Posi-Tap Wire Taps, Opinions

Ok, here's the deal, I have read a number of posts that are against tapping the factory wires, however in some cases it's a practical alternative to soldering, mainly when the unit will be uninstalled within a year's time.

In my case, I am currently driving a company truck, and within 2 years the truck will be traded for a newer model.  I currently have installed a stereo system using Posi-Lock's - Posi-Tap's.  These taps basically just pierce a needle through the hot wire, and let you tap another wire (or 2-3-4) using just one tap.  The taps are reusable, all you have to do is untighten, and then wrap the hole on the hot wire with tape, and the original hot wire still works like normal.

Has anyone used these taps for security/remote start systems?  I have not used them with the heavy gauge wire that is used on the remote start, however posi-taps have a heavy gauge version to use. 

If this is discussed in another topic, I apologize, I did a search and came up with nothing.

Thanks,
B

I agree,

Do to the high DC currents in the alarm systems, the T-Taps cannot hold up to that kind of current. That is why soldering is done.

Picture a water hose on full blast and at the end of the hose there is a straw. Pushing that much water through a straw is impossable. (In the alarms application) In the long run by this happening it will create heat by force of electrons. The heat will be so intense that it will eventually melt the taps, wire insulation ect and eventually catch on fire. Granted it takes longer to solder and unsolder connections, but you dont have to worry about driving down the road and the wires catching on fire. It gives you a sense of security.

Years back thats how we  installed them.  The autocommand starters from Designtech came with them in the box.  The prostarts didn't so we had to get them from parts etc.  Personally I never really  liked them in high current situtations as mentioned above. They came with the remote starter so I figured ok they must figure thier good enough. Plus it was faster and when on flate rate time is money!  For a low current conection in a tough spot they sure  are handy.  They  really suck on trailer wiring outside the car in the elements but thats another story.   We called them "scotch locks" could have been the brand.  There may be a better product out now a days. 

Some would be surprised at how hard cars heater  blower motors are on electrical connections.  It is a common problem on certain makes and models of cars.  Due to the fact they were simply not designed to take the high current over the years.  Switches, connections behind the switches at all kinds of hard to get a places fail!  

So when someone clamps on a scotch lock on  a 10 gauge accesory wire I sure could see problems developing over time.  Especaily if the cars electrical system was marginally built from the factory to begin with!

 It comes down to  a  Good -Better  or Best conection.  A good solder job then rapping it with tape when it's still  hot so it seals  nice  works pretty good.

Lets face it,

We all understand that soldering is the best most economical way of making proper joints. It may take a little longer to disconnect (2 minutes more that disconnecting a T-tap. I heard a guy say just wrap the wire and tape it. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA!!!!! If you want intermitting connections and possible fires. Granted alot of shops use T-taps to save time. And yes I will agree that it does. All Remote systems, audio, ect that I do I solder. Now once again this is my personal preference. This is not intened to put down anybody or to offend anybody. It gives me peace of mind that it is done once and it is done right. I dont have to worry about my customers hitting a pothole and having an intermitent connection or something along those terms or coming back to the shop because something i'sent working. In my experance I have had customers come to me with problems they have, and I have seen it all, from T-taps, loops, twists, pretzels, ect. I have even seen a "shop" tie wrap the wires together and forget about the tape, solder, and taps they figure the wire tie is good enough to hold a joint and insulate. So there are alot worse out there than "T-taps"

Lets face it,

We all understand that soldering is the best most economical way of making proper joints. It may take a little longer to disconnect (2 minutes more that disconnecting a T-tap. I heard a guy say just wrap the wire and tape it. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA!!!!! If you want intermitting connections and possible fires. Granted alot of shops use T-taps to save time. And yes I will agree that it does. All Remote systems, audio, ect that I do I solder. Now once again this is my personal preference. This is not intened to put down anybody or to offend anybody. It gives me peace of mind that it is done once and it is done right. I dont have to worry about my customers hitting a pothole and having an intermitent connection or something along those terms or coming back to the shop because something i'sent working. In my experance I have had customers come to me with problems they have, and I have seen it all, from T-taps, loops, twists, pretzels, ect. I have even seen a "shop" tie wrap the wires together and forget about the tape, solder, and taps they figure the wire tie is good enough to hold a joint and insulate. So there are alot worse out there than "T-taps"