How
to Make a Wire Splicing Jig
Modeler's often have to do various wiring chores — particularly those who
fly R/C models or use electric systems. For years I've used a set of
"Extra Hands" to hold wires while I spliced them together with solder but
there are things I don't like about it.
Extra hands make aligning the wires more difficult than necessary.
Usually the setup is precarious at best. Lots of tweaking is required to
arrange the wires so they'll stay aligned until the
soldering is completed. Additionally, the alligator clips can damage insulation
around the wire. Extra hands are good for some soldering tasks.
I just don't like them for wire.
My friend Mike came by one day and said he had seen something that made the
whole task easier. He described it to me and within an hour I made
Mark I for him. I used silicone adhesive to glue the fuel tubing to
the base, but it didn't hold up long. Mike tells me it fell off within
a week.
I made a second mark but it was too long. I hadn't thought about that
until it came time to use the jig. Too much of the wire had to be
separated to slide it into the tube.
This is Mark III which has been going strong with no problems.
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