how to clamp/splice 18ga wire

Home Depot floor sales people are pretty knowledgeable.  I think if you explain to one of them what you want to do they will show you what is available and you may then make your choice.  John in Lansing, ILL

Not sure about HD, but my local Lowes doesn't carry what you're describing.

FWIW, Amazon has lots of T-tap and Posi-tap connectors which you may be able to get quickly, especially if you're a Prime member.

You could use suitcase connectors to connect to a bus wire.  Both stores carry them.

Check VERY carefully the wire sizes listed under the top of the clamp to ensure you are using the correct size suitcase clamp.   Some are 18 to 18 gauge wire some are 18 to 12-14 gauge.  The imprint is very faint.  May need a very bright light and twist the connector for accurate viewing.

Just look at the slits if they are similar more than likely it is for the same size wire.  !8's come in a red and a redish pink for the two different sizes.

Only use then with stranded wire.  Lots of folks do not believe in them.

I did not use them for the longest time but in the last few years I have been trying different types of attachment devices and can not say i have noticed any difference between any  of them in this range of voltage/amperage.  I just feel better when connections are soldered.

You could give this a try.  It is a ground bar used in circuit breaker boxes.  You will find them in the big box store near the boxes and breakers; less than $10.   They are made for 10-14 gauge wire.  You will need two of them; one for the hot line and one for the neutral line.

thanks guys.  I did run over to HD and did find the splice/tap product.  I did not buy because it was one of those general use multi-packs...buy 16 but only 4 are the right size.  I will definitely try to find another vendor that sells the right size and quantity that I need.  That will be for a future layout project.  I have to get this wired tonight so will use the terminal blocks that I have on hand.  It will be a bit of a frankenstein wiring project but hey if it works and the kids are happy then it's all good. 

DANR- good info.  wish that was stocked near the wire connectors.  would have bought that if I saw it

Check the auto parts stores. The suitcase splices are very popular in auto electrics.

use a Euro style terminal block.  Available at Lowe's in either a 10 or 12 unit assembly.  You can cut off whatever  number of sections you need.

Bruce

Ideal twist nuts.   71B.

 Crimp connections for track power.  14 gauge black and white drops from the rails to a 12 gauge buss wire.  Buchanon 2008 crimps with 2007 insulator caps.  Still available is 2006 copper crimps and the insulator caps.  

A second vote for the PosiTaps. The connections are made by turning the piece on the end, no crimping tool needed and they are reusable. Come in a wide variety of sizes and uses. I'm using them on my automotive electrical work now, can tap into a wire without having to cut it and they also make "weather proof" versions.

https://www.amazon.com/Lockitt...posi-tap%2Caps%2C221

Posi-Tap by Posi-Lock Products. I use these to connect my feeder wires to the bus wire. Quick easy and secure.

https://www.posi-products.com/posiplug.html

Good Luck, Mike

I can attest to the secure connection they make.  I used quite a few on my police model Harley Electra-Glide when adding civilian model accessories.  Never had a connection failure in 50K miles.

bruce benzie posted:

use a Euro style terminal block.  Available at Lowe's in either a 10 or 12 unit assembly.  You can cut off whatever  number of sections you need.

Bruce

I am with Bruce on this. I add an extra wrinkle - wire ferrules which make a very tight and secure connection with the European terminals.

I strip back the insulation about 1/2" - 3/4" then wrap each wire end around each other. They call this a Western Union splice. Then I lightly solder the connection and use heat shrinkable tubing to insulate.