Stripping wires in the middle of a run

[HK]

Does anyone know a good technique for stripping insulation from 18 gauge
automotive wire without cutting the wire? I want to splice a wire into an
existing wire. I'd like to take out about 1" of insulation to give me a
good soldering surface. Perhaps there is a specialized tool for this?

Or, am I okay with those squeeze-on tapping connectors. I always thought
they'd be unreliable.

[HK]

Just to be clear, I'm not talking about simple wire stripping at the end of
the wire. I'm talking about stripping out a small section of insulation
from a length of wire, leaving the copper intact.

"HK" <skate...@removemehotmail.com> wrote in message
news:K1wV5.26369$3u1.6...@news3.rdc1.on.home.com...

[Todd Kellenbenz]

I've used the squeeze-on connectors in automotive service with no
problems.

If you wan't to strip it. Carefully "shave" the insulation off with a
utility knife.

Todd K.

In article <_FwV5.26386$3u1.6...@news3.rdc1.on.home.com>,

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

[RM]

I'd use an exacto knife......

an automatic wire stripper would strip it, but you still would have to
cut off the stripped part.

The 'add a tap' connectors work well, provided that:

a) don't buy an off-brand (3M is best)
b) these are not made to get wet
c) make sure the wire is properly secured (so there is not strain on
the wire)

[greg s]

In article <K1wV5.26369$3u1.6...@news3.rdc1.on.home.com>, "HK" <skate...@removemehotmail.com> wrote:
>Does anyone know a good technique for stripping insulation from 18 gauge
>automotive wire without cutting the wire? I want to splice a wire into an
>existing wire. I'd like to take out about 1" of insulation to give me a
>good soldering surface. Perhaps there is a specialized tool for this?
>
>Or, am I okay with those squeeze-on tapping connectors. I always thought
>they'd be unreliable.
>
>

Depending on how pretty you want it, what works for me, I just grab
it with one hand and use a simple strip tool to cut through and strech
the insulation one way, then the other. About a quarter inch is all
I need in view. Any cuts will be filled in with solder.

greg

[JURB6006]

If you are strong enough of mind, use a lighter to melt the insulation, the
just grab it and pull it back in opposite directions. The advantage to this is
that it kinda "grows" back into place.

[Andy Cuffe]

HK wrote:
>
> Does anyone know a good technique for stripping insulation from 18 gauge
> automotive wire without cutting the wire? I want to splice a wire into an
> existing wire. I'd like to take out about 1" of insulation to give me a
> good soldering surface. Perhaps there is a specialized tool for this?
>
> Or, am I okay with those squeeze-on tapping connectors. I always thought
> they'd be unreliable.

I just use an automoatic wire stripper. The insulation is usually
flexable enough to compress away from the stripped area long enough to
solder onto it. You could also cut the insualtion off by melting it
with a soldering iron. This is a lettle messy, but won't nick the wire.
--
Andy Cuffe
balt...@psu.edu

[Allan Brown]

I had to do this when I made a mod to my car and there was not enough slack
to cut/rejoin the wire.

Very carefully cut around the diameter of the wire's insulation - two cuts
about 1" apart. Then run the blade down the length of the insulation between
the two cuts. You should be able at this point to ply the insulation off.

If you apply light successive cuts, you can judge if you are cutting the
wire.

Allan

HK <skate...@removemehotmail.com> wrote in message
news:K1wV5.26369$3u1.6...@news3.rdc1.on.home.com...

[Jim Adney]

"HK" <skate...@removemehotmail.com> wrote:

>Does anyone know a good technique for stripping insulation from 18 gauge
>automotive wire without cutting the wire? I want to splice a wire into an
>existing wire. I'd like to take out about 1" of insulation to give me a
>good soldering surface. Perhaps there is a specialized tool for this?
>
>Or, am I okay with those squeeze-on tapping connectors. I always thought
>they'd be unreliable.

Unless this is in a VERY weather exposed area, I think you would be
better off with the squeeze-on connectors. They're pretty good.

You can strip the insulation off the wire with a sharp knife, but this
brings its own set of problems. I would worry about water getting
inside the insulation any way you break it.

-
-----------------------------------------------
Jim Adney jad...@vwtype3.org
Madison,Wisconsin USA
-----------------------------------------------

[CLSNOWYOWL]

you can buy crimp on connectors to extend the run and run the wire with
adequate room left and proper gauge to where you want to run it. Wire
connectots (or wire couplers) are very effective for car and other installation
tasks

[John Chapple]

In article <906afu$iug$1...@nnrp1.deja.com>, Todd Kellenbenz <toddk63@my-
deja.com> writes

>I've used the squeeze-on connectors in automotive service with no
>problems.

Personally I've always had trouble with these IDC connectors in cars
especially. They always seem to become intermittent especially when a
significant current is drawn. They are commonly used in the UK when
wiring lighting for trailers which is why (I think) lots of trailers
always seem to have faulty lights!
Always better to make a properly insulated (note) soldered joint.

John Chapple
'There are too many bright lights going out'
Dave Powers