How to Attach Spade 10 AWG Solid Copper

Hi Reb,

OK, now I see what you're getting at. That connection looks very solid. The only thing about that style is you can't utilize the curve of the spade for a contact area. I'm sure there are spades w/a large enough pad you could do that & still have the space for full contact.

I don't do shear debonding tests or instability analysis or any other type of testing using electrical or mechanical devices. I would think a digital analysis at the microscopic level would show any fractures that would lead to failure but I believe those methods are used w/PCB's.

I appreciate your offer to send me a sample but I couldn't test any more that you can.

Driver,

That spade is small and not meant for audio speakers or amps. It was just a cheapo I had lying around to demonstrate my DIY method. On a larger audio quality spade, the circular surface area would be available as I would solder further back.

reb

I am definitely liking the solder then crimp method, it sees reasonable. The only issues are:

1. finding spade with enough room to do the solder portion such that optimal curve space can be utilized for connecting afterwards.

2. making sure the the metal to metal connection is solid as well. If the metal to metal stage is not crimped tightly then the contact point will be the soldered connection, and in that case you might as have crimped then soldered instead.

I suppose the problem (in 2.) can be eliminated buy using a screw connection, but then you might not have to solder at all.

Just my thoughts, it seems to be extremely tricky and I will certainly post my results and offer my 2 cents after I am done experimenting.

I also picked up a 66 ft spool of Teflon coated silver 22 awg, to experiment with some braid techniques; but I will save that discussion for another thread.

Here, I mounted this very spade onto a banana plug adapter. You can clearly see that in addition to the spade blades. The round nut and curved portion of the spade do indeed make contact. Torque it down and you have a superb connection! I could have soldered the solid core wire curved off to one side and that would have made more surface area available.

http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn76/reb1208/?action=tageditmany

I am having trouble viewing you link, it just redirects me to photobucket's homepage.