3M ScotchLok connectors

[Joe Walsh]

3M ScotchLok electrical connectors:

http://i984.photobucket.com/albums/ae326/JoeJWalsh/scotchloks.jpg


I've used them in the past and will probably be using them for future electrical mods....but why do I not feel totally comfortable using them?

For me it's that slotted blade that cuts into the OEM wire when you hit it with a pair of pliers.

I will usually pull out the wire strippers, trusty soldering iron, heat shrink tubing and 3M electrical tape.
Maybe I'm just old school....:dunno:

Anyone ever had any problems or failures using the Scotchloks?

[ctrlraven]

Old school soldering is always the best way to go.

[Black_Noise]

works good for minimal damage to wires, if your actually needing some power, i would do the cut and solder... if its something like a backlight or a remote wire for an amp, maybe use them.

[BAD MERC]

They can break strands of the copper in the wire and create resistance. Not the best way to tap wire. I strip a half inch and solder to it.

[Blk Mamba]

other than the above, corrosion is a problem.

[fastblackmerc]

I only solder and shrink tube electrical connections in a vehicle.

[TWINSCRW]

scotchloks are junk and do not hold up. if you are going to use a solderless connector then I recommend 3M T-Taps w/ an insulated male spade connector they are much more secure and the insulated spade connector will actually hold the T-Tap in place if if does come loose.

[Spectragod]

scotchloks are junk and do not hold up. if you are going to use a solderless connector then I recommend 3M T-Taps w/ an insulated male spade connector they are much more secure and the insulated spade connector will actually hold the T-Tap in place if if does come loose.

100% right. The T taps are fine as long as they are not subjected to elements and you don't pull much current through them.

[illwood]

I've always preferred the connection quality of a proper soldered wire with heat shrink tubing to seal the connection.

On a side note, my friend Jeff refers to the "ScotchLok" connectors as "Vampire Crimps" (because it "bites" into the wire). :lol:

[RF Overlord]

Scotch-Loks are fine for low-current applications where they aren't exposed to the elements or under a lot of physical tension and where soldering isn't practical.

[SamF]

One of those kept coming loose and opening the connection to my intercooler pump...not good. The last time it was about 95 degrees out and I limped home, pulled it out and soldered it.

[burt ragio]

Soldering is the 2nd best to running new wire. Ther are other type connectors as mentioned all for different application. I prefer weather pac connectors & Matco crimp tool.Packard Weather Pack Terminals (http://www.electerm.com/packardweather.html)

[Seneca]

Joe I would stay away from these. We're not allowed to use them at work. And for good reason they'r nothing but trouble. PM jack fordfrk and ask him about his ghost in his electrical system we hunted for for hours before finding a scotch lock that had came unlocked.