(DIY topic) wire twisting adapter
Since Linux guys are more DIY than Windows guys... What tool or adapter do you use to twist electrical wires? I don't trust those "Wago" connectors, because they only have 2 points of contact. I prefer to twist the wires for contact surface, and use wire cap connector to hold the twisted end together. 1. I used to use linesman's pliers, as usual. But, my wrists are not what they used to be, and carpal tunnel and tennis elbow don't help either. So, I'm looking for an easier way, more power tool way. 2. Amazon has lots under "wire twisting tool" search. But, they don't grab the wires and apply tension, so the twisted wires don't end up straight. Also, most adapters wrap wires around 1 centre wire, but that's not ideal for "wire cap connectors". 3. I made 2 adapters (pictures attached). But, they don't apply tension, so the twisted wired are not straight. In fact, the results are ugly. 4. Right now, I am using drill chuck to hold the wires in tension. But, I'm looking for something lighter.
On 9/10/25 14:46, William Park via Talk wrote:
What tool or adapter do you use to twist electrical wires?
It's been years, but I used to use Marr or Marrette connectors. The Marr connectors are used for solid wire, but the Marrette connectors can be used for solid or stranded. They were also an approved method for connecting aluminum wire. Side note, the inventor, William Marr, lived in Toronto and worked for Ontario Hydro. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twist-on_wire_connector
In my bucket of marr connectors I have this little tool which will fit into a standard hex tool socket. Not sure where it came from but I have used it a couple of times. It will not work for the large size connectors or the very small connectors. There is also https://rack-a-tiers.ca/product/nut-blaster/ On 2025-09-10 14:56, James Knott via Talk wrote:
On 9/10/25 14:46, William Park via Talk wrote:
What tool or adapter do you use to twist electrical wires?
It's been years, but I used to use Marr or Marrette connectors. The Marr connectors are used for solid wire, but the Marrette connectors can be used for solid or stranded. They were also an approved method for connecting aluminum wire.
Side note, the inventor, William Marr, lived in Toronto and worked for Ontario Hydro. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twist-on_wire_connector ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/QD32RFZ...
-- Alvin Starr || land: (647)478-6285 Netvel Inc. || home: (905)513-7688 alvin@netvel.net ||
On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 15:21, Alvin Starr via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
In my bucket of marr connectors I have this little tool which will fit into a standard hex tool socket.
Not sure where it came from but I have used it a couple of times. It will not work for the large size connectors or the very small connectors.
For home AC wiring, I like to use wire nuts (the generic term; Marette being one brand) with wings for gripping. I mostly use the "one-size-fits-all" ones: https://www.idealind.com/ca/en/category/product.html/Can_Twist.html#30-207 They are able to handle a large range of numbers and sizes because the plastic deforms to allow the coil inside to expand for larger joins. The drawback is that they tend to not be reusable because of that deformation. -- Scott
Linesman pliers for twisting. However some marettes come in two parts: the cap and a collar with a set screw. The collar part you tighten down the set screw with a screwdriver, then twist the marette cap onto the set screw collar [image: image.png] On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 14:47, William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
Since Linux guys are more DIY than Windows guys...
What tool or adapter do you use to twist electrical wires? I don't trust those "Wago" connectors, because they only have 2 points of contact. I prefer to twist the wires for contact surface, and use wire cap connector to hold the twisted end together.
1. I used to use linesman's pliers, as usual. But, my wrists are not what they used to be, and carpal tunnel and tennis elbow don't help either. So, I'm looking for an easier way, more power tool way.
2. Amazon has lots under "wire twisting tool" search. But, they don't grab the wires and apply tension, so the twisted wires don't end up straight. Also, most adapters wrap wires around 1 centre wire, but that's not ideal for "wire cap connectors".
3. I made 2 adapters (pictures attached). But, they don't apply tension, so the twisted wired are not straight. In fact, the results are ugly.
4. Right now, I am using drill chuck to hold the wires in tension. But, I'm looking for something lighter.------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/PNTAWMC...
On 9/10/25 16:19, Don Tai via Talk wrote:
Linesman pliers for twisting. However some marettes come in two parts: the cap and a collar with a set screw. The collar part you tighten down the set screw with a screwdriver, then twist the marette cap onto the set screw collar
Those are Marr connectors. The Marrettes don't have the collar. Instead they have a coil of wire inside that grabs the wires as you twist it on. I learned all about this in my high school electrical class, back in the late 60s. 🙂
You are correct. Marr connectors. They are a little more spendy, but stay connected better. https://www.rona.ca/en/product/set-screw-connectors-2-10-16-15-pack-black-03... On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 16:23, James Knott via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
On 9/10/25 16:19, Don Tai via Talk wrote:
Linesman pliers for twisting. However some marettes come in two parts: the cap and a collar with a set screw. The collar part you tighten down the set screw with a screwdriver, then twist the marette cap onto the set screw collar
Those are Marr connectors. The Marrettes don't have the collar. Instead they have a coil of wire inside that grabs the wires as you twist it on. I learned all about this in my high school electrical class, back in the late 60s. 🙂 ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/2UJW4I4...
They taught you electrical in high school? That's great! I learned oxyacetylene welding, with many cautions about not blowing up the school. I would have appreciated an electrical class or two. I do SMAW stick welding now, far away from the oxyacetylene welding I was taught. No gas is involved, but many other dangerous aspects. On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 16:23, James Knott via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
On 9/10/25 16:19, Don Tai via Talk wrote:
Linesman pliers for twisting. However some marettes come in two parts: the cap and a collar with a set screw. The collar part you tighten down the set screw with a screwdriver, then twist the marette cap onto the set screw collar
Those are Marr connectors. The Marrettes don't have the collar. Instead they have a coil of wire inside that grabs the wires as you twist it on. I learned all about this in my high school electrical class, back in the late 60s. 🙂 ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/2UJW4I4...
You were blessed. I only was able to do welding for 1/2 year in Gr 10. The rest of high school was book learning only. Wood working, welding, sewing, electrical (house), plumbing, computers I had to learn on my own. On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 16:34, James Knott <james.knott@jknott.net> wrote:
On 9/10/25 16:30, Don Tai wrote:
They taught you electrical in high school? Gr. 9 electricity, machine shop & drafting, 1 term each Gr. 10 electricity, wood shop & drafting Gr. 11 electricity all 3 terms Gr. 12 electronics
Then electrical engineering at Ryerson.
Hmm... I would still have to twist the wires before inserting into the collar, no? At least, overlap under the "set screw", so that the wires don't pull out. Thanks, I'll look into them. Man, they are pricey! On 2025-09-10 16:19, Don Tai wrote:
Linesman pliers for twisting. However some marettes come in two parts: the cap and a collar with a set screw. The collar part you tighten down the set screw with a screwdriver, then twist the marette cap onto the set screw collar image.png
On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 14:47, William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
Since Linux guys are more DIY than Windows guys...
What tool or adapter do you use to twist electrical wires? I don't trust those "Wago" connectors, because they only have 2 points of contact. I prefer to twist the wires for contact surface, and use wire cap connector to hold the twisted end together.
1. I used to use linesman's pliers, as usual. But, my wrists are not what they used to be, and carpal tunnel and tennis elbow don't help either. So, I'm looking for an easier way, more power tool way.
2. Amazon has lots under "wire twisting tool" search. But, they don't grab the wires and apply tension, so the twisted wires don't end up straight. Also, most adapters wrap wires around 1 centre wire, but that's not ideal for "wire cap connectors".
3. I made 2 adapters (pictures attached). But, they don't apply tension, so the twisted wired are not straight. In fact, the results are ugly.
4. Right now, I am using drill chuck to hold the wires in tension. But, I'm looking for something lighter.------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/PNTAWMC...
no, just shove the wires into the collar, tighten the set screw down. By twisting the marr clockwise it will twist the wires properly, and lock together. The marr usually has a copper cone inside that helps twist the wires properly. You must still twist the marr cap. and yes, they are spendy. On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 20:11, William Park <opengeometry@yahoo.ca> wrote:
Hmm... I would still have to twist the wires before inserting into the collar, no? At least, overlap under the "set screw", so that the wires don't pull out. Thanks, I'll look into them. Man, they are pricey!
On 2025-09-10 16:19, Don Tai wrote:
Linesman pliers for twisting. However some marettes come in two parts: the cap and a collar with a set screw. The collar part you tighten down the set screw with a screwdriver, then twist the marette cap onto the set screw collar [image: image.png]
On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 14:47, William Park via Talk < talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
Since Linux guys are more DIY than Windows guys...
What tool or adapter do you use to twist electrical wires? I don't trust those "Wago" connectors, because they only have 2 points of contact. I prefer to twist the wires for contact surface, and use wire cap connector to hold the twisted end together.
1. I used to use linesman's pliers, as usual. But, my wrists are not what they used to be, and carpal tunnel and tennis elbow don't help either. So, I'm looking for an easier way, more power tool way.
2. Amazon has lots under "wire twisting tool" search. But, they don't grab the wires and apply tension, so the twisted wires don't end up straight. Also, most adapters wrap wires around 1 centre wire, but that's not ideal for "wire cap connectors".
3. I made 2 adapters (pictures attached). But, they don't apply tension, so the twisted wired are not straight. In fact, the results are ugly.
4. Right now, I am using drill chuck to hold the wires in tension. But, I'm looking for something lighter.------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/PNTAWMC...
On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 14:47, William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
4. Right now, I am using drill chuck to hold the wires in tension.
For long lengths (a metre or more) of relatively thick (20 - 14 gauge) PVC coated stranded wire, that's what I've used. Connect the wires with a knot at each end, so the lengths stay even. Lock one end in a vise mounted on a workbench. Clamp the other end in the chuck of an electric hand drill and run the drill (in the desired direction) while keeping tension on the length. -- Scott
On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 17:04, Scott Allen <mlxxxp@gmail.com> wrote:
For long lengths (a metre or more) of relatively thick (20 - 14 gauge) PVC coated stranded wire, that's what I've used.
Sorry, when you said wire twisting, I was thinking you meant lengths of wire, as in "twisted pair" for EMI suppression or neatly keeping them together, not joining the ends for an electrical connection. -- Scott
This also works for multi-strand rope. On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 17:04, Scott Allen via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
On Wed, 10 Sept 2025 at 14:47, William Park via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
4. Right now, I am using drill chuck to hold the wires in tension.
For long lengths (a metre or more) of relatively thick (20 - 14 gauge) PVC coated stranded wire, that's what I've used. Connect the wires with a knot at each end, so the lengths stay even. Lock one end in a vise mounted on a workbench. Clamp the other end in the chuck of an electric hand drill and run the drill (in the desired direction) while keeping tension on the length.
-- Scott ------------------------------------ Description: GTALUG Talk Unsubscribe via Talk-unsubscribe@lists.gtalug.org Start a new thread: talk@lists.gtalug.org This message archived at https://lists.gtalug.org/archives/list/talk@lists.gtalug.org/message/P4RQIVI...
participants (5)
-
Alvin Starr -
Don Tai -
James Knott -
Scott Allen -
William Park