6 Gauge Crimper From Bolt Cutters

[Al Skierkiewicz]

While a good crimp should not come loose, soldering removes all doubt. However, a soldered connection must be a good mechanical connection first. We use the corner of a vise to make the crimp. (See one of my many posts on the subject) We follow up with solder but our students are taught how to add just enough solder to make the connection reliable but not so much that solder wicks outside of the terminal. Yes, this is a belt and suspenders operation but we lost a Championship to Beatty because a crimp pulled out. While I see hundreds of poor crimps every year, I rarely see a poor solder job.