I'm in the position of having to take apart a large N-scale layout to move and save it. The problem isn't cutting the benchwork into sections, rather finding a wire connector or other solution that doesn't require stripping my many, many small stranded wires (22-, 24-guage). In 40 years, I haven't found a stripper that works on small, stranded wires. I did this (cut and reconnected) successfully 10 years ago, using Radio Shack multi-wire connectors, but that was back when my hands were steady enough to strip small wire without cutting strands. Has anyone heard of a connectorr that doesn't require stripping wire ends? Thanks for your help! Scott
Good morning scott, Point your browser to this 3M site where you will find a description of some products that use the insulation displacement method of connecting wires. Be sure to download the online brochure and look at the latest training information because the company makes these for connecting a wide range of wire under varing conditions. One size does not fit all! If you go this way, be sure to get the ones that are made for your wire size. Good luck on your project. I hope this helps. Jerry
The 3M site that GM let you to shows the connectors- no stripping. They are sometimes called suitcase connectors. I for one would not use them- reason- when you attach the wires with the connector it cuts over 1/2 of the wire strands. The problem with that is now you are using just 1/2 the wire size to power whatever. How do I know this, I have see many failed connections using this type connector. This was in the rental industry, when they used these connectors for trailer hook ups. Lots of problems. Just my thoughts- for what it is worth.
I concur with woodone I concur. I've done a lot of automtive wiring and scotchblocks are only good for a while before they start to corrode/oxidize. Then you have a bunch of broken wire strands and cut insulation to deal with when doing the repair right. My former employer had a wire stripper that worked pretty good and didn't need great eyesight. Search "Quik Strip Wire Stripper" and you'll find plenty of articles and links. I know it worked great on 10-16 ga wiring used in cars, but I can't vouch for anything smaller, but I suspect it will work great.
I cut and strip a lot of 24 gauge stranded wires at work, and the stripper we use does an excellent job. We have tried several different kinds and none have worked as consistently well as this one. This is what it looks like: Here is more information on it: http://www.idealindustries.com/ht/WireStrippers.nsf Here is a source for it: http://www.mytoolstore.com/ideal/ide11-20.html Here is a similar one made by Marklin: http://www.reynaulds.com/Marklin/temp.asp?item=603026 According to the Ideal website, these are for 12 to 20 gauge wire, but the ones I have, which look exactly like the picture, have 24-10 AWG stamped on them. I have used them on 16 through 24 gauge with great results. You do not have to adjust them or pick which hole to use, just stick the wire in the end, squeeze the trigger, and you are done. They also have a cutter on them and you can cut and strip a wire in about 2 seconds.
Hey, thanks, guys. Robert and Richard, thanks to your link, it looks like there's a vender of the Ideal stripper about a mile from home. I'll check it out for doing 24 AWB. I'll gladly pay the $30-40 if it'll stip the small stuff. Now if Radio Shack still carries those multi-wire connectors from several years ago... Scott
