Two potentially dumb questions

[terrypotter]

solder for sure. Also, I use vaseline on the inside of the rubber grommet only as if you use lub spray and it gets on the outside surface between the grommet grooved edge and the radiator shroud it'll slip too easily when you dont want it to.

 

[CarlG]

My solder skills are far from adequate.

I have been using this crimp tool and so far have not a single failure.

 

[Jemelton#]

If you are using flux while soldering the ends make sure that it is rosin and not acid flux. Just don't ask me how I know.

 

[denniskliesen]

I tried crimping those terminals and they broke on me, seem too brittle to crimp so now I only solder. Bratton's have those also. I buy from Bratton and Snyder, spread my debt to both.

 

[Synchro909]

Others have already said it, but solder for the bullet terminals.

I do not trust crimp terminals anywhere, especially in an automobile, where they are subject to weather and vibration.

Good luck !

I prefer to crimp. When a wire is soldered, the strands are adhered to each other so there is no flex in that part of it. All of the flex takes place at the end of the solder. When crimped, the flex caused by vibrations is distributed over a longer length, reducing greatly the likelihood of fracturing the wire. I've seen many soldered wires broken at the end of the solder but never a crimped wires broken at the end of the fitting.
Just my experience.

 

[SeaSlugs]

I prefer to crimp. When a wire is soldered, the strands are adhered to each other so there is no flex in that part of it. All of the flex takes place at the end of the solder. When crimped, the flex caused by vibrations is distributed over a longer length, reducing greatly the likelihood of fracturing the wire. I've seen many soldered wires broken at the end of the solder but never a crimped wires broken at the end of the fitting.
Just my experience.

while this is true, I've seen way way way more wires corroded inside the crimp to where it breaks right at the crimp or is hanging on by one strand - enough to show continuity with a meter but not enough to carry amps...then when you go to strip the next 1/2" off its black/green corroded and darn near impossible to get clean.

i cant say ive ever had a soldered connection fail purely from vibrations...your not trying to solder the wire solid, just enough to fill the bullet.