Solderless crimp connections for microswitches

[DaveJ-UK]

I just want to use solderless connections for the microswitches on a couple of new buttons I've added to my CP.

I have one of these tools pictured below which I think is suitable for crimping these spade connections (correct me if that's the wrong name) but which bit of it do I use? They all just seem to crush it.

The existing crimped connections also have nice big chunky opaque plastic covers over them. Can anyone tell me what they're called and where I can buy them?

[Fozzy The Bear]

I have one of these tools pictured below which I think is suitable for crimping these spade connections (correct me if that's the wrong name) but which bit of it do I use? They all just seem to crush it.

You use the ones at the tip of the tool for crimping the connectors onto your wire..... and crushing it is how they work..... If you look in the end of one of your connectors where you put the wire, then you'll see that they kind of fold the metal over the wire as they crush. That's what holds them on.

As for buying connectors  (the ones with the covers are called "fully shrouded" by the way)... try e-bay. There are some pretty good deals on them on there. That's where I bought all of mine.  They were cheaper on there than the trade suppliers I use at work.  I'm assuming from your name, that like me, you're in the UK.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear) 

[madk]

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/2604262?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[Orclord]

If in UK pop down to Maplins, Halfords or B&Q they all sell them..

[JonnyBoy]

I just want to use solderless connections for the microswitches on a couple of new buttons I've added to my CP.

I have one of these tools pictured below which I think is suitable for crimping these spade connections (correct me if that's the wrong name) but which bit of it do I use? They all just seem to crush it.

The existing crimped connections also have nice big chunky opaque plastic covers over them. Can anyone tell me what they're called and where I can buy them?

The tool will work fine for crimping, but it's awful for stripping. If it's just a few buttons it'll do but it really is worth it to get something else to strip wires.

The connectors that go from button to button for the ground loop and from the NO tab on the microswitch to your encoder are called crimp-on Female quick disconnects, the ones with the shroud are usually called fully insulated.

Basically all you do is strip the end of the wire(s) you want to have the connector attached to, twist the ends (if the wire is stranded), place in the tubelike channel on the connector, put into the crimping section of your tool and put some nice force down, you basically crush the shrowd and it clamps down onto the wires, resulting in a nice firm attachment. The last thing you want your wires to do is unattach.

Good luck.

[SirPeale]

The tool will work fine for crimping, but it's awful for stripping. If it's just a few buttons it'll do but it really is worth it to get something else to strip wires.

One of the automatic wire strippers works well.  However, I've never had an issue stripping with my crimpers.  You insert wire, squeeze, release *slightly*, turn, and pull.

[DaveJ-UK]

Thanks for the replies. Yes I am in the UK

I can't find anything in the UK by the same names that have been mentioned but these are what I've ordered:

Crimp Terminal, Female Push On Receptacle 6.3mm (PK 10)

Crimp Terminal Cover, Female, FASTON Clear (Pack of 10)

I'm pretty sure that will do the job.

I know that tool isn't great for stripping. I've actually got several sets including some automatic strippers but I always seem to misplace them and end up using the next best 

[Orclord]

I wish I had read your first post in greater depth....

If you only wanted 10 I could have sent them to you by post FOC of course..

And I would not have bothered with the insulation, I only use that type on 240v connections.