"Good" clip on plastic taps?

[jsmoriss]

Hi everyone,

I usually solder & shrink-wrap, but I have to tap into a circuit where I have _very_ limited space. So limited that I think the only way to tap into this circuit is to use those plastic clip on taps. I've always thought these things were cheap and crappy, but I wonder if there are actually "quality" plastic clip on taps available. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
js.

[TheRoadie]

Those 3M tap connectors are UL listed, and I've used hundreds over the years without a failure, but they do make you think the main conductor is going to be weakened by the slotted metal piece.

I've read good reviews for these Posi-Taps, but haven't ever used one: http://www.posi-lock.com/posiplug.html

They also list gold-plated ones, presumably for the stereo installers, and very nice-looking waterproof items and in-line fuse holders.

They list the following retailers:

Carquest - All New Products
Napa - All New Products
Orschlen Farm & Home - Posi-Lock, Posi-Twist
Crutchfield - Mobile Electronic Kits, Posi-Twist, Posi-Taps, Blade Fuseholder
Harbor Freight - Posi-Locks, Posi-Taps, Blade Fuseholder

[ntsqd]

The problem that I have with those in-line splices/taps is that they open up the conductor to corrosion. There is no way to seal the compromised insulation against moisture intrusion. I would sooner cut off a section of insulation, do a Western-Union Splice, and cover with self-fusing tape than use one of those things.

[jsmoriss]

...cover with self-fusing tape than use one of those things.

Ah! I'd forgotten about 'shrink wrap tape! Of course! :-) Did you have specific tape to suggest?

Thanks!
js.

[Jeep]

I've had to use the posi taps a couple of times, I filled them with silicone before piercing the wire which is a little messy but seals pretty good in the end, the ones I used didn't have a slotted metal part that did the cutting, they had a needle that pieced the insulation instead. It's still hard to beat solder and shrink tube.

[ntsqd]

Ah! I'd forgotten about 'shrink wrap tape! Of course! :-) Did you have specific tape to suggest?

Thanks!
js.

I've used the 3M product, but I don't recall the part number. A friend uses this stuff at his work (a power plant) and sometimes I get blessed with a remnant roll of it.