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Absolutely, soldering is the way to go if you have the tools and knowledge, BUT not everyone does. I have problems soldering with rosin core solder on older wiring, and AFAIK acid core is a no-no. More people have access to crimpers, so you know they are going to use them.Or just solder the connections with heat shrink so you don't have big glob of crap on your harness.
The method I saw for using silicone and have used myself; use a caulking gun and 100% silicone. It can get messy so practice on a few butt connectors first. The end of the tube should have a pin hole, ~ 1/16" works for me. Squeeze the silicone into the butt connector so it just comes out the other side. THEN push in and crimp the wires.
I have also used liquid tape, and it is good, but if you are not doing this frequently, the stuff dries up.
Another point this brings up is crimpers.....you get what you pay for. I used the cheap-ass dollar store crimpers for a long time before I realized there is better ones out there. Google " ratcheting wire terminal crimper " for an idea of fairly cheap, fairly good crimpers. Here is a link also;
http://www.kmstools.com/titan-ratcheting-wire-terminal-crimper-18906
They crimp a bigger area and have a positive stop to prevent crushing the insulation so it gets exposed. They are bulky so aren't great in tight areas.
This style is better in tight areas but can crush;
http://www.kmstools.com/klein-tools-journeyman-9-crimper-pliers-with-dual-d-16444
This is all my own opinion gained thru personal, not professional experience.....and I'm NOT saying it's the end-all, be-all of knowledge. Take it for what it's worth [it's free]
Richard
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