I know everyone is using suitcase connectors these days but if I wanted to solder my tracks leads off of my power bus cables, is there a tool that will strip back and cut the plastic cable covering off the bus cable ready for soldering the track leads? The only way I do it is with a knife. Is there a tool that will do this?
Cheers
Barry
I have a Kronus wire stripping which I got at Radio Shack a couple of years ago for $18, says it is for 10-24ga wire. I also got one much cheaper from a cheapy tool place, not worth it, there is quite a difference in quality between Tiawan and China. It will do ends very easily and when you want to strip the bus wire it seperates the jacket and leaves you a nive bare spot to work in. If you wanted a longer spot it makes it easier to peel some back with a knife or whatever. I haven't soldered my wires so don't know how much more or if I need to strip it a little further. Probably depends on soldering skill, I'm fine on sweating pipes, need pratice on wires.
Good luck,
Here is a thread that dealt with your question (I used the Search Community feature at right)
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/99673/1161181.aspx#1161181
And an older one, but covering the same ground:
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/71849/870451.aspx#870451
I had asked the question in one of the forum thread references given above. The result was, I purchased one of the wire strippers of the type described...... either from Lowe's or from Micromark... I can't remember. It was not cheap, but it is one of the best tools I ever bought. It strips insulation off the middle of buss wires like a piece of cake. And can be used as other strippers to strip insulation off the end of the wire, and for different depths. It has slots to handle different sizes of wire. I know I would have tripled the time to strip my buss wire for feeders, if I had not had it.
Happy modeling, Hal
Thank you guys. As usual, great responses and help.
Take care!
Over the years, I've used many methods for stripping wires of many sizes, including heating the insulation in a blob of molten solder. I'm still pretty good crushing insulation between the cutting edges of a pair of dykes and stripping the desired length off, but by far, the best way I use at work and home is the pair of Ideal Stripmaster automatic strippers I have. They cover the range from 30 AWG to 8 AWG. They even can make two cuts anywhere along the length of wire to strip an area with a knife if I need to do a "T" splice along a bus.
Of course, I almost miss the power stripper I sometimes used at the job I had till last month. Set up the wire size and depth of strip, then just stick the wire end in against the stop, and remove the stripped wire. No muss,no fuss, no guessing the length for each wire end. But, I can't see myself spending about $5600.00 for the machine and a set of dies for home use.
EM-1by far, the best way I use at work and home is the pair of Ideal Stripmaster automatic strippers I have.
Yup, that'll do it!
Hi
I'm really surprised my thread came back after a couple of months! Thanks guys.
I live in the UK and had no access to the 3M Scotchlok suitcase connectors until a really great guy in the UK found a shop that sales them, emailed me via MRR,bought the shop's stock on my behalf and shipped them on! What a great MRR hobby friendly thing to do! Thanks Paul Whittaker.
OK.... I still have a need to sometimes strip bus wire to solder feed wires. Is the Ideal Stripmaster available over the internet? How expensive is it?
It's a shame we can't all club together and buy the $5600.00 one and share it around.
bsteel4065Is the Ideal Stripmaster available over the internet? How expensive is it?
Here is a link to the UK Ideal tools site. There is a where to buy button on the page that lets you choose your location. I am sure it will be available somewhere where you are. If not, a google search brought many results of online tool vendors carrying ideal products. Ideal tools are of excellent qaulity and are used by professionals worldwide.
These are not a cheap pair of strippers, but they are a quality tool. We get what we pay for of course.
BTW, not everyone uses 3M "suitcase" connectors. I do not now and wiill likely not be using them at all in the future. :o)
If you have troubles getting the stripper in the UK, you may find it on eBay?
Here you go! Ideal Stripmasters 10-22 GA
bsteel4065It's a shame we can't all club together and buy the $5600.00 one and share it around.
I have a feeling this unit won't fit under the layout where it is needed to strip wires, and tap into the bus. I use a unit similar to the Ideal Stripmaster, got it at Rad Shack some years ago. My dad has this newer unit from Calterm, which is supposed to automatically adjust itself to the wire size, and has a cutter and crimper built into it. I have tried it, and I don't like it much. Some of the other club members like it, while not liking mine due to breaking wires.
Mike WSOR engineer | HO scale since 1988 | Visit our club www.WCGandyDancers.com
Hi JSperan
Thanks for the link!
Why do you say you won't be using 3M suitcase in the future? I haven't used mine yet as I haven't got that far. Using a bus is one of the many great advantages DCC has over DC but any breaks in the wire during cabling is a severe pain. Have you had break problems with suitcases?
Thanks