Solderless terminals offer a simplified wire connection solution. Although soldering or welding provides a permanent connection, solderless terminals benefit in applications where disconnection is required for maintenance or where design or components are about to change.

TE Connectivity pioneered crimping technology and crimping products in the 1940s, transforming the complex wire bonding into a simpler, more reliable and more cost-effective one. Many electronic and industrial companies in various markets use solderless terminals. Compared with welding, solderless connection is cheaper, easier and requires less labor to install.

Solderless terminals can be used for wire and cable connections. There are several types to choose from, including ring, spade, hook, flange, slotted tab, as well as parallel, closed-end and butt splices, ferrules, bullet and quick-disconnects.

Terminals are usually crimped by crimping tools specifically designed for the specific size and style of the terminals. The quality of the crimping machine is as important as that of the terminals. Terminals can be open barrels (also known as stamped terminals or pins) or closed barrels (gap-free cylindrical metal barrels). Each type requires a specific crimping tool. Manufacturers usually recommend using crimping machines together with terminals.
  

The ring terminal, also known as the terminal block terminal, connects the wiring to the stud or screw connection. One end of the terminal is with a closed or open barrel for electrical connection with the wire. At the other end, there is a ring tongue, which is installed on the equipment through stud or screw passing through the ring.

[Spade Terminal]

The spade terminal (spade-shaped wiring piece) or fork tongue terminal,  allows for quick and easy connection or disconnection, as screws and bolts only need to be loosened rather than removed.

Spade Terminal

[Hook Terminal]
Hook terminals, which feature a conductive hook on one end and typically an insulating sleeve on the other, are available in both insulated and non-insulated versions.

       
Hook Terminal                                   Hook Terminal (pre-insulation)

| 02 Specification

Solderless terminals may comply with UL, CSA and MIL-Spec certifications.

In the automotive field, terminals are used to connect various electrical components; In electronic systems, terminals are used to connect circuit boards, cables and other components. These terminals play a crucial role in automobiles and electronic systems, and they are key components for efficient and corrosion-resistant electrical connections.

Insulating materials are usually vinyl or nylon. Vinyl is not affected by humidity, while nylon becomes brittle. Heat shrinkable insulated terminals can withstand water, salt, corrosion and high temperatures. Their inner walls are lined with hot melt adhesive and are inert at room termperature. Wires can be easily inserted into them. When the sleeve is heated, the adhesive melts, forming a tight moisture-proof seal with wear resistance and chemical resistance.

Insulated and non-insulated terminals may include wire harness spacers to prevent overly stripped wires from being inserted too far into the terminals.

Pull force test is commonly used to test the terminals connected to wires. This can be done by clamping the wire, pulling at a set speed and using a device with a load cell to measure the force, or by hanging a fixed heavy object on the wire for a specified time.

This test can also be done by Pulling Force Testing Machine in one step.