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Step 6Prepare and Assemble Connectors
Prepare the Connectors
I put heat shrink tubing over my connectors to change them black, to add a rubber grip and to give a little strain relief to the cord. I used about 1.5in. long tubing over the 1in. long connector. You may need a different size if you are using different connectors.
These connectors use set screws, so I poked a hole in the tubing to allow the screw to go through. I used an awl, but you may use whatever thin sharp object you like if you need a hole.
* For connectors without set screws, or if you prefer the set screw to be hidden, especially if you plan to use your patch cables for high voltage, you should not poke holes, but put the heat shrink on at the last step instead.
Assemble the connectors.
Insert the wire into the banana, slide the sleeve over, and insert the set screw. Of course other connectors may be assembled differently.
For many connectors you will need to remember to slide the sleeve over the wire first before screwing down or soldering the connection.
I put heat shrink tubing over my connectors to change them black, to add a rubber grip and to give a little strain relief to the cord. I used about 1.5in. long tubing over the 1in. long connector. You may need a different size if you are using different connectors.
These connectors use set screws, so I poked a hole in the tubing to allow the screw to go through. I used an awl, but you may use whatever thin sharp object you like if you need a hole.
* For connectors without set screws, or if you prefer the set screw to be hidden, especially if you plan to use your patch cables for high voltage, you should not poke holes, but put the heat shrink on at the last step instead.
Assemble the connectors.
Insert the wire into the banana, slide the sleeve over, and insert the set screw. Of course other connectors may be assembled differently.
For many connectors you will need to remember to slide the sleeve over the wire first before screwing down or soldering the connection.
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I plan to use my patch cables for low-voltage connections with a patchable synthesizer. I also wanted to make it easy for me to get to the set screw if I need to. Eventually, I may circuit-bend something and want the screw exposed for touch contact as well.
If you plan to use your cables for higher voltage or higher current applications, you will want to just add the heat shrink tubing at the last step, and don't poke any holes in it.
@zulfiqaradil - Thanks for pointing this out. It could be a safety issue.