3M/Scotch 66 Block Connector

[Dale H. Cook]

3M once made (but no longer does) a connector, IIRC sold under the Scotch or Scotcklok brand. It would crimp onto a wire much the same as the Scotchlok splices used by telco installers, but it would push onto a single terminal of a 66 block. I haven't been able to find them in any of my catalogs (but admittedly I don't have many catalogs for telco stuff). Does anyone have a name or part number for them? There must still be some unused ones in circulation, and I would like to make another cable (I have one) to connect my Digigram VXpocket audio card to punch blocks.

If any of you have some kicking around I would love to buy six of them.

[TPT]

Google 3m Scotchlok or IDC (insulation displacement connector). Amazon has several varieties, e.g. 100 for $14.

[Dale H. Cook]

Google 3m Scotchlok or IDC (insulation displacement connector). Amazon has several varieties, e.g. 100 for $14.

I had already looked at every Scotchlok connector on Amazon and none are the 66 block connectors. They have been out of production for at least five years, perhaps closer to ten years.

[grich]

I remember when they (ST connectors) were still listed in the Newark catalog, but they weren't stocked...you basically had to buy a production-run quantity.

Back in the day, every presidential election cycle, I'd burn through half a box of them making bridge connections from our router to the NBC News and Newschannel folks that would camp out at our station for the Iowa Caucuses.

Sandman used to stock them in bags of ten...I bought some of the last bags they had in stock. We still have a few. I've been pretty anal about saving demo'ed wires with ST's, in case I ever run out and have to splice them onto a cable. They used to be made in colors other than clear...there are red, blue and yellow ones in the used collection, perhaps even green.

[Dale H. Cook]

...you basically had to buy a production-run quantity.

These came boxed, perhaps 100 to a box. When I get a chance I'll dig out my diopters and post a couple of photos.

[grich]

Yep...100 in a box.

Here's what I found in the drawer this morning...

Still have the official 3M tool, also.

[Dale H. Cook]

That kit is no longer on Sandman's site, probably because he is sold out and the connectors are discontinued. Would you consider selling me six of the connectors?

[grich]

I'll PM you...

[Dale H. Cook]

I'll PM you...

Thanks!

[spareparts]

Since the Scotchlock ST was EOL'd, another option from Sandman is the 66 Punching Doubler. I have soldered wires to the exposed tab and used 4:1 heatshrink. http://phoneman.com/66-punching-doubler.html

SP

[Dale H. Cook]

One of the members emailed me through my web page and six of the little beasts are headed my way. Thanks for everybody's help and suggestions.

[grich]

I wanted to add something to this old thread. I have found that if you have some ST's on some old wires, it is possible, with a sharp knife and a greenie, to very carefully pry the connector apart, clear the wire, and reassemble it. It seems to be OK for reuse, but if you were concerned about contact spreading, keep track of the side that wasn't used and use that side to make the connection when you reuse it.