In article ,
David Combs wrote:
AC line-cord for my table-fan (Vornado) finally frayed
(just outside the fan), and so I need to toss that
bad spot on the line-cord, and then reconnect the
slightly-shortened power cord to the same wires
inside the fan it was hooked to before.


Noticed these things called "tap-in squeeze connectors",
and bought several envelopes-full:

some red ones (64-3053), for 12 to 10 gauge.

some yellow ones, and blue ones.

To use these things, you of course strip the wire-end,
then insert one wire into one end, and the other into
the other, and then with levered-type pliers you
squeeze it like hell, and a little guillotine-like
piece gets shoved against the two wires, and that makes
the connection.

QUESTION: is it ok to use these things for making
the connection?


I would not use these for 120v connections.. they sort of work for
12v in the car, but I don't consider them to be reliable, and avoid
using them.
The online catalog lists the as "Low Voltage Tap-Ins", which tells me that
they are not intended for 120v use.


ALSO: they also have little yellow tubes, maybe 1.5
inches long, called "Butt Connectors:".

No instructions, though, for these, not even a hint
of how to use it.

What, you're supposed to *crush* it somehow, once
you have the two (insulated) wire's stuck into the
two ends of the tube?

Anyone know what to do?

You strip the wires about 1/4", and insert the ends into the metal portion
of the tube, and crimp with the proper crimp tool. I have used vice grips
in a pinch, but the tool is the right way. If you have a pair of wire
wire strippers, check them, many have the crimp function as well.
The radio shack tool is 64-2984 $6.99

If properly crimped, they work fine, if not, the wire can pull out.
The trick is to pull on the wire after crimping, and if it pulls apart, cut
it off, and start over with a new but splice.

They are color coded, and you really need to use the correct size for the
wire you are using. red for 22-18 gauge 64-3108, blue for 16-14 gauge 64-3109,
and yellow for 12-10 gauge 64-3110. Using the wrong size means that you will
either not get the wire into the splice, or you will not get a secure crimp.
You also need to use the correct die on the crimp tool in order to get a good
crimp.

(I use a lot of crimp connectors, and have a very high quality ratcheting
crimp tool dedicated to the task.)


(FYI: The yellow ones have part-num 64-3110.)

And safety with this one (for use for putting a
power cord onto an appliance)?

Like any connector, they can be installed improperly, and create a hazard,
but if properly installed, they are fine.

If you can, open up the fan, and put the splice inside the unit, and reuse the
strain relief on the cord.
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