Reddit mentions of Posi-Products Posi-Twist Wire Connectors 18-26 gauge

So first things first buy some "twist wire connectors" like below: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I1PFD4Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yeH3Cb9RZTBBT

You may also want to buy a small-ish junction box for your wire connectors to be housed in if the cord is in an obvious area. Might be unnecessary if this is portable. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DG55KS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_DjH3Cb58QJNNH

Next turn off anything that would supply power to the wires in question. Might need to turn off circuit breakers at your electrical panel.

If you got the junction box, wire the cables into there and give yourself enough slack to where the wires jut out of the box by at least half the width of your fist.

Next feed both same colored wires into the twist connector and twist until hand tight. Repeat for each individual wire pair.

Take out the slack and use electrical tape around either side of the cable to reduce the tension on the wire connectors.

Close the junction box and you're done.

No worries, you've got a good mindset to learn and no time like the present.

I'll add that most swear by solder and heatshrink + electrical tape. This is nice once you're really acclimated but you'll likely end up reconnecting things several times as you tinker and expand. I'll list below my couple of absolute favorite things I've picked up over the years and why I bought it:

Ratcheting Wire Crimper-- Can't tell you how many crimps have failed just because I didn't apply enough force. The ratchet ensures you get that final click down.

And a pricier ratchet I invested in over time-- Nice because it's more modular but not needed.


Posi Twists and also Posi Taps-- These make for quick connections + testing. Various sizes available but I tend to get some that cover 14+, and another set for smaller gauges ~22+

Solder Seal Wire Connectors-- I started buying these in bulk recently because they're just stupidly easy to use and make a rather quick and solid connection. Soldering is another experience onto itself if you've never done it before. While I tend to do more circuit-board soldering than wire to wire, it's all relatively similar and you'll find certain products that you fancy more over time. The biggest thing I'd say here is to buy solder WITH lead. Can't tell you how much frustration I've had over shit solder, haha.

My most recent wire stripper-- I chose because it has the largest range of gauges and there's no internal spring that forces the stripper open. Having one tool to do 10awg all the way to 26 is pretty sweet.