Solder Heat Shrink Connectors - Do they really work?

I get a lot of requests on my custom wiring harnesses for short bits of wire lead pre-installed on the various connections, so the end-user can just "splice" their pickup leads in, rather than having to solder directly to the little lugs on the pots and switches. But even with that - they still have to solder the splice, and then cover with heat shrink tubing.
(DO NOT just twist the wires together and cover with electrical tape! This is not the car stereo you had in high school!)
Recently, I found these little heat shrink tubes that actually have low-melt solder right in them. They work great for those who aren't very solder-friendly. However, they require a heat gun....if you use as directed.
But what if I don't have a heat gun? Can I use a lighter? What about a candle?
Let's find out...
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- John
- reverb.com/sho...

[@jonathans6957]

I've recently started using these too and I'm really liking them. There are white ones that are smaller than the red ones that work great for pickup wiring.

[@graciescott3334]

Love this comparison! Thanks John! I “need” that watch band!

[@MrLike2surf]

Great video, John. I found it helpful, so thanks for making it.

[@carlkerkman7028]

Thanks John, I bought some of these recently to do some auto wiring harness repair, but opted to go the traditional soldering route with an iron - nice to know that these are a viable option and I'll keep some in the car for emergency use.

[@Tricknologyinc]

The problem with low melt solder in automotive applications is both summer road temperatures and engine compartment temperatures. To prepare for automotive emergencies I recommend packing a crimp tool and both crimp and those split blade splice connectors.

[@johnwainwright3313]

@@Tricknologyinc LOL - yeah, that's worthy of another test for fun - it was 105F today here in the Dallas area. I wonder how these would fair under the hood in Texas? Probably NOT well.

[@norfolknomad]

Good test thanks

[@bradyleclair9530]

What heat gun was he using. Does anybody know

[@Tipperary757]

Interesting comparison. Using in an RV. Do have heat gun.

[@kowalski8]

when will you check if they WORK ?

[@rollingthunder7677]

You should try a torch lighter

[@donearl6675]

🤩👍👍

[@GEORGE-jf2vz]

I prefer to use what is called a western electric wire wrap technique.

[@1981dasimpson]

i wounder how a hair dryer would do prob take along time im guessing

[@andyg817]

Butane ,small blue flame gun just the ticket.... durite do one...

[@BikerGirlTraveler]

You actually did it wrong. You don't put one wire in one end and then the other at the other end and push the wires together. You do it like a recular splice. Just like you did with you soldered the connection. Here is the right way of doing it:
ruclips.net/video/7Wh5gM8GM70/видео.html