Heat tape questions

It has been. A while since I have soldered. I may practice a little to see how I do and go from there. I ordered the connections anyway so I will see if I like the rivets.

Rivets depend on the type the cheap ones, 'pop' rivets use a special gun and leave a big nubby bit behind. Traditional rivets a 'peaning' hammer and hard plate can be used. They generally make a harder joint and are very firm when set are properly done are completely smooth. The roves and rivets are usually copper and should make an excellent joint. Jim if you wanted R&Rs PM me I have some in storage. The other revet methods is using solid revet this is hardest to do well it is basically a pin pushed through and mushroomed.

pop riveter
http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-MR33C-...ords=pop+revet

Rivets and roves
http://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/ima...v-rove-web.jpg

Solid Revets
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...90/Rivet01.jpg

I just ordered the thg kit. I figured I would give that a try because so far lots people seem to like it. I was just going to use linesman pliers because I really don't want to invest in a crping tool. If I am not satisfied with the supplied rivets I am going to solder. I will just practice on some spare wire to get used to it again. I haven't soldered in 10 years. I only did a little back the too in school. I am sure it won't be too hard to pick up again.

Thanks for the offer on the rivets but I think I will probably end up soldering. I don't like the alligator clip idea. I think the rivet method may be pretty good. Just have to wait now for the order to come in. I will definitely post a build log. I will include my choice there and what led to the decision. I don't mind soldering and if I had the iron ready I probably wouldn't have even ordered any connection kits.

I have to say I had excellent service with Exclusive Snakes/Epic Exotics. I complete pleasure to deal with. For my fellow Canadians, don't hesitate to purchase from them. I can't wait for everything to arrive. (Only complaint is that some links don't work on their site. Now I a. Using my iphone cause my computer just died so maybe it is just me. )

I think you will really like the rivets, it is a nice solid connection, and sandwiched in between the laminate, the contact area is terrific.

For parallel wiring, your best bet is probably the soldering.

Robin is great I have ordered from her before.

I was just looking at the FAQ on RB they show an eyelet punch, I guess that is what they are calling a 'rivet' You can buy them super cheap at most fabric stores the last one I had was only a few dollars (8 I think Fabricville maybe it is a scrapbooking thing or fabric craft), not a very good system. I'll be interested in what you think at the moment I am more skeptical.

http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.ca/200...-tutorial.html

:weirdface

I got some of the thg heat tape and rivet connectors. my plan was to put the rivets in and then solder around them to give it extra strength. but after crimping them with linemans pliers the hold seemed plenty strong enough so i just left em as is.

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Originally Posted by dillan2020

I got some of the thg heat tape and rivet connectors. my plan was to put the rivets in and then solder around them to give it extra strength. but after crimping them with linemans pliers the hold seemed plenty strong enough so i just left em as is.

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Did you parallel wire? If so could you fit two wires in each ring type connector? I do t think they will be big enough.

I didn't no. i use back heat so just one strip down the back no need to parallel. i think you could easily fit 2 wires together in a ring connector before crimping. but instead of fitting 2 wires into the ring connector you could just splice into the wire up a little further if you wanted to. so you could have a short section of wire conected to the ring for the heat tape. then use another just straight crimp connector and conect your 2 wires to that.

I wonder if you could have your two wires with ring connectors on them and rivet them to the heat tape with them facing away from each other?

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Originally Posted by tangell88

I wonder if you could have your two wires with ring connectors on them and rivet them to the heat tape with them facing away from each other?

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Personally that would make me nervous because chances are they could be moved and cause and arc. If I think about it wire nutting the two wires together and having a third short lead to the ring connector or both wires directly crimped to the ring connector make the most sense.

I decided to go and purchase the soldering iron (45 watt) at "The Source" which is what Radio Shac used to be in Canada. I also picked up 60/40 rosin core solder as recommended by RBI.

I think soldering is the safest route. I think I just wasted a small amount of cash on the eyelets but at least I have them if I ever want to try it. I have less doubts it is a good choice if you are hooking up just one piece of heat tape. Based on recommendations from RBI and Kitedemon I think soldering is best choice for parallel. I hate asking for so many people's opinions when my gut is usually right. I just haven't soldered in so long I thought about taking the easy way out. In the end that is usually not the best choice.

Thanks so much everyone and threads like these are good for the next guy wondering about connection options.