Wiring Connection - Soldering vs Posi-locks

Ok, first off, not trying to start a big debate here. Seems to always get controversial when you put "vs" in the Title.
Three of my winter projects are to install a voltmeter, 12 volt power plug, and Hyper-Lites.
Does anyone out there have any experience with Posi-Locks?
http://www.posi-lock.com/posilock.html
Appears to be a good alternative to soldering.
Any experiece with the posi-locks (or other methods) would be greatly appreciated.


I'm thinking about puchasing the 12 volt power plug from powerletproducts because they have one that is custom built for the Honda VFR.
If you have other suggestions, please let me know.
http://www.powerletproducts.com/products/honda_leftpanel.php


Thanks Guys.

 

Connectors and silver solder

My choice for connecting stuff that cant fail. My replacement wire harness for R/R has to be bullet proof. Non-Plastic crimps and then touch with silver solder covered by high quality shrink sleeve.


For accessories I have used these Posi-Locks and they seem to work. I always wrap it once with high quality electric tape for any vibrations that may occur.

 

I have used crimp connectors as well as point-to-point soldering with good luck on both. Many OEM connectors are of the crimp type and when done correctly crimp style connectors can last the lifetime of a vehicle. The problem with crimp connectors is that one must use the correct tool when crimping- too loose and it falls apart, too tight and you break the connector or cut the sires. So, given the choice I would go with soldering and heat-shrink tubing. If you are any good at soldering there is less chance of later failure. With regards to solder, I am puzzled since good quality electrical solder is lead-tin with a non-acid flux. Real silver solder is typically used for mechanical strength and has a much hotter melting point making it a poor choice for small electrical connectors. Good luck.

 

Soldering & heat shrink are my #1 choice

but if you must use crimp connectors use good quality insulated connectors crimped with the correct tool

around $25

 

I saw a review of the Posi-lock product here and I'm sold. I just don't know where to get these in Canada!

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motorcycle-products/posi-lock/

 

I made several solder repairer to wiring on my "99" and have had know issues. Having no experience with crimp connections I can only recommend in one direction.

 

I use them all of the time and I love them. No crimping, plus ease of use makes them a must have for me. I have not had one fail yet.

 

The only reason I don't use crimp connectors is corrosion. Eventually, all crimp connections will corrode, and the connection will suffer. When wires are soldered, the corrosion can only be on the outside, which will not hurt the connection. It's solder and shrink-tubing for me, every time.


Lane

 

I have used posilocks before and I think they are better than crimp connections. I got some at Wally World earlier this year.

 

There are also crimp connectors where you heat them up afterward, and you get a flowing of solder on the connection, and there is heat tubing over the whole thing with an an adhesive to make the seal watertight.

 

Having done a fair amount of wiring on motorcycles, I believe the method you choose is more a function of whether you need the ability to take it apart. Connectors are good for disassembly of course. I solder everything else and use shrink tube over it. As to crimped connections versus screw together type...haven't used the screw together type but they look pretty promising. Crimping even with the right pliers which I own is sometimes a crap shoot. Wire can loose its crimp to the connector at times if the crimp isn't just right.
At the end of the day, the execution is likely more important then the method as all three will get the job done.
Good Luck,
George