FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Buchanan caps or wire nuts for ground…

| Posted in General Discussion on April 10, 2001 12:40pm

*
When tying the grounds together in an electrical box, I have been told (per local code) that I must mechanically connect the grounds (versus just twisting them together). Sounds good. I can use wire nuts or “Buchanan caps (copper crimp connectors)”, which require a crimp. Two questions….

1) What is preferred, the twist nuts or the crimp caps?
2) What tool is required for crimping the Buchanan caps? I have a tool by Klein called a “Crimping and Cutting Tool, for insulated and non-insulated connectors”. Is this the one for the Buchanans?

I like the idea of the Buchanans, as they take up less room -vs- the twist connector. Any ideas? Thanks. –TJM

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Bearmon_ | Apr 08, 2001 08:04am | #1

    *
    TJM, there is a special tool for the Buchanans. When done this way, it does take up less space in the box, looks very professional. Inspectors love to see this.

    1. G.LaLonde | Apr 08, 2001 02:53pm | #2

      *However....You will almost never see an electrician use the proper crimper, at least not around here. Most of them use a lineman plier, which doesn't do the job. Result is a poor connection. I can't believe electrical inspectors let them get away with this, but I see it on almost every job. If you want a foolproof connection, use the nuts. Although, I agree there is nothing wrong with crimping them if you use the right tool for the job!

      1. TJM | Apr 08, 2001 03:32pm | #3

        *Thanks Guys. Now then, can somebody tell me exactly what the proper tool is for crimping the Buchanans? I have a Klein crimping tool, which appears to create a crimp from one side (ie..one jaw is convex, one concave). I was told that possibly the latest code may require a "four-sided" crimp. Any ideas? Thanks again. --TJM

        1. mark_holbrook | Apr 08, 2001 04:01pm | #4

          *Use C24 part number tool from Ideal Industries. Type c24 in the search box to see what they look like. The Ideal website is a bit funky, so I cant paste an address directly.http://www.idealindustries.com/products/index.htmHere is a mail order company that sells them.http://www.dale-electric.com/crimpt.htm

          1. Bearmon_ | Apr 08, 2001 04:19pm | #5

            *The Buchanan tool has four pins that crimp inward simultaneously when you squeeze the handle. I got mine at the big orange box. Try there, or an electrical supply house, or the site Mark suggested.

          2. Francis_Voignier | Apr 08, 2001 04:43pm | #6

            *Around here, we use "greenies" which are green wire nuts with a hole at the end to allow for a pig tail. The crimps are great but start loosening when the wires get moved around by the drywallers. fv

          3. Mark_McDonnell | Apr 08, 2001 05:00pm | #7

            *Drywallers don't loosen then, it happens when the painter drags out the device ground to pierce the end of his caulk tube.Luck

          4. Francis_Voignier | Apr 08, 2001 05:16pm | #8

            *Ah, is that what happens!? fv

          5. The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Apr 08, 2001 05:32pm | #9

            *The Buchanon crimper works great...I had two...One walked. Note...you still twist the wires together.near the stream,ajThe green wire nuts work as well but I prefer the buchs when doing a whole home.

          6. TJM | Apr 08, 2001 07:40pm | #10

            *Thanks Guys. The "big orange box" by me didn't have C24, nor did their local competitor. I will try the electric supply house on Monday. --TJM

          7. splintergroupie_ | Apr 08, 2001 08:02pm | #11

            *Humor me if this is in the Dumb-Question category..I bought a box of greenies per the advice of my master electrician neighbor; i've never seen the crimps used here (MT), at least not on residential, so i checked the Ideal site to see what you are talking about. It looks like the connection is meant to be permanent, so is there an uncrimping tool if you change your mind, or do you have to cut it off? Also, the insulative caps for the terminals--do these ever snap off as well as they snap on?Thanks, guys. Love learning new stuff!

          8. TJM | Apr 08, 2001 08:20pm | #12

            *I was wondering myself about the "un-crimping" of these crimp connectors. It would seem meant for permanence. Then again, once the recap. or switch is in there, with a ground pig tailed, why would you want to undo the crimp? I've got some boxes that haven't been touched in 70 years. Packed as the original electrician left them. So, I'm not sure it's an issue to have to be able to undo the crimp. I am open to the opinions and experience of others, though. What are your thoughts? --TJM

          9. Tim_Kline | Apr 08, 2001 09:36pm | #13

            *b WBA At Your ServiceThey are cut with a pair of dykes or diagonal cutting pliers.

          10. splintergroupie_ | Apr 08, 2001 09:44pm | #14

            *Hi, Tim, can you address my question about whether the snap-on insulative caps have a chance of snapping OFF? Or do you use another kind?

          11. Joe_Hennessey | Apr 08, 2001 09:46pm | #15

            *SG, cut them off only & No, those push on caps have a kinda inside star washer gizmo inside them. Once they are on, they're on for good. JoeH

          12. TJM | Apr 09, 2001 04:09am | #16

            *OK! Now, while on the subject of Buchanans....I am running 12/2 NM. In one box I have four NM 12/2 cables entering. There will be one switch (it's a 4" x 2-1/8" square metal box, with a 1/2" mud ring, single gang). I must ground the box, and the switch. With a pig tail for box, and pig tail for switch, I could have to tie up to 6 wires together.Or, could I bring in one of the grounds long, wrap around the box ground screw, tie all four together, and have the excess length of the one available to ground the switch (as if I were using the green nut with the thou hole... make sense?)? Then I would have four 12AWG grounds in the Buchanan (the limit for size 2006S connector). I can also upgrade to 2011S, which will allow more than four 12AWG wires. I guess my question is..... how many wires should one lock together under one connector? Or, any suggestions on a neater approach? Thanks! --TJM

          13. Bearmon_ | Apr 09, 2001 04:56am | #17

            *Ground the switch?????

          14. TJM | Apr 09, 2001 05:15am | #18

            *Thanks bearmon. I think I'm awake now. Metal box. Box is grounded. Switch is fastened to box. Switch is grounded. Right? (I was thinking in terms of the green grounding screw on the switch...for plastic boxes, correct?). --TJM.

          15. L._Siders | Apr 09, 2001 05:38am | #19

            *Here the ground wire has to be fastened mechanically to the metal box..

          16. Francis_Voignier | Apr 09, 2001 03:30pm | #20

            *I use copper split nuts for connections over 5 wires. I occasionally crimp extra pigtails on the original pigtail if need so.fv

          17. bake_ | Apr 09, 2001 04:00pm | #21

            *From an electricians point of view..... buchanans are a throw back from the dark ages, they are a pain when you need to change a splice (in the case of adding extra devices later) and wire nuts have proven to be a reliable connector for years, who needs to buy an extra tool and have more parts to keep in stock!

          18. The_Tennis_Court_Builder_...on_t | Apr 09, 2001 06:32pm | #22

            *Bake and TJM...yaa may wanna not have so many wires in a small box...There is a limit...and buchs take less space than nuts...near the stream wondering how ya ended up with so many wires in da box...aj

          19. Jeff_J._Buck | Apr 10, 2001 03:32am | #23

            *and if space is a problem....maybe the box is too small??? Jeff

          20. TJM | Apr 10, 2001 04:15am | #24

            *Actually, my question is.... how many wires should one lock together in one connector? Let's say the box is sufficient, how many 12 AWG wires would one want to tie together in one connector, be it wire nut or Buchanan? The Buchanan (2006S or 2011S) has a built in limitation...more just won't fit. As the commercial says, "just 'cause it fits, doesn't mean it looks good". Thanks! --TJM

          21. Ralph_Wicklund | Apr 10, 2001 05:33am | #25

            *Since it's too much to commit all the stuff I need to know to a failing memory bank I usually just pick up the box the connectors come in and read the limitations printed on the side. I could have gone out to the truck and looked for you but now you get to do it.

          22. Mongo_ | Apr 10, 2001 09:44am | #26

            *TJM, It varies. Connectors come in different sizes and thus can cap differing numbers of conductors. The bags I buy (500 twist caps per bag) have myriad conductor combos printed on the bag.I buy Buchanon twist caps in two sizes. The smaller is spec'd for up to three 12ga conductors, I only use it for two. The larger can take five, I only use a max of four.For the Buchanon copper sleeves, typically three 12ga conductors can be slid through the ones I use. If I need to connect more, I'll run one of those three long and use end of the longer conductor as the attachment point for the remaining conductors. With those, twist as well as crimp. Don't just rely on the cap.Remember, per code you can only have so many items stuffed in a box. The smallest I use is a 20" box, I never use 18's.

          23. TJM | Apr 10, 2001 12:40pm | #27

            *Thanks everyone. Mongo's answer (and others') was the direction I was looking for. I know the connector packages give multiple combinations, but I was interested in the daily experience (rules of thumb). I have been using minimum 20ci boxes for the two romex situations, and 4 x 4 x 2-1/8" (30ci + mudring) for up to 4 romex (all 12AWG). This is renovation work, and these 4x4 boxes are used with mud rings up to 3/4" deep (two switches or one recep. max). I try to be aware of how much wire is being stuffed into the boxes. Per everyone's advice, I will definitely verify the box sizes for each location. I appreciate the input! --TJM

  2. TJM | Apr 10, 2001 12:40pm | #28

    *
    When tying the grounds together in an electrical box, I have been told (per local code) that I must mechanically connect the grounds (versus just twisting them together). Sounds good. I can use wire nuts or "Buchanan caps (copper crimp connectors)", which require a crimp. Two questions....

    1) What is preferred, the twist nuts or the crimp caps?
    2) What tool is required for crimping the Buchanan caps? I have a tool by Klein called a "Crimping and Cutting Tool, for insulated and non-insulated connectors". Is this the one for the Buchanans?

    I like the idea of the Buchanans, as they take up less room -vs- the twist connector. Any ideas? Thanks. --TJM

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

From work boots to power tools, these favorite picks make perfect gifts for moms and women who build.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data