Why every toolbox needs a handful of jelly crimps

Regular readers will know that I really like the Wago lever nuts for making strong, dependable connections in home mains voltage wiring. But one other connector I discover myself utilizing a lot is the jelly crimp. In truth, I used some right this moment to repair some damaged wires in a doorbell.

Jelly crimps are the mainstay of telecom installations and restore (at the very least right here within the U.Okay.). I used to be launched to them a few years in the past by an engineer who gave me a handful of them, and ever since I’ve been hooked.

Also: How to strip wires like a professional (and my must-have instruments) 

These connectors come below tons of completely different names, however jelly crimps is what they’re finest generally known as. 

The “jelly” bit within the identify comes from the truth that the ends are filled with a dielectric silicone sealant that each provides additional insulation and likewise makes the connection weatherproof.

They are available in two-way (referred to as UY) or three-way configurations (referred to as UR), relying on whether or not you wish to join two or three wires collectively, and so they have been particularly designed for becoming a member of strong core copper or aluminum phone and communications wires.

Also:How to make use of heat-shrink butt connectors to repair damaged wires

Along with the UY and UR configuration variations, there’s additionally completely different sizes relying on the outer diameter of the wire you are going to be connecting utilizing the jelly crimp. Regular UR and UY are for thinner 22-26 awg wires with an insulation outer diameter of 1.52mm, whereas the UY2 and UR2 sizes accommodates the thicker 19-26 awg wires with a most insulation outer diameter of 2.08mm.

You’ll discover tons of completely different manufacturers on the market, and they are often hit or miss, and I’ve seen low-cost ones disintegrate or not include any gel. I’ve a supply within the telecom enterprise that retains me equipped, however for those who’re having to purchase them on-line, I like to recommend going for the 3M Scotchlok model. 

I discover the two-way ones to be probably the most helpful, with a 100 pack of UY and a 100-pack of UY2 being sufficient to cater for my needs.  

They’re lifeless straightforward to make use of. 

You reduce the cable, poke the ends in all the way in which (no must strip the insulation), and squeeze the button to snap them down and chew by the cable.

Also: How to solder: Tools, suggestions, and tips to get you began the simple manner

That straightforward!

Their major use is on phone wiring, however I’ve additionally used them on alarm programs, doorbells, audio system, and different low-voltage purposes. These connectors can deal with as much as 50V, so do not use them on mains voltage in case somebody — probably you — dies. 

The connections are extremely dependable, and so long as they don’t seem to be submerged in water, they are going to final for many years (and even submerged ones have a lengthy life, in my expertise).

There is a particular device for doing the squeezing which you could choose up for $15. If you crimp a lot then this would possibly make sense, however I discover I can use my finger and thumb, or a pair of Knipex mini waterpump pliers to do the job.

Did I point out that they’re extremely satisfying to “pop”?