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WBT Spades -- Crimping needed??

I just purchased some Canare 4S11 cable and am looking to terminate them properly. I'd like to connect the speaker end of the cable with spades (biwire), and so far I've read that WBT make the best spades.

However, it was not clear to me whether I can insert wires directly into the WBT spades or whether I need to insert a sleeve onto the wires before adding on the spades.

I have no crimping tools and am not looking forward to have to purchase any, so any help is appreciated.
uwloian
mwilson
430 posts
 
While you might be able to get by without the tool, what Tvad suggests could strip your screws/screwholes if you're using smaller wire and end up extending the set screw toward the end of its adjustable length.

The screws and the body of the connector are copper, which is a very soft metal. If you end up putting strain on the last thread or two of the screw, the threads on the screw or the screwhole _will_ give way. Trust me. I've done it.

Sometimes, having the right equipment is better.
Post removed 
uwloian OP
6 posts
 
Wow guys thanks for all the great advice! I'll definitely look into all the options. Thanks y'all I appreciate it.
groovey's avatar
groovey
125 posts
 

 

 

erik_squires
16,119 posts
 

I have had the WBT bananas, which use the same attachment process. It’s not required, but it sure does help. However you can get the sleeves cheap at Parts Connexion and a number of < $20 electrician’s crimpers like this one will do the job just as well as the WBT tool. Try to leave as little exposed wire between the cable insulator and the sleeve to minimize the possibility of shorting after installation.

Also, be careful not to loose the wrench that comes with the plugs as the nuts are easy to strip with the wrong tool.

 

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