Quick Connects:

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I'd like to ask favorites as far as quick disconnects on your welders. I have both Tweco, and Jackson, all being 2/0 sized, and both twist lock style. Currently on the machine itself I have Tweco 2-AF disconnects and they work well, but are somewhat "loose" in the connection point. The Jackson "Quik Trik" types are very positive and lock together securely. They are also much more weatherproof in construction. My machine does not set outside unattended, nor will I leave the leads attached when working remotely and away from it. We have ample thefts around here of copper from houses and empty industrial structures, so don't want to fall victim to that. I'm building a "stinger" lead of 10' length to quick connect onto my new 2/0 leads as per earlier thread recommendations.Thanks,SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:Jackson connectors forever. We have some Jackson's that are so old that there it would be a real challenge to replace connector and cable. They are abused and exposed to the elements but still hold tight. Actually, sometimes pipe wrenches are required to attempt to disassemble.
Reply:Thank you and I agree completely. I had a heck of a time getting them apart when first attempting. Not knowing they were left hand threaded didn't help matters at all..... Last evening I had to cut a cable off right at the connector base and physically drive it apart in a vise using a long tapered drift after removing the locking set screw. The internal connector is brass, but the outer shell which is encased in neoprene is steel and was corroded. It readily cleaned up with a wheel cylinder hone and dish soap as I didn't want to hurt the rubber. I then had to heat the brass red hot to remove the allen head socket plug retaining the cable stub. All that said,these things are built like a tank and it's not difficult to see why they hold up. According to the original owner, both the cables, and the Jackson connectors are original to the welder in 1965.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....
Reply:A few days ago after posting to this thread I scooped up another Jackson "Quik Trik" series connector in the needed size from ebay, then was talking to a buddy about these whom gave me another new one. I now have enough to build my main, extension, and field leads to most anything needed. I also took the Tweco pin locking spike type leads and spread them with a heavy screwdriver while clamped into the bench vise and they work very well. Actually had to close them back up a little as they couldn't be inserted.... Anyways, they won't fall out and are very good in connection now. I've elected to retain these Tweco 2-AF sockets on the machine itself as my shop welder uses the same socket and the leads can serve double duty.Really like those Jackson connectors as they are easy to assemble and use, then take apart if needed. Very good quality of construction so should hold up quite a spell.Thanks,Last edited by Slob; 12-06-2014 at 07:27 AM.SlobPurveyor of intimate unparalleled knowledge of nothing about everything.Oh yeah, also an unabashed internet "Troll" too.....