Hi and excuse me if this question has been asked and answered a thousand times. I am looking for a source for the insulated female quick connectors that are used on Fastrack accessory and terminal wires. I have been to several hardwares, Radio Shack, etc. and can’t find any that are small enough. I really don’t want to buy them from Lionel if I can help it due to cost. I believe they need to be compatible for 18 gauge wire. Can anyone help? Thanks! Jim
Forget the connectors and solder the wire to the tabs leaving about 12" of wire. Then you can use a wire nut to attach longer wires.
I agree with Roger solder them. I did find the small ones at Lowes and a lot cheaper than Radio Shack sells them but after having the come loose several times I went back and started solder them all. Much better solution and never had any problems since.
Markettimer,
McMaster-Carr calls them Quick Disconnect Terminals, female, size .110 inch tab width, .20 inch tab thickness, in two wire sizes, 22-18 and 16-14 AWG. Look in their online catalog under “Lighting and Electrical.” They also sell crimping tools and heat-shrink tubing – see below.
You are right to insist on the correct size as there have been reports of overheating (scorching of carpet, etc.) caused by ones that were too loose. These are an exact fit for FasTrack.
These fit very tightly. I bought the uninsulated type and use heat-shrink tube insulation where necessary. Sold in bags of 10 or a 100. Very prompt shipping.
Soldering is good too, as long as you don’t melt the nearby plastic, or get a “cold” solder joint trying to avoid it.
I’ll try that. Thanks! Jim