looking for recommendations on marine electrical terminal connectors

[lake of the woods]

I've been using some of the cheap plastic electrical terminal connectors mainly used in the automotive industry and just hate them. Does anyone have any recommendations on types (brand names) of good quality marine grade, stranded wire, heat shrink, electrical terminal connectors (ring, fork, spade, butt)? What about good quality crimping tools? I use them mainly for my 12 volt electrical systems so the wires tend to be in the 12 to 18 gage wire size. Just plain tired of junk!!

Mark
Lake of the Woods
1989 40 DC, Hull# 377

 

[Pascal]

Most of that crap doesn’t belong on boats.

I only use Ancor brand connectors with built in shrink tube. Mostly butt connectors and rings. I avoid the quick disconnects unless really necessary. They come in 3 sizes that will cover pretty much everything.

 

[Scarlett]

Ancor makes marine grade electrical parts including ratchet crimpers, connectors, and tinned wire. Carried by most all marine companies. John

 

[rustybucket]

National Standard parts are the best I've found, they also happen to be cheaper than the Anchor stuff (last i checked at least).

https://www.nspa.com/

I've also had great success with their crimpers, I highly recommend them over pretty much everything else I've ever used. Many times crimp failure is caused by the crimping tool doing an inadequate, or rather inaccurate job.
https://www.nspa.com/product/t-r-50/

 

[jim rosenthal]

That crimper may be similar to the ratcheting one that Ancor sells. I have had mine for years and it works really well. Far better than any other I've used.

I am not familiar with National Std, but they look good. I have never had any problems ever with Ancor products; and that includes never having anything of theirs deteriorate in the marine environment.

 

[Pascal]

Indeed. Forgot to mention the Ancor ratchet crimped. A must have. Forget the plier type. Useless

 

[lake of the woods]

Thanks to all who replied.

I your advice is, once again, is much appreciated.

Mark
Lake of the Woods
1989 40 DC, Hull#377

 

[Captain Ralph]

Just starting using a new brand over Ancor, Seavolt shrink crimps have poor packaging but seem to be working very well and much cost reduced.
As other products across the lines of everything, lots of times the packaging is the more expensive component.

I have a large tackle box all my crimps move into, so the packaging really does not matter to me,, just the cost.

 

[Briankinley2004]

I like the Perma Seal from this guy

https://www.ebay.com/str/caseyelect...55-0&campid=5337487966&customid=&toolid=10001

I think the Perma Seal are the ones they use on the Ultra Switch if I remember correctly. Most importantly use a crimper made for heat shrink as mentioned above

 

[Bob Bradley]

My fishing buddy Walter, a professional electrician for the past 35 years turned me on to these:https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/combination-cutting-tools/crimping-and-cutting-tool-connectors

Very accurate and steady, with plenty of leverage. For 10 - 22 awg. I have 3 or 4 expensive crimpers around, but this is my go to tool.

 

[Avenger]

Well, Ancor yes, but... They don't make most of the tools and terminals they sell. Learn what pieces are required and buy accordingly. Klein makes excellent tools as do a couple of others. Make sure you use marine grade wire which is tinned, and adhesive lined heat shrink or heat shrink insulated terminals. But if you know what you're looking at you can often get the same products at a hardware store as at a marine store at a fraction of the price.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

For good prices on marine wire and supplies, I've had good luck with

www.Genuinedealz.com

 

[drburke]

For good prices on marine wire and supplies, I've had good luck with

www.Genuinedealz.com

I can second Sky's recommendation; used them a lot and made-in-USA matters.

FYI, some of the Chinese wire products have smaller copper conductors (in spite of the gauge claimed) and make up the difference in diameter with extra insulation so one cannot tell from the outside.

If you put on a crimp lug of the correct size, it will not take and simply fall off. Ask me how I know...

DAN