Exactly the same splicing method was described in a german DIY book, "Knaurs Handwerksbuch", printed in 1958. This was a suggestion how to splice 2 extension cords in order to get 1 long one. Only it suggested using EITHER friction tape OR rubber tube. Rubber tape never really caught here, we went straight from cloth friction tape to PVC tape.

Could this apply for small stranded conductors (say #18 in an appliance) or is it just intended for high-power, large diameter cables?

I once saw someone's website showing how to splice a piece of auto wire (usually #18 or #16). You butted the two ends together and then wrapped a single strand of wire (from a scrap piece of lamp cord). Then the joint was soldered and a piece of heatshrink tubing slipped over the joint.

I may try it ... just for kicks ... on some hook-up wire I have for electronic projects and speaker wire.

In my case this was a suggestion how to splice a standard 18 AWG extension cord (instead of just twisting the wire ends and wrapping the splice with lots of loose tape).

But the text below the picture definitely mentions #6 wire, so it seems to be intended for larger cables.

Texas Ranger,
It lists wire all the way up to 500 MCM.Guess you would have to guess how much to derate it based on the # of strands you cut out so "that the splice will not be bulky"

[This message has been edited by txsparky (edited 03-10-2003).]

Can you imagine the reaction of a tradesman in the middle of doing a set of 500s, and you showed him a hydraulic-compressed spice? He’d think you had to be from Mars.

Do electricians use Old Splice after they shave?