Ordering Flexwatt clips, anyone else interested?

Cruciform · 09-03-04, 12:22 AM

Well, it took a bit of patience but I managed to reach someone at CalorIQue and I can get flexwatt clips directly from them.

Each clip is 40 cents US, as is each insulator. So an insulated pair is $1.60.

The Bean Farm sells a pair of insulated clips for $2.50, while Big Apple sells them for $1.99.

Big Apple requires a minimum order of $100 dollars to ship to Canada, so if you're getting anything small, it might be worth it to order from them to pad other orders.

But if anyone is interested in picking up clips directly from CalorIQue, I can fold you into my order or pass on the ordering info once I get it from their rep.

This is *not* an ad. If anyone does join in the order the only incentives we'll see is sharing the price of cross border shipping and customs. I won't be profiting in any way, and we don't get any discounts for quantity (I asked

)

I just know how hard it can be to find a decent price on those darn clips for Canadians

Cheers,
Mike

Invictus · 09-03-04, 02:11 AM

I don't even bother with the clips anymore. I go to home depot and pick up some ring terminals, and screw the ring terminal right through the flexwatt conductors. The screw and ring terminal (which of course attaches to the wire) act as the conductor. I'm using that on a mini-rack I just built, and it works GREAT. And best of all, a pack of 100 is about $20. That's hmmmm... 20 cents each, and no customs.

Just thought I'd throw another option at ya.

Stockwell · 09-03-04, 06:38 AM

Mike, like Ken says, none of use those clips. They aren't that great anyway as even know they have numerous penetration points which is a plus, they can all be loose, and cause intermittant connection.
Using an electrical ring terminal with a nice wide flat head screw through it(truss head) works just fine.I usually use a star washer as well too keep it from moving. Put some silicone or hot glue over the connection point to insulate it... Costs only cents, instead of dollars.

Tim_Cranwill · 09-03-04, 08:59 AM

I 3rd that motion. It's ALL about conductivity and continuity!

Cruciform · 09-03-04, 09:21 AM

Thanks for the tips

That will definitely save some cash. Now I feel bad for wasting the flexwatt guy's time. Doh!

Tim_Cranwill · 09-03-04, 09:41 AM

LOL! That's his job!

Fangs · 09-07-04, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Invictus
I don't even bother with the clips anymore. I go to home depot and pick up some ring terminals, and screw the ring terminal right through the flexwatt conductors. The screw and ring terminal (which of course attaches to the wire) act as the conductor.

Hey Invictus,
What are those ring terminals you guys are talking about?Any chance of showing us a pic plz?

crazyboy · 09-07-04, 12:51 PM

Tim_Cranwill · 09-07-04, 12:57 PM

Here is how I do it with ring terminals: http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showt...threadid=49630

Fangs · 09-08-04, 11:54 PM

Thanks Guys,much obliged.
We call them "eye terminals" here,which is on the other side of the big pond.
I tried seperating the plastic from the copper strips and was going to solder the wires directly but I found it nearly impossible to do that without damaging the copper strip.
Thanks for the link to your "Free Dumb-Breeder Rack" Tim you must have written that for me

One question on that type of connection though.Does it make a really good connection or could it have a high resistance?

thanks guys

Jeff_Favelle · 09-09-04, 01:16 AM

Quote:

I tried seperating the plastic from the copper strips and was going to solder the wires directly but I found it nearly impossible to do that without damaging the copper strip.

LOL, just melt the plastic with the very soldering iron you're going to use to solder! Copper doesn't melt, at least not at that temperature. Don't see how that would damage it.

RazzleMcDazzle · 10-07-04, 12:11 PM

Thank you for not making me ask something that I was sure had be asked 100 times before. Tim, great work.... I am getting ready to build my own unit. 2 questions though....

1) Where do I get heat tape? Is it the FlexWatt stuff at Port Credit Pets? What is the difference between that and the heat rope? (Hmmmm I guess that is more then 1 question ;-)

2) If the Heat Tape/FlexWatt is NOT on any dimmer/Hi-Med-Low setting... and left on max (or pluuged straight into the wall), will it get hot enough to either; hurt my Leo's and Cali King (future pet), or even melt the Rubbermaid container.

Thanks in advance for you help...

Troy

Invictus · 10-07-04, 01:27 PM

Flexwatt heat tape, if not rheostatically controlled, can get hot enough to actually set plywood on fire. So yes, it will melt a rubbermaid in no time.

I think port credit does carry it, but if not, try Mykee on this very board, and if he's out, www.beanfarm.com.