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MG MGA - bullet connectors

I have to add bullet connectors to my new wiring harness in several places. I have a crimping tool made for these connectors, but I also know that some will argue for a solder connection. I will use dielectric grease when putting the bullet in place on the car, but is the crimped connection between the wire and bullet reliable? I'm working on the tail light assemblies at this time.

Thanks, George
George G.

George, if you are using original type bullet connectors, they are usually soldered on. Run the bare wire through the bullet, flux and solder as normal, then trim the excess wire. If you are using modern crimp on connectors..1/ they may not fit correctly in the sleeve 2/I usually solder these on as well... much more reliable in the long run.
.... CR
C.R. Tyrell

The bullet connectors sold by British Wiring can be had in either solder or crimp style. If you have the correct, hex crimping, a crimped connection is a better connection than a solder connection. If you feel better about it, once the wire is crimped into the bullet, it can also be soldered if you prefer belt and suspenders. Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

In hot rod world, soldering wires is generally frowned upon. Soldering makes a shear point on the wire that takes 100% of any vibration, where a crimp allows a small bit of movement along a varying path of several individual strands.

Having said that, if everything is neatly bundled and strapped down..... eh.

.......
MAndrus

I have been educated... :-)
C.R. Tyrell

In aviation most connections are crimped for the same reason. But it should also be noted, that we use aerospace spec components, and special crimpers that are periodically calibrated to ensure they create a proper crimp as well as strain relief on the insulation.

On my ground vehicles I tend to use soldered connections everywhere, and if the wires are properly routed and bundled, as noted above, I have not had any problems with soldered connections. In practice, the only connections that have ever given me problems have been crimped.

-Del
D Rawlins

Del - "But it should also be noted, that we use aerospace spec components, and special crimpers that are periodically calibrated to ensure they create a proper crimp as well as strain relief on the insulation."

That is what I am used to working with (except on nuclear submarines - the same degree of quality control). The interesting thing is that one of our shops was looking for a hex type crimping tool and I sent them to British Wiring for the bullet crimper used in out cars - it was exactly what they needed to get their job done. Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

This thread was discussed between 17/07/2015 and 18/07/2015

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