Go Back  Offshoreonly.com > General Discussion > General Boating Discussion
4 or 8 gauge wire for 600 watt amp? >

4 or 8 gauge wire for 600 watt amp?

Notices
General Boating Discussion

4 or 8 gauge wire for 600 watt amp?

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-28-2012 | 07:48 PM
  #11  
Thread Starter
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 8
Default

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?
272bajadriver is offline  
Reply
Old 03-28-2012 | 07:57 PM
  #12  
Registered
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 470
Likes: 0
From: LITCHFIELD,IL.
Default

solder
schnydo is offline  
Reply
Old 03-28-2012 | 07:57 PM
  #13  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,195
Likes: 28
From: Toronto, Ontario
Default

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!
Perlmudder is offline  
Reply
Old 03-28-2012 | 08:12 PM
  #14  
Registered
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,054
Likes: 12
From: Pompano Beach, FL
Default

Originally Posted by 272bajadriver
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.

Last edited by Double Rigged; 03-28-2012 at 08:20 PM.
Double Rigged is offline  
Reply
Old 03-28-2012 | 10:07 PM
  #15  
Registered
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Default

Originally Posted by 272bajadriver
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.
rfgonzo is offline  
Reply
Old 03-28-2012 | 10:24 PM
  #16  
Randy Nielsen's Avatar
Gold Member
10 Year Member
Gold Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 0
From: Omaha Ne
Default

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
Randy Nielsen is offline  
Reply
Old 03-28-2012 | 10:52 PM
  #17  
Registered
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Default

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.
rfgonzo is offline  
Reply
Old 03-28-2012 | 11:46 PM
  #18  
Strip Poker 388's Avatar
Rob
20 Year Member
VIP Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 21,637
Likes: 12
From: Ms
Default

What size hole is in it?


Those 1000watt Mindblower Amps only draw 1000milliamps

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.







.
Attached Thumbnails 4 or 8 gauge wire for 600 watt amp?-0321-5086.jpg  
__________________
.

The Only Time You Have To Much Ammo Is When Your Swimming Or On Fire.
Strip Poker 388 is offline  
Reply
Old 03-29-2012 | 12:49 AM
  #19  
Randy Nielsen's Avatar
Gold Member
10 Year Member
Gold Member
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 0
From: Omaha Ne
Default

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
Randy Nielsen is offline  
Reply
Old 03-29-2012 | 06:15 AM
  #20  
Registered
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,347
Likes: 4
From: Thousand Islands area
Default

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
soldier4402 is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.