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Where can I buy molex connectors with pins?
Daviea:
Hey UncleT,
I've been working with wire harnesses for many years and I would have to agree that going with a molex connector is a good choice. The only thing you need to worry about is how much amperage you're running through that single pin. I've seen many instances where the 5V line of a Molex connector got fried on a typical harness. It usually had to do with a catastrophic failure of the machine, however. :-)
You can get these connectors pretty much anywhere they sell electronic components. For the mail order houses, you can go with Bob Roberts, MCM Electronics, Jameco Electronics, Mouser, All Electronics, JDR Microdevices (I think they still carry components), BG Micro, etc. Now, when using these connectors, you'll want a nice crimp tool. A bunch of people here have suggested the HT1919 and HT1921. This is a great entry level tool. However, I'm more partial to the ratcheting crimp tools which, IMHO, create a much more solid (tighter) connection/crimp.
If you'll indulge me for a couple of minutes, check out these tools:
http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.asp?SKU=607-0205&SEARCH=&ID=&DESC=11%2D01%2D0208&R=607%2D0205&sid=479926805B1DE17F
Ok, ok.. I know the pricetag is extreme, but I have an alternative, so don't get worked up. :-) I just wanted to point out this tool as it's the "official" crimp tool pushed my Molex, I do believe.
That in mind, look at this tool:
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=272&products_id=1277
Ok, now this one is more in line with DIY arcade folk...which, in this case, is in line with MY wallet as well. :-) Click on the product image link to get a close up view of the tool in question. Note the "v" shaped crimp mechanism. That's what you need to crimp down these type of pins (Molex).
I'd also like to note that this tool is excellent for crimping down Amp (Mate n' Lok) pins as well.
If you're curious about the use of this tool, you can check out the following link. While it's not the exact same tool, it has the same crimp die, so you can get a feel for the proper way to insert the pin into the tool.
http://www.pin-logic.com/repair_the_connection.htm
I hope all of this is of some help to you and others. When it comes to tools, I'm all over it!!
Happy gaming!!
David Adams
RAM Controls
--- Quote ---1) Can I (in fact) connect the 5V power line from my power supply to one pin of a white molex connector without worrying about anything melting or getting to hot?
2) Where can I get cheap female/male molex connectors with about 6 (or 8) pins already in them?
--- End quote ---
MaximRecoil:
--- Quote from: Daviea on January 25, 2008, 12:19:41 pm ---A bunch of people here have suggested the HT1919 and HT1921. This is a great entry level tool. However, I'm more partial to the ratcheting crimp tools which, IMHO, create a much more solid (tighter) connection/crimp.
--- End quote ---
I use the HT-1921 for Molex pins and I couldn't imagine a more perfect/secure crimp. I'll give anyone a canned ham and a pack of Lucky's if they can pull off the pin without breaking the wire strands that it is crimped to. When a crimp is stronger than the wire it is attached to, crimping it tighter yields no benefit.
Daviea:
--- Quote from: MaximRecoil on January 25, 2008, 06:52:43 pm ---I use the HT-1921 for Molex pins and I couldn't imagine a more perfect/secure crimp. I'll give anyone a canned ham and a pack of Lucky's if they can pull off the pin without breaking the wire strands that it is crimped to. When a crimp is stronger than the wire it is attached to, crimping it tighter yields no benefit.
--- End quote ---
I'll concede the point. However, I happen to prefer the ratcheting crimp tools typical of the ones pictured in the links I suggested for at least two reasons:
- They tend to produce a tight crimp with much less physical force from the user.
- They produce a repeatable "uniform" crimp due to the nature of the ratchet mechanism.
- I like the clickity-click sound it makes when you crimp a connector onto wire. :-)
The fact that they use less force to create the tight crimp comes in handy when doing a lot of work in one evening. Otherwise, you're likely to get some gnarly hand cramps using the HT's which, obviously, makes it more difficult to play a game of Robotron.... Having used both types of crimpers, I'm sure that the ratchet type is much easier to use, especially in high volume situations. However, having said that, an automated bench mount stripper/crimper is even better/easier, but that's a subject for another thread.
Also, the fact that each successive crimp of the ratchet type is identical to each previous crimp, a small amount of assurance is provided that you're producing a quality crimp each and every time. I've used the HT's in the past and have found that YMMV with each use of the tool. I never cared for that aspect of those tools. As long as you squeeze the crud out of it each time, you can get somewhat similar results. However, this goes back to the use of force issue I mentioned above.
Essentially, it's my opinion that the ratchet type is just a better tool by design. I'm not saying that one tool is the correct one to use over another. Really, that's the choice of the user. However, having used both type of tools, I do prefer the ratcheting type over the HT series without question. I'm only offering my viewpoint on the subject as an alternative possibility to anyone who's as into tools as I am.
David Adams
RAM Controls
ChadTower:
--- Quote from: Daviea on January 25, 2008, 09:57:11 pm ---I'm only offering my viewpoint on the subject as an alternative possibility to anyone who's as into tools as I am.
--- End quote ---
I appreciate the posts, David. I may have given you crap about your business practices in the past but FWIW I took solid note of the advice you gave.
Daviea:
--- Quote from: ChadTower on January 25, 2008, 10:00:56 pm ---I appreciate the posts, David. I may have given you crap about your business practices in the past but FWIW I took solid note of the advice you gave.
--- End quote ---
Hey Chad,
No problemo, dude. I have a thing for tools, so when I notice the subject come up, you can bet that I have an opinion on the subject.
And, btw, don't worry about giving me crap. I know I deserve it, especially when it comes to timely communication. It's all a matter of prioritizing my time. I'm trying my best to fix that. :-) I love the community and want to make it better for everyone involved.
Speaking of tools, anyone remember Jensen Tools before Stanley gobbled them up? Now, THAT was a cool place to browse for tools.
David Adams
RAM Controls
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