Putting bullet connections into snap connector tubes is difficult (well, I find it so.) There are tools to do it. Are they any good? Phil
Can I just check I'm using the right connectors: my new ignition switch socket has short wires with male bullets on them. To attach those wires to my loom wires am looking to fit male bullets to my loom wires and then join them to the socket wires using what I call snap connectors, ie the little tubes covered with black rubber which accept a male bullet in each end. Am I doing this right? Or should he fitting some kind of female bullets to my loom wires? Or is either okay? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks. Phil
Normally the bullets are soldered on and join in a rubber coated double female end connector, for multiple joints I've seen three and four blocks moulded. Search on eBay for Lucas bullet connector.
You have to watch out as modern connectors as used on Japanese bikes are smaller and won't stay in the Lucas ones, the old Land Rovers used them as well.
Proper tool is like a pair of pliers with flat ends and cut outs to let the wire through.
Lucas are 4.7mm dia, the others range between 3.7 and 4.2mm.
I've just sorted all this so will nail details later
Thanks very much. I had read that the tool was only needed if you do a lot of connections. But I find even one very hard. I've tried using a small screwdriver, but trying to fit bullets into both ends of the tube is very difficult. Unless I'm missing something, or Blackthou or someone else is able to put me on track, it looks like I'm going to have to buy a tool. Phil
By the way, I use a hexagon crimping tool to put my bullets onto the wires, but can't see that that is relevant.
Morning Phil,
I bought my C15 a couple of months ago. It had a few home made fixes in the wiring and looked a mess. I researched and bought Lucas Style Brass Bullet Connector Single Double 4.7mm (3/16") Connectors & Crimp Tool. It was £54 This item includes:
50 x 2 Way Single Bullet Connectors, 25 x 4 Way Double Bullet Connectors, 250 x 4.7mm Brass Bullet Connectors, 1 x Brass Bullet Crimping Tool
Supplied in an Assorted Box with compartments separating the different components.
Specifications: Brass Bullet - 11.7mm Long, 4.7mm Outer Width, Single Connector - Suitable for cable size up to 2.0mm² (14 AWG)
Double Connector - Suitable for cable size up to 2.0mm² (14 AWG)
The tool works a treat and really crimps the bullets on. I did notice on some of the lower gauge wires they need to be folded to double the thickness or will pull off. I originally tinned the wires before fitting the bullet but our chief of sparks advised against it. Something to do with oxidisation I believe.
Initially I didn't buy the insertion tool but after nearly stabbing myself a few times bought one. Some listed on eBay look a bit cheap. I searched and found one from an independent tool supplier. It looked great in the picrures but was just the same when it arrived. I was disappointed at its performance. The jaws bent easily. However, I was trying to crimp together with the rubber sleeve on the female. I decided to slide the sleeve down the wire, crimp the bullets in then slide the sleeve back in position. That seems to be the answer. WOrks fine without bending the jaws.
The bonus to all this is with my bike only being 6v the lights were like candles. I've re placed all previous lighting "mods" with bullets and now you'd think they were LED. Systematically been over the rest of the bike cutting out mods and repalcing. An iffy horn is now loud and clear too. Also re did all the ignition, exit from the alternator above the primary and anything else that needed it. Hopefully should improve long term relaibility too. Certianly looks standardnow and not bodged if nothing else.
Hope that helps.
Rick
Here's a picture. Handy for keeping all together.
I use gland pliers they open right up and fit across the connector ok.
Extremely useful, thanks very much. My bullets are the same spec as yours, Rick. As my crimping tool seems to work fine, and I already have some bullets and tubes, I probably won't buy the assorted box at this stage but will buy a tool ( I don't have gland pliers), looking for one that is decent quality. I will also slide the rubber up the wire prior to closing the connection - very handy tip, thanks Rick. Thanks for the trouble you've gone to to help me out here. Phil
Thanks go of course not just to Rick but also to Chaz and Idie. Phil
No problem at all. All bits can be bought separately. Here's a picture of the insertion tool.
Just ordered one, before I saw this, thanks anyway Rick. Not the same as yours but hopefully will do the job. Over £20 so ought to! Phil
Blackthou wrote " I originally tinned the wires before fitting the bullet but our chief of sparks advised against it."
Reason is that the solder tin creeps, relaxing the strain, making connection irregular.
Found after investigating house fires. Nowadays not allowed in electrical installations.
A note on soldering learnt when working with AA radar stations.
If the solder tin flows into the wire making it stiff, the wire will break due to vibrations.
One reason to crimp instead of soldering. If you haven't proper training.
Interesting
Yes, thanks for the explanation.
Fitting bullets to the connector is much easier with the tool! Received in post today, worked fine. I was a little bit surprised that the dia of the bullets on the short wires on the socket was about .004" (4 thou) different from the bullets I have which I fitted to the loom wires. Anyway, all seems okay. Thanks again. Phil
Phil
That's good service. Well done. Onwards and upwards now then.
Quote from: Blackthou on 13 May, 2020, 10:09
No problem at all. All bits can be bought separately. Here's a picture of the insertion tool.
I wouldn't recommend this one- the ends bend after a couple of uses- go for one of these....
https://www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk/p-336-bullet-closing-tool?search=bullet%20%20tool
The one you recommend is the one I got, thankfully. Phil
That certainly looks more up to it.