hot on the coattails of my previous speaker wire question: [forums.macresource.com] , I've got an unrelated question about another location.

There's an existing run of 12 gauge wire that needs to be extended because of an amp being relocated. What's the best way to connect the extension to the existing speaker wire? Some will say use wire nuts. Some will say use some sort of crimp connector. Others might say to solder them together.

Again, let's assume this is basically a permanent install. What's the most reasonable way to join these two runs of speaker wire?

Probably overkill, but being a recovering electronics guy, I'd solder it.

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or.....just replace the whole run with longer cable. I know replacing it all would be the right answer, but wondering if extending is a reasonable solution.

Solder. No problems over time with oxidation.

There's probably a ratcheting crimping tool with special crimps that would do this, but it would only make sense from a financial perspective if this is something that's done on a regular basis.

Solder. No oxidation. Green copper--uggh! And it's a diode.

1. Solder and heat shrink
2. Wire nuts
3. Crimp connector. Crimps have gotten cheaper and cheaper over the years and they fall to number three.

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Staunton, Virginia

thanks, all. I can definitely solder this and use some heat shrink. That's the route I'll plan on going.

Solder and heat shrink would be best. Next best would be a properly done crimp connector. Don't even think about wire nuts.

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"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." (1987) -- Carl Sagan

You go also try Solder Seal Wire Connectors. Combination solder and heat shrink tubing. All you need is a heat gun or comparable heat source. 9 bucks for a 50 piece assortment.

Amazon

Quote
cyclemax
You go also try Solder Seal Wire Connectors. Combination solder and heat shrink tubing. All you need is a heat gun or comparable heat source. 9 bucks for a 50 piece assortment.

Amazon

On the face of it that seems like a good solution, but I saw a youtube where a mechanic was testing a bunch of different connection types and solder seal failed earlier when stressed than most because of poor (aka "cold") solder joints. Also note that cold solder joints are poor conductors.

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"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." (1987) -- Carl Sagan

I can definitely solder this and use some heat shrink. That's the route I'll plan on going.


Right on!

A good mechanical connection, solder, heat shrink and you've got a permanent connection.

Good heat shrink is important to give support to the soldered connection.

Any flexing can damage the copper strands at each end of the soldered joint.

I've done a lot of soldering and love the look of a well done connection.

Recently, some YouTube video showed the presenter doing 'cold' solder connections, saying 'it's the solder cooling'.

Well, to a point, he's right but geeze.

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Insisting on your rights without acknowledging your responsibilities isn’t freedom, it’s adolescence.

We are a government of laws, not men.

Everybody matters or nobody matters.

When a good man is hurt,
all who would be called good
must suffer with him.

You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.

There is no safety for honest men except
by believing all possible evil of evil men.

We don’t do focus groups. They just ensure that you don’t offend anyone, and produce bland inoffensive products. —Sir Jonathan Ive

An armed society is a polite society.
And hope is a lousy defense.

You make me pull, I'll put you down.

I *love* SIGs. It's Glocks I hate.

Splice like a Rocket Scientist

Quote
macphanatic
Splice like a Rocket Scientist

YES- The stagger is very a good idea! I do this in places where I never want to have to mess with it again, because even if the tape/tubing comes off the two wires will never touch.

I use the stagger method as well, mainly because the joints make for a much smaller diameter and can be fed through circuitous routes or small holes.

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Your boos mean nothing to me, I've seen what you cheer for.

Insisting on your rights without acknowledging your responsibilities isn’t freedom, it’s adolescence.

We are a government of laws, not men.

Everybody matters or nobody matters.

When a good man is hurt,
all who would be called good
must suffer with him.

You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.

There is no safety for honest men except
by believing all possible evil of evil men.

We don’t do focus groups. They just ensure that you don’t offend anyone, and produce bland inoffensive products. —Sir Jonathan Ive

An armed society is a polite society.
And hope is a lousy defense.

You make me pull, I'll put you down.

I *love* SIGs. It's Glocks I hate.