TIL a 30-year veteran taught me more about crimping D-Subs in 5 minutes than I learned in school

I was swapping out a connector on a legacy nav box last week and this old-timer from the hangar next door walked over and pointed out my crimp tool wasn't fully closing. He showed me how to feel the click and hold for an extra second, and now I haven't had a single pin push out on testing. Anyone else pick up a tiny trick from someone who's been doing this forever that totally changed how you work?

3 comments

3 Comments

rubyshah7d ago

My dad taught me to always wrap electrical tape around a wire nut after twisting it on. He swore it kept the connection from backing off over time. I still do it every time and never had a loose connection since.

wendyprice7d ago

Did you ever see that old Mike Holmes show where he talked about this? I remember catching an episode where he said wire nuts alone are designed to hold tight without tape if you install them right. The trick is to make sure the stripped wires are parallel and not crossed, then twist the nut until the spring bites. But your dad's method is pretty common with the older generation, and if it hasn't failed you, that's what matters. I've heard some electricians say tape can trap moisture, which makes me nervous, but maybe it's fine in dry indoor spots. Honestly, as long as you're not getting shorts or sparks, you're probably ahead of the curve.

craig.mila5d ago

Rubyshah's dad's method reminds me of how a lot of folks from that generation do things. It's like they got taught one reliable way and just stuck with it forever, no matter what. I see it with my dad too, he still cracks eggs on the counter edge instead of the bowl because his mom showed him that way. It's kind of the same with your wire nut trick, it might not be the official modern way, but if it's never let you down, why change it? Sometimes those little personal habits end up being more solid than what the experts say, just because you've tested it yourself. I think there's a lot of value in trusting your own experience over some new rule.