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-   -   4 or 8 gauge wire for 600 watt amp? (https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/general-boating-discussion/273310-4-8-gauge-wire-600-watt-amp.html)

272bajadriver 03-28-2012 07:48 PM

Got another important question!! lol I bought my 4 gauge wire but I just realized my crimping tool is too small for that big a wire. What is everyone using to crimp wires that big? Is there a special tool I can buy anywhere like home depot?

schnydo 03-28-2012 07:57 PM

solder

Perlmudder 03-28-2012 07:57 PM

Might think about running a larger capacity wire if there is a chance in the future you will be upgrading, that way you only have to do all this work once!

Double Rigged 03-28-2012 08:12 PM


Originally Posted by 272bajadriver (Post 3651273)
Got another important question!! lol I bought my 4 gauge wire but I just realized my crimping tool is too small for that big a wire. What is everyone using to crimp wires that big? Is there a special tool I can buy anywhere like home depot?

Use crimp connectors with epoxy heat shrink. Amp makes a tool my guys use. It is expensive though. Will crimp from 2-8 gauge. Solder works also just have to be sure you get good heat transfer. I do not think home depot sells them. We buy ours from Wards Marine Electric in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

rfgonzo 03-28-2012 10:07 PM


Originally Posted by 272bajadriver (Post 3651273)
Got another important question!! lol I bought my 4 gauge wire but I just realized my crimping tool is too small for that big a wire. What is everyone using to crimp wires that big? Is there a special tool I can buy anywhere like home depot?

You need a TS-1080 Crimp tool, about $160, They don't make Shrink terminals above 8 GA, So you will need to use shrink tubing.

Randy Nielsen 03-28-2012 10:24 PM

I have used copper battery cable ends & soldered the wire with a vice & torch then heat shrink the end. Also I found using dielectric silicone on all connections to prevent corrosion at the terminals. just an idea, Randy

rfgonzo 03-28-2012 10:52 PM

If you want a perfect crimp you can buy a tool, but I can tell you from experience if you hit it with a hammer or put it in a vice and put shrink tubing over it (with adhesive) You will have a good connection.

Strip Poker 388 03-28-2012 11:46 PM

1 Attachment(s)
What size hole is in it?


Those 1000watt Mindblower Amps only draw 1000milliamps:drink:

Also that heavy wire support it like every 12in ,It will flop in the waves,I would go with the tin plated stuff,it want turn green.


I used the gold plated/ stuff with the norm car copper style wire,I'm surprised its holding up like 4 years now.







.

Randy Nielsen 03-29-2012 12:49 AM

I was talking about mounting the terminal in a vice, heat the terminal to melt the solder & insert the wire. You can get shrink tube with glue inside it that makes the connection water tight. I had an amp setup in the engine compartment before it got stolen, they were kind enough to unscrew the terminals & after 4 yrs no corrosion with the dielectric silicone. Randy

soldier4402 03-29-2012 06:15 AM

you cant try to get big gauge stuff at HD or lowes, it wont be in the cool guy colors but you also wont get ripped on price like you do from monster. If your not going to see it who cares


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