. it would be a whole lot easier if you could get one.
the guns are relatively cheap, most people who do anything with cars have one. it would be a whole lot easier if you could get one.
11-08-2011 | 10:21 AM
#13
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 15
From: Enfield, CT
Colin...I find there is a great price on a Weller 100/140 watt gun at Home Depot. Typically they are in the plumbing aisle with the flux, copper pipe and acetalyne torches.
You want rosin core solder (acid based to clean as it solders). I've always found ratshack to have a better price for quality product, but could use alternative sources as it can be pricy.
As for heat shrink.. Harbor Freight is your friend there.
You want rosin core solder (acid based to clean as it solders). I've always found ratshack to have a better price for quality product, but could use alternative sources as it can be pricy.
As for heat shrink.. Harbor Freight is your friend there.
11-08-2011 | 10:44 AM
#14
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Certified GM nut
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,284
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From: New Milford, CT
Colin...I find there is a great price on a Weller 100/140 watt gun at Home Depot. Typically they are in the plumbing aisle with the flux, copper pipe and acetalyne torches.
You want rosin core solder (acid based to clean as it solders). I've always found ratshack to have a better price for quality product, but could use alternative sources as it can be pricy.
As for heat shrink.. Harbor Freight is your friend there.
You want rosin core solder (acid based to clean as it solders). I've always found ratshack to have a better price for quality product, but could use alternative sources as it can be pricy.
As for heat shrink.. Harbor Freight is your friend there.
11-09-2011 | 01:29 AM
#17
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True Car Nut
Joined: May 2009
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I've got a Weller soldering gun and that thing is a tank, and also my favorite tool. Heats up quick and gets right down to business, then you can slide the shrink wrap over the solder and use the side of the guns tip to warm the shrink wrap.
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