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Should we have a Tool Tips Thread?

Not needed often but useful when you do
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338728743&icep_item=392825693538
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I use it for cleaning out pcb holes Also good if you need to file a guitar nut slot
 
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I bought a nice set of small files in a plastic case from Aldi the other week for a fiver. Small files are always handy.

I use a pair of nail clippers, the fold up type, for cutting off component leads after soldering. One of my favorite tools :)
 
Arkless Electronics said:
Indeed we will have to disagree 100% there then. Just cause standards have been passed for crimps doesn't mean they are better than solder... they are not in fact... just that "if you are going to use them here's a standard for them". Solder is much quicker, easier, less messing about, the connector cannot become loose or accidentilly be pulled off.... As I say I NEVER under any circumstances use any sort of connector, plug and socket, what have you, internally in an amplifier. Everything is soldered. Things like IEC power receptacles and mains switches with 4mm spade terminals... yep soldered too every time.
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I think there might be some talking at cross-purposes here.

A proper crimp is a better and more reliable electrical connection than a solder joint, BUT, if you've crimped on a spade connector and are then using that to make the primary connection, it most definitely isn't better than soldering the wire without the connector.

A properly done crimp forms a gas tight cold weld that is much more reliable, stronger and longer lasting than a solder joint, but it does require the right tools, the right process and care. Soldering is frequently easier and far cheaper - crimp tools are bloody expensive, often costing hundreds or even thousands for just hand tools.

Also, be wary soldering things like IEC sockets, they almost all use riveting to secure the pins to the terminals, with a layer of plastic in between - heat from soldering can deform the latter and cause failure of the terminal / pin rivetted joint.

Andy.
 
Chops54 said:
I bought a nice set of small files in a plastic case from Aldi the other week for a fiver. Small files are always handy.

I use a pair of nail clippers, the fold up type, for cutting off component leads after soldering. One of my favorite tools :)
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Odd, my Dad used to use wire cutters for cutting his nails.....
 
Andrew L Weekes said:
I think there might be some talking at cross-purposes here.

A proper crimp is a better and more reliable electrical connection than a solder joint, BUT, if you've crimped on a spade connector and are then using that to make the primary connection, it most definitely isn't better than soldering the wire without the connector.

A properly done crimp forms a gas tight cold weld that is much more reliable, stronger and longer lasting than a solder joint, but it does require the right tools, the right process and care. Soldering is frequently easier and far cheaper - crimp tools are bloody expensive, often costing hundreds or even thousands for just hand tools.

Also, be wary soldering things like IEC sockets, they almost all use riveting to secure the pins to the terminals, with a layer of plastic in between - heat from soldering can deform the latter and cause failure of the terminal / pin rivetted joint.

Andy.
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Indeed I'm referring to the actual spade connector as being the problem. Also the crimp itself as most often it is very badly done. Most home crimping results in, as I sad above, a poor connection that is anything but gas tight and often a tug on the wire will pull it out of the supposedly crimped connection. When I need to use a spade terminal (rarely) I solder the wire to it, which can look untidy but is better than home crimping.

FWIW the only circumstances in which I agree that crimping is better all round is for very heavy duty industrial applications, "welding cable++" type heavy duty where it can give a mechanically stronger connection of greater reliability.

With anything like IEC sockets which have plastic parts it is important to prepare the surfaces well and use a hot iron to avoid melting plastic.
 
Arkless Electronics said:
Indeed I'm referring to the actual spade connector as being the problem. Also the crimp itself as most often it is very badly done. Most home crimping results in, as I sad above, a poor connection that is anything but gas tight and often a tug on the wire will pull it out of the supposedly crimped connection. When I need to use a spade terminal (rarely) I solder the wire to it, which can look untidy but is better than home crimping.

With anything like IEC sockets which have plastic parts it is important to prepare the surfaces well and use a hot iron to avoid melting plastic.
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Yes, proper crimp tools are essential*, the idea that you can just squash the crimp with pliers is rubbish.

* And yes they are often very expensive.
 
Barrymagrec said:
Yes, proper crimp tools are essential*, the idea that you can just squash the crimp with pliers is rubbish.

* And yes they are often very expensive.
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Getting this back on topic, does anyone have any recommendations for good crimp tools?
 
I mentioned the T & B crimp tool that I use for Red, Blue and Yellow crimps up thread, I dont have a lot of experience with other types for these crimps (other than the cheap non ratchet types, these are little better than pliers), I have many other crimp tools for various more specialised connectors, these are mostly supplied by the connector manufacturer.
 
Barrymagrec said:
Yes, proper crimp tools are essential*, the idea that you can just squash the crimp with pliers is rubbish.

* And yes they are often very expensive.
Click to expand...

I've used proper crimping machinery in industry for VERY heavy duty stuff, on thyristor switched HF induction ingot furnaces in fact. Hand pumped hydraulic (long levers) with a selection of crimping bits and loads'a money!
 
Can we have a link to that wire stripper thread that was quite enlightening a while back? That may be a positive addition to a tool tip thread!

I'd do it but my wife just caught me typing 'strippers' into the search bar........
 
JimmyB said:
Can we have a link to that wire stripper thread that was quite enlightening a while back? That may be a positive addition to a tool tip thread!

I'd do it but my wife just caught me typing 'strippers' into the search bar........
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Yer have to be careful googling electronics stuff... Could have been "plastic knobs".... be thankful for the small mercies!
 
mansr said:
What about screwdrivers? My favourites are Wera.
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I recently bought a 3.5mm flat blade Wiha for electrical work - not cheap. First impressions were that it was rather skinny and flexy. However after using it I have to say that it is excellent. The narrow profile makes it easy to "twiddle" and the slight flex seems to help keep the blade in the screw slot.
 
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