Is using "Ferrules" recommended when doing a new install?

I'm adding a subwoofer to my Tundra and have the kicker 47Key500.1 amplifier that uses an 8-gauge power lead.

Crutchfield sells the gauge appropriate Ferrules to use with the stranded power leads when attaching to the amplifier. My question is, do you guys think it's a good idea to use these?

Would these be something to consider using with the 12-guage speaker wire also?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

They just provide a cleaner installation and appearance.

 

I used them in my most recent install, like @Tundra234 said they just provide a cleaner install. One thing to note too is that if you crimp on a ferrule and tighten a screw down on them too tight, they can actually snap off and shear your wires off. Happened on one of mine, not a big deal to redo but doesn't happen with bare wires.

 

I didn't realize they were designed to be crimped before tightening down the set screw.

I'm using 12-guage speaker wire from the amplifier to subwoofer. Between ferrules, bare wire, and tinned wire ends what would be the best connection method?

 

Yeah you could use any crimper but there’s a specific ferrule crimper that makes them end up square shaped when crimped. I used ferrules with adhesive heat shrink tubing in red and black to designate my wire polarities, but honestly the only things I can think of that it does besides aesthetics is reduce losing little wire strands and taming stray wire strands, and tinning your ends would solve both of those things. For what it’s worth I’ve done bare wire for the past 15 years and never had any problems. Ferrules look nicer but that’s about it and they take more time to crimp (and heat shrink) if you go that route.

 

Ferrules are nice but if space is tight, they can make it harder to bend the wire right off the amp. Just tin the ends and make sure you don't have any stragglers.

 

If you decide to go the ferrule route, this is the kit I bought on Amazon:

$30 SOMELINE Ferrule Crimping Tool, Ratchet Pliers for AWG23-7 with 23 Sizes Wire End Ferrule Terminals, Quadrilateral Wire Crimp Pliers with Crimp Connectors

SOMELINE Ferrule Crimping Tool, Ratchet Pliers for AWG23-7 with 23 Sizes Wire End Ferrule Terminals, Quadrilateral Wire Crimp Pliers with Crimp Connectors - Amazon.com

Just like with Amazon ring/spade etc. terminals, the ferrules are pretty cheap, but then again so is the tool and all the ferrules you get with it. Other thing I always like to use is marine grade heat shrink like this:

$16 Wirefy Heat Shrink Tubing Kit - 3:1 Ratio Adhesive Lined, a resistant Shrink Wrap - Automotive Industrial Heat-Shrink Tubing - Black, Red - 200 PCS

Wirefy Heat Shrink Tubing Kit - 3:1 Ratio Adhesive Lined, 1.75" Length, Wire Shrink Wrap Tubing - Automotive Industrial Heat-Shrink Tubing - Black, Red - 200 PCS: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific