For 90% of automotive wire-to-wire connections, crimping is the superior and recommended method. Because cars constantly vibrate and flex, solder turns flexible stranded wire into rigid, brittle wire that can eventually break. Only crimp, unless a component's manufacturer or strict electronics installation requires solder.
For car wiring, properly crimped connections are generally superior to soldering for joining wires in a vehicle harness, as they resist vibration better and prevent brittle solder joints that can break. Use high-quality, heat-shrink-insulated crimps for durability, while soldering is best reserved for circuit boards or rigid, low-stress electrical repairs.
Automotive wiring is exposed to heat, vibration, oil, and moisture. Crimped joints maintain constant surface pressure, while soldered joints weaken over time. Adding heat-shrink or Weather-Pack seals ensures waterproof, corrosion-resistant connections that outlast solder.
Risk of Wire Damage
Using the wrong crimping tool or applying an incorrect technique can lead to wire damage. Damaged wires compromise the integrity of the connection, potentially causing electrical issues or failures in the system.
Neither method is universally "better," as both serve different purposes. Crimping is ideal for automotive, aerospace, and high-vibration environments because it creates a flexible, gas-tight seal. Soldering is superior for circuit boards and stationary electronics where you need maximum electrical conductivity and no wire movement.
Solder is more prone to failure due to vibrations and heat than proper crimp connections. I know a lot of people who have had good success with solder, but I don't like it.
Modern PEX systems using expansion or crimp connections typically last 40-60 years in cold water applications. However, continuous high-temperature exposure above 140°F can reduce PEX lifespan to 20-30 years.
No, you should not use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) as a substitute for soldering flux. While it melts and protects the joint from oxygen, it lacks the chemical cleaning agents required to remove existing oxidation, meaning the solder will likely fail to bond correctly.
Yes, you can absolutely over-crimp a wire. It occurs when too much compression thins the metal barrel, cuts or severs the wire strands, and cracks the connector's plating. This compromises the mechanical strength and electrical conductivity of the joint, often leading to hidden, intermittent faults.
The "3-second rule" in soldering is a guideline stating that you should apply heat from the soldering iron to a joint and melt the solder within approximately 2 to 3 seconds.
You'll want a 60-40 rosin-core solder, Popular Mechanics explained. This means it is 60 percent tin and 40 percent lead. The rosin core contains a flux, which will melt before the metal begins to. As the flux melts, it will coat the wire and allow it to weld together smoothly and strongly.
A common mistake when soldering is melting the solder directly onto the soldering iron tip instead of heating the metal parts first. This creates a "cold joint"—a weak, brittle connection that looks dull and can easily break or fail electrically.
The best wire for automotive wiring is Stranded Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) wrapped in Cross-Linked Polyethylene (XLPE or GXL/TXL/SXL) insulation. Solid household wire and Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) should always be avoided due to the high risk of breaking, overheating, and corrosion in a vibrating vehicle environment.
Common crimping mistakes include AWG mismatches (using the wrong size connector), incorrect wire stripping lengths, and applying the wrong amount of pressure (under or over-crimping). These errors often lead to weak mechanical bonds, high electrical resistance, or wire pull-outs.
For automotive wiring, the ideal soldering iron wattage is 40W to 80W. This range provides enough heat and quick recovery to solder thicker wires (10–18 AWG) without damaging surrounding connectors or melting wire insulation.
How long does crimped hair last? Typically, crimped hair can last 1-2 days. The look can last longer on people with naturally curly and wavy hair, as it doesn't overly disrupt the natural flow of your locks. The right hair care and finishing sprays can also help to ensure longer hold and styling.
Determine the appropriate connector type and size for the wire and connections you are trying to make, then slide the connector over the end of the wire. Once the connector is installed over the bare end of the wire, position your crimping tool's jaws over the connector and squeeze to compress the connection.
In high-vibration and mechanical stress environments, crimping is stronger and more reliable than soldering. While soldering is better for fixed, low-stress circuit boards, soldering solidifies stranded wire and creates a rigid, brittle point that is highly prone to cracking and breaking under movement or vibration.
Generally, no, you should not twist wires together before crimping them. Industry standards advise inserting wire strands straight into the connector as they are. Excessive twisting can mis-shape the wire's cross-section or make the bundle too wide, leading to improper seating, weak crimps, and potential strand damage.
The golden rule of soldering is to heat the parts, not the solder.
Yes, you can use borax as a soldering flux. It is a traditional, highly effective, and inexpensive flux for hard soldering, brazing, and melting metals like gold, silver, and copper.
Plumbers primarily solder instead of braze because soldering requires significantly lower heat, which prevents the pipes from becoming brittle and minimizes the risk of burning surrounding wood framing. Additionally, it is a faster, less expensive process that is perfectly sufficient to handle the water pressure in standard homes.
The "135-degree rule" in plumbing states that the total (aggregate) horizontal change in direction for a drainage pipe—specifically trap arms—cannot exceed 135 degrees between the P-trap and the vent. Exceeding 135 degrees (such as using three 45-degree bends or a 90 and two 45s) requires a cleanout because sharp turns hinder flow and cause clogs.
Plumbers generally view SharkBite fittings as convenient for temporary repairs, emergency situations, or highly accessible areas, but most avoid using them for permanent installations inside walls or underground. The core divide is that while they are legally compliant, the reliance on a single O-ring carries a risk of catastrophic failure.