Stabilizing Speaker Wire Connections

[Nick von Nick]

Hi All - I just replaced some torn speakers in my Markbass Traveller 102 with a pair of Eminence Delta-10Bs. They sound amazing, but I am not happy with the way I had to connect the wires. I ended up crimping them into place, but it still feels a bit too unstable. I feel like they might come undone if the cab shakes around too much during transit.

Does anyone have any good advice on how to keep the speaker wire disconnects from...well...disconnecting?

Thanks!
~NvN

 

[okcrum]

Are you saying you put crimp connectors on the wires, or that you tightened the crimp connectors that were already there?

If there are crimp connectors and they're still loose after gently compressing them with pliers, replacing them or soldering the connections might be your best alternative. If there are no crimp connectors, either get some or solder the wires directly.

 

[Nick von Nick]

Thanks for the reply - I crimped the existing connectors around the terminals on the new speakers.
~NvN

 

[mmbongo]

Thanks for the reply - I crimped the existing connectors around the terminals on the new speakers.
~NvN

Those aren't crimp connectors on there, you should not have crimped them. They are meant to be soldered, or for use with these connectors:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[agedhorse]

Use the right tool and materials for the job.

 

[Nick von Nick]

Those aren't crimp connectors on there, you should not have crimped them. They are meant to be soldered, or for use with these connectors:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Those are the connectors I used.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Eminence spades are 0.205” wide by 0.2” thick. Your faston connectors might not be for that size. This can happen when changing makes of speakers.

The problem is, some low quality fastons are out of spec. You need good quality parts. If the size is right and pinching it down makes a solid electrical connection, put a dab of silicone goop to lock it down.

I sometimes use UV curable adhesives. They are amazing. Super hard and hold fast. People use them to build up instrument nut slots. Shows you how tough they are. These products, the adhesive and a small flashlight, are available at some hardware stores. I often use it to lock down wires.

 

[mmbongo]

Those are the connectors I used.

Ahh sorry, I thought you had just crimped the metal tabs on the speakers around the speaker wire. Sorry!

 

[agedhorse]

My guess is that you used the wrong size. .205" is the width and I believe 0.02" is the thickness (the thinner of the two offered)

 

[Blues Bass 2]

Sometimes the crimp connectors don't fit tight when pushing them onto the speaker tabs . I squeeze the rounded part of the stakon connector just a little on each side with pliers before slipping them on if they don't go on tight . Too much and they will be too hard to push on and might damage the speaker tab . Just get them tight enough they push on firmly .

 

[Nick von Nick]

Sometimes the crimp connectors don't fit tight when pushing them onto the speaker tabs . I squeeze the rounded part of the stakon connector just a little on each side with pliers before slipping them on if they don't go on tight . Too much and they will be too hard to push on and might damage the speaker tab . Just get them tight enough they push on firmly .

I actually ended up doing something like this, and it seems to be holding well enough.

This is my first speaker replacement, so it is quite possible that I am simply paranoid...

~NvN