Cable Eyelets....

Austen · 12 April 2005, 17:02

“I’ll ask on RIB.net, there know…..”

Does anyone know were (how many threads start this way!) I can get a cable eyelet that has screw fixings rather than crimp or solder?

One of the crimped eyelets on the cable running from the battery has fallen-off (the other 3 look a little loose), I have managed to get the crimps from RS but the correct crimp tool is over £ 200! I can do the bizz with a set of molgrips but then I would be as bad as the cowboy who did it last time

I don’t think an electric soldering iron will get hot enough (or quick enough) and (call me a wuss if you want) I don’t fancy putting a flame in the console with 30Lts of 2 stroke and a 4” fuel pipe running within inches!

So, I’m looking for a 10x16mm eyelet that has a screw clamp rather than a crimp.

Thanks!

Erin · 12 April 2005, 17:17

I don't know what size of crimp a 10x16 is exactly but I presume it's for large heavy duty battery cable. The two options that spring to mind are to firstly have a look on the Maplin website (maplin.co.uk). They used to do a battery post connector with screws to clamp the battery cable in. I think this was gold plated and intended for car audio enthusiasts really, but it may do. The second options is to speak to an electrician. They quite often have the heavy duty crimping tools and may do you a deal for a short loan.

Incidentally, an electric soldering iron would be useless. I did mine by heating the crimp up with a blow torch, filling it with molten solder and then plunging the end of the wire into it. It needed lots of flux to stop the cable oxidising and lots of heat to stop the 'cold' cable making the solder solidify too soon. Took a few practice attempts, but I got a really good joint eventually. This was also to replace a dodgy connector that had been badly crimped.

codprawn · 12 April 2005, 19:26

What you need are the old fashioned soldering IRONS with a wooden handle that you heat over a gas flame for 30 mins before you use it. My mate who is an auto electrician still uses one of these things - he HATES any type of crimp connector as they will always fail in the end - especially if they are used in a corrosive environment(boat)!!!

One of these would be quite safe inside your console - I can quite understand you not wanting an open flame in there!!!

jwalker · 12 April 2005, 21:14

If you really can't get it soldered, there are heavy connectors (Perhaps this is what you have.) and a good whallop with a big hammer will fix them. Honest.

Rogue Wave · 12 April 2005, 21:20

wj is correct but it helps if you can get some sort of Anvil behind the hammer. I normally use a club hammer as the Anvil

jwalker · 12 April 2005, 21:22

Ta Wave, I should've mentioned that.

Simon B · 13 April 2005, 14:46

Last time I needed something crimping big style a local electrical wholesaler did it for me as I'd bought the bits there. They may have the correct lug for sale.

Another electricain mate of mine said to tin the cable and crimp then crimp it then fuse the whole lot with more solder. It should ideally have a mechanical force applied to hold it on. The solder only route may fail if there is a large load applied which may melt it.

ashbypower · 13 April 2005, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon B

The solder only route may fail if there is a large load applied which may melt it.

Solder melts @ 360-370 F degrees Thats some load/current

Brian

codprawn · 13 April 2005, 20:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashbypower

Solder melts @ 360-370 F degrees Thats some load/current

Brian

Too right - if the load is THAT high and it gets that hot you have a serious problem - maybe a fuse would help?????????

MeMe · 14 April 2005, 12:46

.....if you like. I've just spoken to my local dealer who has them is stock. Positive or Negative ? Let me know if you want me to post a couple out to you - no worries.

Graeme