MORE SPARKY STUFF

I’m writing to say how much I enjoyed the wiring knowledge and tips shared by Stuart Francis. The article was a wake-up call for me from the opening sentence and in particular the section on the benefit of not soldering connections. I have been faffing about soldering connections for 45 years with varying results, finger burns and assorted splatter, and to learn that often it was better not to solder was enlightening and welcome news.

The article also prompted me to review my wire stripping and connection crimping arrangements, very much in the DIY naughty corner, so it was an excellent excuse to research and treat myself to some new tools – brilliant! I found myself a lovely boxed pair of professional strippers and crimpers as recommended, and with the fancy new ratchet crimpers with their five sets of interchangeable jaws I now have in total eighteen different sizes and shapes of blood blister I can inflict on digit flesh if I’m not careful (at least no more soldering burns).

But best of all has been the lovely conversations the article has prompted with DIY and professional mechanic friends over coffee and cake – not least my dear old dad who so patiently taught a more enthusiasm than talent teenager how to solder bullet connectors 45 years ago. A fertile seed potato of an article from which many good things have grown. Thank you.

Steve Holbrow, member 4194

Thanks to everyone for the kind comments on my article and issues that have been raised. I fully agree with Al Osborn’s comments last month on using the correct colour codes, but it can be difficult to source short lengths of some coloured cables, particularly in the far reaches of the empire. I wonder if other nations have similar standards?

The switch cleaning issue is a bit more contentious. I spent many hours in the 1970s cleaning relay contacts and contactors (we used the highly poisonous carbon tetrachloride) and for such static contacts in benign environments a contact cleaner is definitely the way to go. However most motorcycle switches have wiping or moving contacts which need some lubrication, particularly in the harsh environment that most live in. Contact cleaner leaves the contact surface bone dry, and this can lead to premature wear and sticky operation. All the motorcycle switches I have taken apart have had some kind of lubricant (mostly silicone).

The main reason WD40 is so successful on HT system is its ability to displace moisture, not its insulation properties. I have used WD40 in many environments, from submarines to machine tools, and never come across any serious issues. Fibreglass pencils are very good but their size can make them a be a bit cumbersome in tight areas