Securing tiny leads (resistors e.g.) in female jumpers.

Is there a good technique for securing tiny leads like from a resistor, or photocell into a female jumper?

For instance, can I just crimp the female jumper? (FTR, I DID try this, but it didn't work one time and didn't trial-and-error it if I was just destroying my jumpers fruitlessly).

I've tried using electrician's tape, but the adhesion with the tiny leads is so poor that it's basically useless.

Eventually for this project, I'm going to have to solder the leads, but while I'm playing around with it, I just want something that is a "semi-permanent" solution.

Thanks in advance.

Use a breadboard :slight_smile:

Well, I did for testing, but now I'm building a "robot" that has a light sensor on it, and I'm running the jumpers from the sensor all the way back to the breadboard for now.

So, I'm trying to keep the sensor attached to the jumpers while I fiddle around with the whole thing and they keep falling out if I move it around at all.

Did you try with or without the plastic sleeve on the jumper wires? I've done this and it "sorta works". You just have to pry the little tab outwards and pull the cable. The little "socket" they have inside can be squashed somewhat.

Other than that, a hot glue gun works wonders to secure those things, assuming the electrical contact is good enough.

TheCityGame:
So, I'm trying to keep the sensor attached to the jumpers while I fiddle around with the whole thing and they keep falling out if I move it around at all.

Just solder the sensor to the leads. Takes you 10 seconds...

septillion:
Just solder the sensor to the leads. Takes you 10 seconds...

I gotcha.

Gonna have to require a solder iron, though. LOL. I know. They're like 20 bucks. I'm getting one.

I just got my arduino kit like a month ago with ZERO electronics background, so I'm sort of "hacking my way" through some of this electronics stuff. In the meantime, I might try pulling off the plastic head on the female jumper as Cosme mentioned.

Thanks.

TheCityGame:
Is there a good technique for securing tiny leads like from a resistor, or photocell into a female jumper?

For instance, can I just crimp the female jumper? (FTR, I DID try this, but it didn't work one time and didn't trial-and-error it if I was just destroying my jumpers fruitlessly).

I've tried using electrician's tape, but the adhesion with the tiny leads is so poor that it's basically useless.

Eventually for this project, I'm going to have to solder the leads, but while I'm playing around with it, I just want something that is a "semi-permanent" solution.

Thanks in advance.

Female dupont style connectors require square pins to make reliable contact, due
to the geometry. You perhaps want IC socket style connectors instead?

1 Like

Like these
http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/connectors-interconnects/rectangular-connectors-headers-specialty-pin/1442554?k=arie

Perhaps try putting a small kink in the lead before putting it in the connector. Basically, use a pair of needlenose pliers and put a sharp bend on the lead, then try to straighten it out, leaving a kink.

CrossRoads:
Like these
http://www.digikey.com/product-search/en/connectors-interconnects/rectangular-connectors-headers-specialty-pin/1442554?k=arie

Those fit IC sockets, but not dupont connectors (pins too short, too thin)