Recommend me some electrical connectors
 

I'm looking for some good general purpose connectors for making new wiring. For example, I'm installing a gauge in my cluster and have 5 extra wires that I don't want to use butt connectors on. Something OEMish but thats cheap. I found a 6 pin Weatherpack on amazon for $10 but I'm looking for something thats cheap and I can just buy a bunch and use whenever. Looking for 2-6 pins.

I've searched around, but am looking for general experiences and stuff to avoid.

McMaster Carr is your friend.

I've used some of these at work.
McMaster-Carr

Have a look, see if any of this may be of use.

^Win

/thread.

Just to add, as with anything, the proper tools help.

Did some more searching and found these:
Bit cheaper. I might try them out. These connections aren't vital so well see how they work.

Well, it's $2 more, but you get one extra pole. Then again, if you have prime, it's free shipping in two days.
It doesn't say for what AWG wire, but 1.5mm. So 15 gauge wire.

You've got it though.

Its a kit of 5. So I get 5 5 pin connectors (I think).

Read the description Dillon.

To be fair, i am on beer #5.

I kinda set you up with the Kit of 5 5 pin connectors.

I bought all these:

Attachment 233716

Will report back.

DIYAutoTune sells weather pack kits that are pretty good.

Ouch. Too expensive for me. I'm a big fan of try it cheap, then blow more money when it doesn't work.

I'm a fan of the Deutch Dt/dtm connectors. Actual mil/motorsports stuff and cheaper than those weatherpacks.

Link?

There's a sub $30 buck delphi bulkhead connector set on ebay and amazon too, I've been thinking about building a better and neater harness for my car around one of those lately. I don't know why I didn't think to look for something like this, too.

Totally gonna make a harness, crimp new weather pack connectors on sensors. Run fatter wire, better signal grounds, more power...

Well, after you get them and test them, haha.

I'm gonna order that bulkhead, cause I can't tell how TF it works from the pictures lol

https://www.prowireusa.com/c-76-deutsch-dtm-connector-kits.aspx

DIY sells them in smaller quantities if you shoot them an email.

deutsch is pretty much the best for reliability and weight.
Weather pack are a little cheaper but also frequently used.
mil spec if your baller.

I used these because I'm cheap. They might not be the best for critical connection but should do fine for my data logger. They're about $1.50 a set and come in 2-6 pin versions I think. They are solder terminals (might be good or bad if you don't want to invest in a dedicated crimping tool).

Ebay search for "gx connector"
5pcs Aviation Plug Male Female Wire Panel Metal Connector 16mm 3 Pin GX16 3 M28 | eBay


https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426815763


EDIT: re-reading your first post these are aren't the best for you. Probably a weather pack starter kit would be best. There's a few options on ebay.

Wow thats a steal for what looks like an AMP superseal style connector.

Deutch.

Done.

Ah something right up my ally!

First - This link is super nice.

So I used to work in motorsports doing wiring, and I did the harness for some FSAE cars, and this is what I have learned.

The single most important thing is your crimper. No matter which connector(s) you choose to use, if you use the wrong tool chances are it will be a pain in the ass and your connections won't be reliable.

My favorite stuff is made by Deutch. They kinda have two levels. Cheaper side would be the DTM connectors, seen here:

https://www.wirecare.com/deutsch-con...dtm&contacts=2

The are made for lower current stuff (7.5 amp max), pretty easy to use, rated for many cycles (100). The DT series itself has different sizes. You have:

DT - 13.5 amps max
DTP - 25 amps
DTHD - up to 100 amp
HD10 - Varies, has many contacts, like a poor mans Autosport (will explain later).

Each of those use different size contacts (the pins and sockets) so you need to make sure to get the right hardware.

On to contacts, I like Deutsch because they use "solid" contacts, which means the whole contact encapsulates the wire and the crimper "pinches" the wire. See this:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426925861


This is in compairson to an "open" contact, like this:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426925861



Deutsch sells "open" contacts as well, but please avoid. The crimp has a higher chance of damaging the wire, getting a poor crimp, they are harder to remove from the connector if needed because they get caught, and the holding strength is usually not as good.


So, back to connectors. The best of the best is Deutsch's Autosport line (https://www.wirecare.com/deutsch-con...as&contacts=13)

These are basically mil-spec connectors that have been lightened for use in motorsports (don't need as much factor of safety and strength as aircraft). They are super cool, super small, super pin-dense, and super expensive. The size 22 contacts are good till 5 amps, size 20 to 7.5 amps, and size 16 to 20 amps. Housings come in all shapes, for example:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426925861



They can handle 500 cycles, and are so fun to use.




So, the lower end. Below those guys I like the Metri-Pack connectors (Metri-Pack Connectors - Delphi | Mouser). They actually look a lot like that amazon link you posted. They are easier to use that weatherpack, tools are cheaper, etc. That are not rated for many cycles, but get the job done. The contacts are "open" type, but that's what you get at this price point.

I hate weatherpacks. They are a pain in ass to use, bulky, the housings are designed shitty, and taking them apart to get contacts out will make your fingers hurt and you will curse the world. Fuck that.




Tools:

To use Deutsch stuff, you need a tool like this:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1426925861


They are $$$, but so worth it. BUT!! Thanks to the aircraft industry, you can usually get a used one! And they are much better cost wise. Example: Deutsch Crimper Crimp Tool with EXTRAS | eBay. They are so very nice to use.

For metri/weather pack, something like this:
Then you need a wire stripper. My favorite: Stripper!

And a good wire cutter:

OK I need to stop before I get too carried away. Last comments. Heatshrink - Raychem DR-25 is the gold standard. Look up how to do strain relief and proper wire twisting. Wire - use Mil-W-22759 stuff!! And pull test all crimps!!!!!


Hope that helps!!!!!