Equnoxe

This is my guide for those of you that don't want to spend the 7-10$ a piece for ring terminals. IMHO the connectors I made are just as good, if not better then a lot of the ones Ive seen.

I hope this helps someone, Enjoy.


Here are the steps:

1) cut a piece of copper pipe into 2 inch lengths.
2) put the piece into a vice and squish half of the pipe flat.
3) use pliers to squish the open end back to its round shape (rather then oval)
4) place in vice again and drill a hole in the center of the flat area. (may need to use a center punch)
5) USING PLIERS AND SAFETY GLASSES. round off the flattened end and put a notch into the front of the rounded section.
6) put in your 0 Gauge and squish it in the vice.
7) using a torch (works best) heat it up and fill the hole with solder. let it cool.
8) using shrink wrap (if you can find some) or electrical tape, cover it up.



And there you have it!

(no flaming please...)

jalat

iTrader: (6)

awesome stuff. possible sticky?!

Sikk Nation

iTrader: (1)

that copper is too thin-walled it'll get really hot. Great idea, but you need thick walled copper to do that safely.

lpchouinard

The thick walled one is the one with the writing in red, right?

Equnoxe

i didn't think it would be a problem. I didn't notice any heat buildup. the copper is pretty thick, especially when you fold it and make it doubled. its just as thick, or thicker then the other ring terminals I've seen.

lpchouinard

BTW, good job

Equnoxe

thanks :P. I just hope this helps people, be nice to get this stickyed. id do a better write up if then.

Sikk Nation

iTrader: (1)

Not sure, you can tell just by looking at the pipe.


Also before you flatten out the "ring" put some flux in the pipe so the solder sucks in between there as well for a better more solid connection.

lpchouinard

Very clear to me
The copper pipe you use was the writing on it blue or red?

lpchouinard

From http://http://www.doityourself.com/s...sicscopperpipe
* Type M is the most common type of copper pipe sold. Relative to other copper pipes, it's relatively thin walled, but it does meet most building codes and is used in lots of residential construction primarily for running water pipes to fixtures. Type M copper pipe is marked with red lettering.
* Type L pipe is thicker walled and used for providing water services or where the pipe will be exposed. Some contractors will use type L for home construction, and building codes in some jurisdictions do require Type L for residential building. Type L pipe is identifiable by its blue lettering.
* Type K is the thickest and is primarily used for running pipe from water mains to a meter or in underground lines. Type K pipe is marked with orange lettering.

I guess you used the red one, blue would be better i think bc it's more rigid and orange is prob overkill...