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spade vs bullet

  • Thread starter Thread starter pdqford
  • Start date Start date
P

pdqford

Guest
Which is the prefered connector when making changes to the bikes wiring - spade connectors or bullet connectors?
 
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Spade when current requirements dictate higher amperage ratings.
 
Either one is useless if the crimps on the terminals are not done with the proper tools. The bullet connectors on the older bikes are famous for overheating, but I have seen the later model plugs (essentially spade connectors) overheat. Either one is dependent on the quality of it's crimp. Some people suggest soldering. There is some skill required and a cold solder joint (dull) can be as bad as a bad crimp. You might find some useful information here: http://www.vintageconnections.com/
 
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bullets will be fine as long as they are crimped properly, they also look better when taped up next to looms or if there is a few in a bunch.

some connections, like relays etc. must have spades, but make sure you fit the waterproof sleeves on them
 
Crimping is the best method, you need the proper tools though. For each particular type of terminal, there is a specific type of crimp jaws needed. Crimping doesn't induce corrosion prone flux into the joint, and allows the most flexibility in the wire. Solder wicks up the wire strands and reduces flexibility. Lacking the proper crimp jaws though, soldering is arguably the best method.
 
i was joined few wiring too on my bike.....
first thing of course i crimp it with proper crimping jaws (which has few size in a jaw and make sure you using right size)
second is soldering....
last thing i do is wrap it with heatshrink tube (sometimes i'm double it if i think its need to)....its pretty easy to apply
 
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I've found that the female part of the bullets "spread" and become "loose". The spades tend not to do this and provide a more reliable connection . The correct crimpers are essential for both .

Cheers , Simon .
 
Crimps never work for me. They always loosen. I like to use automotive oem style connectors soldered to the wires they connect.
 
weither you use a spade or a bullet, if the existing connector has corroded in the crimp or the connector and has been overheating, the copper in the wire may now be brittle from the repeated overheating.
Trim the wire back to were it is clean copper and softer flexable.

Any crimp that you do on a stiff brittle wire will not be reliable. It will loosen up after a short time and be worse than the original. If the wire is discolored and stiff, trim it back to clean soft copper.

(this has been my experience)

.
 
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