OriginalDonk

iTrader: (44)

Anybody have a recommendation for a tool to shorten servo leads and wires? I spent some time looking around and found a few options with pretty negative reviews.

Anybody find a winner?

EbbTide

iTrader: (39)

I don't use one tool. I cut the wires, put heatshrink over the wire, solder it up, and slide heatshrink over it. Simple as that. For an even cleaner look you can put a braided sleeve over the heatshrinked wires.

anthonyscardina

iTrader: (12)

I've been using the MPI crimper and pins. I like to solder the pins as well just to make it a little more durable. You can also cut the wire and resolder it in the case but that's a little tougher.

belewis01

iTrader: (5)

Hansen Hobbies, a little pricey compared to the economy tools out there, but absolute delight to use. Good place to buy your connector stuff, we used to build wiring harnesses for RC airplanes and always ordered from Hansen's.
Watch the video on the their site to see how the tool works.

Deluxe Crimping Tool

belewis01

iTrader: (5)

Pretty sure soldering the pins is a bad idea. It creates a stress point that can break when it flexes. Probably not a big deal on RC cars, but bad when stuff can fall out of the sky. Much better to get a good crimper - I gave away my MPI for free.

OriginalDonk

iTrader: (44)

Thank you all. That Hansen video is helpful. Looks a tough pricey but I'll always go for something solid given how much coin I'm dropping on servos.

the rc guy

side cutters old plug... strip wires... solder new leads heat shrink...

anthonyscardina

iTrader: (12)

I must have the only good MPI in existence

unless you're flying foamies you'd never see the wires to even care that they're shortened. I only shorten them on cars because there's nowhere to hide them.

lil-bump

iTrader: (89)

I bought the Chinese version of this crimper for about $20.00 8-9 years ago. This version is also ratcheted just like the Hansen version. I use the Hansen pins,wire and connectors.

Pass you soon...

Roelof

I openthe servo's, desolder the wires from the PCB, shorten them back to the PCB and when closing the servo again I put some kit on all edges to make it water tight.

Untitled Document

Andy Koback

iTrader: (280)

I also purchased this tool from Hansen and worth the money in my opinion. Buy cheap, get cheap.

RCMits

iTrader: (30)

holy ive been doing it wrong this whole time...

Geezatec

Agree with belewis. Hanson Hobby ratcheting crimper is the best. Ratcheting crimper although expensive its the only investment you'll make. Been using it for 12 years, on my aircraft and cars.

Hanson's best but Amazon has IWISS racheting Crimper for $20. Up to you. Hanson supply the connectors and plugs Airtronics or Futaba and wire if needed. Practice on crimping before you do the project. it can be done less the 30sec.

99% of the time you're shortening the pigtail anyway.

Barker196

iTrader: (1)

I've done a couple by opening the case and resoldering the wires shorter, some are right on top and some are a major pain