Wire RepairsRepairs to a wiring harness to reconnect broken wires or correct shorts to ground deserve special care to make the repair permanent. The wire ends must be clean. If frayed or otherwise damaged, cut off the end. If necessary, to maintain proper length splice in a new piece of wire of the same size and make two connections. Use connectors which are designed for the purpose. Crimped-on or soldered-on connectors are best. Crimp connectors and special crimping pliers can be found at most electronics supply or hardware stores. If soldering, use a needlenose plier to hold the wire near the solder joint and create a "heat dam", keeping the solder from "wicking" up the wire. Use a solder specifically for electronics, without acid flux which will promote corrosion. Twisting wires together is a temporary repair at best, since corrosion will eventually spoil the connection. Insulate the finished connection. Electronics stores can supply heat-shrinkable insulating tubing which can be placed onto the wire before connecting, slid over the finished joint, and shrunk to a tight fit with a heat gun or hair dryer. The next best alternative is electrical tape. Make sure the wire is clean and free of solder flux or other contamination. Wrap the joint tightly and completely to seal out moisture. |
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