".Blueskies." wrote in message
...

"abripl" wrote in message
oups.com...
:
: I solder my connections because I do not have the correct crimping
tools,
: not because it is more secure...
:
: Did you have correct crimping tools in the past to verify they are
: superior?
:

Yes, in the many (electrical/electronic) companies where I have worked.


Excellent point, because there are wear limits and approved methods of
testing connections, both for security and to verify that the correct
crimper was used. When applied correctly, the result is a "cold weld",
similar to that achieved in "wire wrap", rather than a gas tight seal.

I haven't checked in a *long* time, and don't have reference material
currently in my posession; but it stands to reason that any effective
testing of the security of a termination/connection would constitute
destructive testing. Therefore, if one is really dedicated to verifying
that the "secure", one would need to make a number of sample
connections--both before and after the actual production run for the
airplane project--and make all of the appropriate measurements on the
samples.

A partial list of good information sources might include:
Amp (for their terminals and related crimpers)
Burndy (for their terminals and related crimpers)
The Boeing Workmanship Manual
The McDonnell-Douglas Workmanship Manual (presumably out of print)
The ATA Spec. 100 Manual
(There are sure to be government publications as well, but I don't
know the titles)

Alternatively, soldering has been used successfully for many years, but
*requires* that the strain relief extend beyond the farthest point to which
solder may be wicked. This nearly always means larger, heavier, and more
expensive connectors and/or terminal strips.

Therefore, if you are trying to "only add lightness", avoid solder!

Peter