Crimp connections keep coming loose from buttons

[gurnie]

So my husband and I were up playing the arcade (note the 4am time stamp) and I notice some issues with the 2nd player coin credit. And I look under the cp and saw when I switched the ultmircade 4 to 8 way joystick, I probably pulled a connection loose (as I can see one button is totally disconnected so I am sure 2 player credit button has the same issue.

So I read a few threads here and I am guessing the connections are loose b/c hotrod did a lousey crimp job on my control panel. So I I need to get a crimp tool and "crimp" all the wires to the button switches? Because it looks like some just slid off.  I read solder is a no-no so we'll avoid that, though I am tempted to epoxy it (kidding). 

Can anyone refer me to a good crimp tool that's not going to burn a hole in my pocket?

I figure I need to put an overlay on the control panel and get rid of that fugly purple, might as well kill two birds with one stone and crimp and overlay a new panel cover too . That'll almost be as much fun as installing the shelving unit we installed today

Much thanks

[wweumina]

Hi,

If it is a metal disconnect (little shovel-looking connector) that has come off the button then you can just re-attach and tighten with some pliers.

If the wire has come out of the connector then you might need to invest in a crimper though soldering is fine (and recommended by many).

Epoxy would actually work (though i would hesitate to recommend it) as long as you are still getting some metal on metal action.

[monkey puzzle]

If the crimps are sliding off the spades then just nip them a little with pliers, then slide them back on.

[Franco B]

Your typical pre-insulated crimp terminals are god awful things.

I use uninsulated terminals with a cover.





There are two crimp sections. The front section crimps onto the wire and gives a good electrical connection. The rear crimp section crimps onto the wires insulation which provides excellent strain relief.

They are also much more attractive than the pre-insulated crimps.

A decent open barrel crimp tool is a must for forming the tangs into the correct shape.

[Jack Burton]

Take a pair of needle nose pliers and -ever- so gently squeeze the connector.  Just barely press down on it.  Then slide it back over the connector on the switch.  It should fit snugly.  If it doesn't then repeat again until it goes on and stays on.

[gurnie]

If this makes any sense the female crimp part of the wire that goes over the male button switch is slipping off he male. If I can just go in and just use pliers and tighten the female over the male then that's easy. I didn't know if doing that would screw with the wiring.

Thank you for taking he time to help!

[Jack Burton]

It wouldn't screw with anything.  Go ahead and squeeze it a little with some pliers.

[gurnie]

well it all worked wonderfully and the arcade is back in business.  I was happy to play mario brother last night    Thanks for your help

[yaksplat]

This is the only thing that i use.



The right tool for the job works perfectly every time.

[BobA]

Have one of those too, but not everyone can afford one for a single cab.   The old crimpers work ok if you are careful.