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Lucas wire bullets

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Healey Nut

Healey Nut

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Does anyone have a good source for the good brass Lucas solder on wire bullets (other than the usual places)
I just got some from one of the major suppliers and they are $&@?!#% and that's being polite about them . Just a piece of sheet brass pressed into a bullet shape that would require 2oz of solder to fill the void between the wire and the part . Total junk !!!!
I want the brass ones drilled with the small hole that just requires a minute amount of solder to secure them . :eagerness::eagerness:
 
If British Wiring doesn't have them, I think you're outta luck. Why not use the crimp type (I think that's what was originally used)?
 
I have found them on flea bay in the UK and also Triple C in the US has them but they are closed until March as they are moving . Looks like an across the pond order is going to be my best bet .
 
Does anyone have a good source for the good brass Lucas solder on wire bullets (other than the usual places)

Well other than the usual places:

I cut them off all my old harness bits in the shop then when i need one i drill out the old wire and solder on to new.---:highly_amused:
 
Those are neat healeyblue i never heard about them.
999-652-102-10_copy.jpg
 
IMO, you are better off crimping the bullet terminals. The terminal in the images above is made for crimping; that's part of what the narrowed 'neck' at the tip is for (it may also strengthen the connection). If you crimp, you only have to remove about 1/8" of insulation; and the 'sleeve' of the terminal covers insulated wire. If you solder you will need to remove the length of the bullet terminal, and may well burn the insulation above the terminal (you have to get the terminal pretty hot to fill it with solder). It's also quicker to crimp, though if you're only doing a couple that may not matter.

I used to subscribe to a magazine called 'Light Plane Maintenance.' It was expensive--about $140/year--but was entirely subscription supported (no ads, so no undue influence from advertisers). They once did a crimp vs. solder comparison, and crimping was the winner. IIRC, the main reason is that--unless you have the proper tools and experience/training--the risk of a cold solder outweighed the advantages of soldering (theoretically, a better electrical connection). Of course, you need to use aviation-grade terminals and tools (not the stuff you get at HF). I don't recall seeing any Healey harness--original or aftermarket--that had soldered bullet connectors though (full disclosure) I never paid that much attention to the originals.
 
Marine environment uses crimps and they are subjected to some really extreme conditions. Just coat with liquid electric tape or shrink wrap.
 
I've just been going through the issue of bullet connectors as I've been putting my car back together. Crimping is easier but there appears to be two types. Over here we have the 'generic' type of bullets (and spades etc) that consists of an alloy bullet and 'neck' part which is covered with insulation of various colours depending on the size. They are applied using the ratchet type crimpers. I have found these type quite annoying as I often have to have two or three attempts at each one (maybe Im missing something!). Plus I don't like the look of the result which leaves you with a flattened out piece of plastic. The bullets shown above are a different type to the ones I've mentioned and I think you need a different tool which I don't have. I'm going to look into them anyway as Im not happy with what I've got. The car is however up and running and I took it for a successful test drive today. Just a few more details to screw back on then its all ready for the new season.
 
BBH

Thanks for that link. That is what I am looking for, it is much more professional but as you say, ÂŁ55 for the tool (inc VAT) is pretty pricey. I'll look online for the same tool at a more reasonable price.
 
Bob

I just realised that 'spade' connectors is the generic term for all of the type of connectors I described. I really don't like these at all and will redo all my connections using the 'bullet' type shown above.
 
Bob_Spidell said:
While we're on the (off) topic, if you do much wiring at all you should consider this type of tool:

https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-11063W-Katapult-Stripper/dp/B00BC39YFQ

I have one similar/older--it doesn't have the built-in cutter--and it works well. If you use the cheapie type--and/or you're not careful--you'll cut a strand or two out of a stranded wire, and could nick a solid wire. Neither is good if you want robust wiring.
Click to expand...
I'm not a huge fan of those type of strippers. I've had this type for the past 20 years, as far as I know, Irwin just got into the game with them. There is no sharp blade to cut into the wire, no slot that you have to find for the right gauge. This Irwin adds a depth gauge to make consistent strips.
self-adjusting-wire-stripper-662.jpg

https://www.irwin.com/tools/pliers-adjustable-wrenches/self-adjusting-wire-stripper
 
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