Tool Tip Tuesday brings you a new tip or trick every week, on Tuesday. From hand tools, to power tools, accessories, and even organization, we choose useful tips to help you with your job and life. If you have an idea, feel free to pass it on to us, so we can share.
Tool Tip – Sealing Electrical Connections
Just taping or heat-shrinking an electrical connection, termination, or splice may not be enough. In fact, if you’re dealing with a connection that will be in the weather (boat trailer, etc.), then it’s definitely not enough. The connection should always be soldered, sealed, and wrapped (tape, shrink, etc.). You can purchase marine heat shrink or adhesive heat shrink which has the sealer/adhesive made into the material. There’s also a simple solution for using regular heat shrink tubing.
Sealed Solder Joint
Relative Review: Ryobi Solder Station Video Review
First, you want to make a good solder joint, not too big and not too stiff. Then, use some Di-electric grease to cover the entire joint, as well as covering some of the wire insulation. Slide the heat-shrink tubing over the joint and grease, then put the heat to it. Be sure to start in the middle and work your way out. You’ll see the Di-electric grease oozing out the sides. Once the heat-shrink has shrunk, wipe the excess grease away and let cool. Now, you have a sturdy joint that is also protected from the elements.
Tool Tip – Hold Your Nuts and Bolts
Once you hear and see this one, you’ll realize how many times you could have used this tool tip. Have you ever had to install a bolt or remove a bolt down in a recession, from the top side? The bolt keeps falling out of the socket. Just tear off a piece of paper towel or plastic baggie, and place it over the bolt/fastener. This will retain the bolt in the socket until you can get the fastener started or removed. The is probably the oldest tool tip that I know, but it’s probably the one I use most often as well.
Final Thoughts
We trust this weekly tool tip Tuesday may help you in some way. Who knows, maybe you can even pass it on. If you have any tool tip ideas, feel free to shoot us an email.
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