Fine wire into lug trick

[Quattrohead]

Does the plastic get in the way that much?

It would so I peel the wire out.

 

[shvm]

This doesn't work ??

 

[J.H.]

Zip ties have gotten so expensive! Maybe those twist ties that come with everything that we normally throw away would work instead?

Everyone is putting the zip tie on normal and it locks…to avoid having to cut it off put the zip tie on with it on backwards ( non locking position) tighten it up as needed holding the tail …slide it up the strands as needed….

it won’t lock and pops right off after the strands are partially inside the lug and you let the tail go
go….push the rest of the wire inside the reuse the zip tie.
I have done this using the small 4 - 5 inch ties about 50 times this year using the same zip tie..

Works perfect everytime.

 

[cs1234]

Everyone is putting the zip tie on normal and it locks…to avoid having to cut it off put the zip tie on with it on backwards ( non locking position) tighten it up as needed holding the tail …slide it up the strands as needed….

it won’t lock and pops right off after the strands are partially inside the lug and you let the tail go
go….push the rest of the wire inside the reuse the zip tie.
I have done this using the small 4 - 5 inch ties about 50 times this year using the same zip tie..

Works perfect everytime.

What magic is this you speak of? Now I have to go try a zip tie backwards.

EDIT.. first one I tried, it would only go in about an inch on a 14" zip tie. Maybe not all zip ties support it? Maybe I'm just too dense to figure it out.

 

[Zwy]

This doesn't work ??

I do it that way if I know it will be tight.

I wouldn't use that type of crimper.

 

[J.H.]

What magic is this you speak of? Now I have to go try a zip tie backwards.

EDIT.. first one I tried, it would only go in about an inch on a 14" zip tie. Maybe not all zip ties support it? Maybe I'm just too dense to figure it out.

I have seen a few of those here and there…Some of the newer one are made to help people nit used to using them from putting them on backwards ( they won’t lock) and when underload they will pop open…
A 14 inch zip tie is way bigger than needed for this use..find a pack of the smaller 5 inch ones…
they will work great.

P.S. I have some about 3 feet long….they are super strong…. They would be great for securing a home invaders hands , arms and legs and feet and make him lay in the front yard all ready for the cops to load up…

Ya gotta use the right zip tie for the right job…

 

[J.H.]

I do it that way if I know it will be tight.

I wouldn't use that type of crimper.

That intro is so gaggy it funny…. I’m sure some folks actually try to just smush it in….

I wouldn’t use that type crimper either unless I had no choice …

 

[cs1234]

I have seen a few of those here and there…Some of the newer one are made to help people nit used to using them from putting them on backwards ( they won’t lock) and when underload they will pop open…
A 14 inch zip tie is way bigger than needed for this use..find a pack of the smaller 5 inch ones…
they will work great.

P.S. I have some about 3 feet long….they are super strong…. They would be great for securing a home invaders hands , arms and legs and feet and make him lay in the front yard all ready for the cops to load up…

Ya gotta use the right zip tie for the right job…

I just grabbed the first one I found on the nearest shelf as a sample to test and then stopped looking. If you guys saw the state of my garage right now.. I would never hear the end of it.

 

[time2roll]

These tips aren't for putting lugs onto wires. (Where you have access all of the way around)
They are for inserting wires into fixed lugs, permanently mounted in equipment.

I would like to see a picture of what the OP is struggling with.

 

[cs1234]

I would like to see a picture of what the OP is struggling with.

Spoiler: Something like this probably.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7159219965457911046

 

[outboard1196]

I've never had much trouble getting fine wire in lugs or victron clamping sockets. Just a steady hand and don't rush it.
I've even removed wire from a victron SCC and reinstalled without making a mess.
For crimp lugs get the ones with a good flare on the end to help.

 

[cs1234]

I've never had much trouble getting fine wire in lugs or victron clamping sockets. Just a steady hand and don't rush it.
I've even removed wire from a victron SCC and reinstalled without making a mess.
For crimp lugs get the ones with a good flare on the end to help.

Not everybody has the same level of physical capability.. that's where tools and tricks come in handy. I've certainly noticed I can't do everything as well as I used to 20+ years ago.

 

[Quattrohead]

Just a steady hand and don't rush it.

So not a drunk who needs a piss late at night then?

 

[timselectric]

It's never a problem, if the wire is smaller than the lug or terminal.
But if you are trying to fit perfectly, it's good to know some tricks.

 

[J.H.]

It's never a problem, if the wire is smaller than the lug or terminal.
But if you are trying to fit perfectly, it's good to know some tricks. View attachment 310106

That’s some beefy looking gear… or so it appears…..good pic.

 

[timselectric]

That’s some beefy looking gear… or so it appears…..good pic.

500 MCM (AKA kcmil)

 

[time2roll]

It's never a problem, if the wire is smaller than the lug or terminal.
But if you are trying to fit perfectly, it's good to know some tricks. View attachment 310106

At least the opening has a bevel. Removing the insulation very clean will keep the strands at the smallest profile.

 

[cs1234]

It's never a problem, if the wire is smaller than the lug or terminal.
But if you are trying to fit perfectly, it's good to know some tricks. View attachment 310106

That threaded nut/smusher (whatever you call that piece) must really be down into that wire. I would have expected it to be sticking out much further in the middle hole given how far down it is in the left most empty hole. Maybe it's just the angle of the photo.

 

[J.H.]

500 MCM (AKA kcmil).

Over my head in need..…carry on sir.

 

[Quattrohead]

I guess Tim doesn't use a sawzall like most of the rest of us LOL

 

[timselectric]

That threaded nut/smusher (whatever you call that piece) must really be down into that wire. I would have expected it to be sticking out much further in the middle hole given how far down it is in the left most empty hole. Maybe it's just the angle of the photo.

It ain't coming out.

 

[timselectric]

I guess Tim doesn't use a sawzall like most of the rest of us LOL

Only for demolition work.

 

[cs1234]

It ain't coming out.

Yeah, it looks like you compressed it so hard it's cold welded together.

 

[timselectric]

Yeah, it looks like you compressed it so hard it's cold welded together.

Those cables are good for 700a. But they will never see half of that.
Everything is designed to stay at room temperature.

 

[740GLE]

wrap a good electrical tape, stretched to the max around the stripped end of wire,
turning tape inside out.Insert in the terminal and carefully remove the tape

You call that fine strand?