how to get 14g speaker wire in tiny screw terminals

[tafontaine]

I am struggling to stuff my 14g speaker wire into the terminals of a volume control and an A/B speaker selector.

I can strip a centimeter and twist the wire and then shove it in, but it's tight and a bit messy and just overall doesn't seem great.

Any other options for this?

There are 8 connections (right and left speaker wire coming in and going out) in a tight space.

Each connection has a little screw that tightens to hold the (frayed) exposed wire in place.


Thanks for any advice!

 

[j_garcia]

16 awg wire? If you read the manual for that selector, it probably states the max size wire intended for the connectors. You could also just get some "pin" connectors.

 

[Rickster71]

You can get a pair of strippers like these: (for example) Klein Tools -Wire Stripper/Cutter
One that has a separate cutter for each wire size. Use the cutter that's for 16 AWG and lightly cut just a few strands off until the wire fits the terminals.
You can do it with most strippers, that's just an example that will make it easier.

 

[KEW]

If you have a soldering pencil/gun just twist them tight and tin the leads.

 

[BMXTRIX]

You want to strip the wires as to expose the least possible wire necessary to get into the connectors. Make sure the connectors are wide open to accept as much cable as easily as possible. Tinning the wire, as suggested above, will provide the cleanest installation. The suggestion of pin connectors is great, but doesn't work at all in a one gang box unfortunately.

I have definitely taken a large gauge wire and taken off a few of the strands before to make things work. It's not ideal, but works just fine as volume controls themselves are going to bring down the audio quality, you aren't going to lose much by pulling out a few strands of the speaker wire and creating a more solid and reliable audio connection to your volume control.

 

[j_garcia]

I saw speaker selector and completely missed the volume control, so didn't make the connection that this might need to fit in a gang box.

 

[tafontaine]

wow, thanks for all the great suggestions. i think i'm going to try the tinning, after i strip a few strands away.

the selector box and volume box both are rated for up to 14g speaker wire, but it's tight and tough and after putting all 8 in and then screwing around getting the box in the right spot, it's just not very clean

will get an update to you, and thanks again!!!

 

[Rickster71]

What if you got rid of the box and just used a low voltage ring?
LV wires don't have to be in a box.
If the control is rated for 14 AWG wires should fit.
Tinning will increase the wire diameter even more.

 

[j_garcia]

OP said a few strands would be removed prior to tinning. Proper tinning should not increase the diameter; it should wick onto the wire and be essentially the same size.

 

[Rickster71]

OP said a few strands would be removed prior to tinning. Proper tinning should not increase the diameter; it should wick onto the wire and be essentially the same size.

True...
I'm questioning the OP's ability to properly tin wire; since they're the same person that couldn't get 14AWG to fit a device that was made for 14AWG.
Just sayin.

 

[Nestor]

Try to handle the stripped wire as little as possible before tinning to minimize fraying.

Don't twist the strands. It will increase the diameter.

 

[KEW]

Try to handle the stripped wire as little as possible before tinning to minimize fraying.

Don't twist the strands. It will increase the diameter.

Good point about twisting the wires. It would increase diameter. Right or wrong, I always twisted them, but diameter wasn't a concern - only getting the best connection.

 

[Nestor]

Good point about twisting the wires. It would increase diameter. Right or wrong, I always twisted them, but diameter wasn't a concern - only getting the best connection.

If one were to nitpick, straight strands would provide an even distribution under whatever compression connection they are in. It's also an argument for not tinning a connection, but only because of an increased chance of loosening over time.

It's hard to resist twisting them. I do it myself. Usually because of one or two annoying stray strands.

If the fitting allows, fork connectors are an option.