T-TAP Electrical Connectors ?

[JJPage]

Has anyone ever used a 'spot' of clear silicone in the center of one of these connectors prior to crimping them down? In an effort to enhance the integrity(prevent corrosion) of these cheap little devices.



I know it's April Fools day, but I'm serious... I would rather not use them, but sometimes... .



Jess

 

[UAV]

If you want to enhance integrity and prevent corrosion... . don't use them, they are garbage.

 

[FourBarR]

I agree garbage ,more problems caused by these things than any other connector I know of.

 

[mwilson]

Worst thing ever invented... #@$%!



If you insist on using one, then Dielectric Grease would be a better bet than silicone. IMHO.

 

[JJPage]

Come on Guys, say how you really feel :-laf:-laf:-laf.

 

[p-Bar]

Silicone is not good to use on electrical connection due to the acid used in the product. Silicone grease is a lot better. I am a solder and heat shrink guy.

 

[Dl5treez]

If a person has time to use a T-Tap/Scotch Lok, they should have time to at least use a heat shrink butt connector.

 

[JJPage]

If a person has time to use a T-Tap/Scotch Lok, they should have time to at least use a heat shrink butt connector.

Time really is not the issue, at least not for me, it's those confined places where there's not enough space for a butt splice... . which is where you really do not want a suspect connection.



I am not defending these type of connectors, I would much rather butt splice and/or solder. After 30 yrs in the Telecommunications business, where we use lots of 3M Scotch Lok (beanies) connectors, in the outside plant successfully, why has someone not come up with an improved version... .

 

[seafish]

Well, here is the improved version that you are talking about--

Posi-Lock(R) - The Best Connectors You'll Ever Use!

Although I am still not sure that I would use them on my truck.
Splice and solder and shrinktube is failsafe when done right and it is relatively easy to do right.

 

[JJPage]

Well, here is the improved version that you are talking about--



Posi-Lock(R) - The Best Connectors You'll Ever Use!



Although I am still not sure that I would use them on my truck.

Splice and solder and shrinktube is failsafe when done right and it is relatively easy to do right.

Those are interesting, but if I had room to use them, I could solder the splice. Plus, the price on them is outrageous.

 

[PToombs]

If I have to use a Scotchlock or T-Tap, I always use a gob of silicone on them if they are in the weather. I figure the dielectric grease will wash out. I've had good luck doing it this way, and I don't always have the luxury of time, space, or tools available to solder and heat shrink. I do it when I can though.

I never heard about the acid in the silicone.

 

[snappy]

acetic acid

There is acetic acid in the silicone. The smell is a dead give-a-way, same as vinegar.

 

[flyby night]

I hate the rotten little buggers! If you must use them though I would recommend Boeshield. or electra dry. They are like a dielectric spray that penetrate and leave a protective film that won't wash out without the use of a solvent such as brake clean. both are excellent on battery terminals as well. I have also been told that stabilant 22 is a great product, but I have no experience with it. I get the Boeshield from West Marine.

Boeshield

I get the Electra Dri from Maintenance Solutions:
Maintenance Solutions Inc.

 

[rbattelle]

Well, here is the improved version that you are talking about--



Posi-Lock(R) - The Best Connectors You'll Ever Use!



Although I am still not sure that I would use them on my truck.

Splice and solder and shrinktube is failsafe when done right and it is relatively easy to do right.

I bought a sample pack of these Posi-Lock things several years ago. Never used one. I don't trust them.



Like everyone else says, solder and heat shrink tube, self-fusing silicone tape, or sometimes liquid electrical tape for me.



Having said that, if I were in prison and my choice was to either be locked in a cell with "Rollo The Man-Lover" or make a connection using a T-tap device, I would probably go ahead and take the T-tap option. But I'd cover the tap with a big piece of heat shrink tube or wrap it with self-fusing silicone tape.



Ryan

 

[mwilson]

One thing about it, Ryan.



Both Rollo and the Scotchlock will have green teeth after a while. . :-laf:-laf

 

[SMorneau]

From what I have observed people are likely to use an acid flux when they solder using additional flux, as is often needed if the wires being repaired were exposed and don't want to take solder. Exposed wire + acid flux = potential failure.