Spades versus bullets....why?

[Guest]

Well as many of you know, I'm hooking up the electrics on the Kat project. As I've had to wire on some missing connectors I got to wondering why everyone is so adament about using only spades and not the standard bullets as from the factory. I have used only spades myself but I've not yet experienced any issues with bullets.

Just why are spades better? Is it holding power or surface area contact or what exactly?

I'm not really planning on changing everything on the harness but it might be a good time to change some of the more "grotty" ones.

As always, I appreciate all input.

Cheers,
Spyug

[sschering]

Probably because spades are easier to find at your local HW store..

I got the open barrel crimp tool form Vintage connections and a set of bullet connectors with clear covers. Those work great.. Makes all my repairs look like they came from the factory.

I just wish I could find the open barrel ring terminals to fit the turn signal mounting studs (ground wire)

[doctorgonzo]

Probably because spades are easier to find at your local HW store..

I got the open barrel crimp tool form Vintage connections and a set of bullet connectors with clear covers. Those work great.. Makes all my repairs look like they came from the factory.

I just wish I could find the open barrel ring terminals to fit the turn signal mounting studs (ground wire)

Same here. I replaced most stuff with new bullets from VC. A few times I needed to fix something with only the local autozone for supplies and I used spades.

[Macguyver]

OEM Weatherpack

I personally prefer these:

http://grote.com/images/goc/large/83-6536.jpg

Maybe I am just over cautious though. I get them relatively cheap through work, so it makes sense to me.

[duaneage]

New bullets are fine, old brass ones are problematic.
Replacing bullets with spades is a fine exercise but unnecessary. It also makes electrical parts on your bike incompatible with replacements unless you also swap connectors on the replacement part.

The amount of contact area between the bullet connectors is rather large, unlike spade terminals that only make contact along thin parts. Loose spade terminals are no better than loose bullet terminals either.

I wouldn't and haven't replaced bullets with spades but that's a decision left up to each owner.

[koolaid_kid]

I personally prefer these:

http://grote.com/images/goc/large/83-6536.jpg

Maybe I am just over cautious though. I get them relatively cheap through work, so it makes sense to me.

Those weatherproof connectors are certainly the best. You can "roll your own" at NAPA, they have most of the parts to build them on hand.
My local Ace Hardware carries both the bullet and the spade crimp-on connectors, but I personally prefer the crimp-n-solder from NAPA. They have Crimp places, solder points and heat shrink tubing all in one. Pricey, but nice. You can look at kit 770772, and then break it down to its individual components. It contains ring terminals, butt connectors, and spade connectors in various sizes.

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Have never had any problems with using bullet connectors, perhaps a lot of owners just like to use the spades, cheers.

[simon kuether]

Bullets become loose if disconnect them a couple of times . IF a spade becomes loose , you can easily close them back up with a pair of pliars . Not so with bullets . Use spades of spades . More gooderer . Cheers , Simon .

[Dave8338]

High quality bullets are my choice. I think they are easier to fit into a harness and look more professional, but that is an opinion.

[duaneage]

Bullets become loose if disconnect them a couple of times . IF a spade becomes loose , you can easily close them back up with a pair of pliars . Not so with bullets . Use spades of spades . More gooderer . Cheers , Simon .

It;s fairly simple to squeeze a female bullet terminal tighter, it's not an issue. The round bullets offer a lot of contact area and a strong mechanical connection.

[spyug]

Interesting input folks.

From my reading of the posts on this site the last 3 years it seems no body was in favour of bullets but that doesn't seem to be the case now. Myself, I couldn't see any down side to them so I always wondered about this. I think if the connectors, male and female are clean and uncorroded they should work, spade or bullet.

I'm sure if properly prepared ( i.e. a good tinning of the wire and tight crimping) either connector should work.

I bought some good quality spades so I'll use those up on a few of the worst connectors in my harness and devices. In the future who knows, I guess whatever looks best at the time.

Thanks all.
Spyug

[tejasmud]

I read a bit of the arguements on the subject from tinning wires to the connector preferences, and sorted out a conclusion to my liking.

I just went through my harness a few weeks ago, and used both. All new from either Vintage Connections, Eastern Beaver, or Oregon Motorcycle Parts. Bullets were replaced by bullets, ect...but charging system where 14g wire was replaced I went with spade. Switched to all locking type where 4/6/9 pin connectors were replaced. Lots of shrink tube, dialetric grease, and just a little solder. A good set of crimpers help as well.

The method of my madness was;

cut off old connector,
strip wire 1/8 inch,
slip on shrink tube,
crimp on new connector without crimping insulation,
solder with low heat, wire to connector, just enough for it to pull into the joint, without wicking into the insulation,
blow on it,
crimp connector to wire/insulation,
coat with dialetric grease,
slip on shrink tube and shrink.

Between the harness shrink tube and individual connector shrink tube I left 1/2 inch to identify the color code of the insulation of each wire.

I'm happy.