Electrical Question

[Jim Koepke]

I always re-use them unless it is obvious they don't grip and I don't know if I've ever seen a plastic-only one.
However, since I'm not trying to make a buck at this, I always take the time to twist the conductors together with my lineman's pliers and I can see that the joint is tight before proceeding. I then put the nut on and ensure I can tighten it up. The principal job the nut is doing for me is insulating the bare connection not creating the twisted connection.

I agree. I feel like a wire nut is to protect a connection, not make one. I also point the twisted wires up when possible, so no way the wire nut will come off, and try to leave it not touching anything.

Yes, I believe this is the consensus on proper use of wire nuts.

jtk

[Dave Zellers]

So- fine to re-use as long as it performs as originally intended.

AKA, Common Sense. Which, I totally understand, is in short supply today with the youngers.

I have often pulled off and tossed re-used wire nuts that didn't behave as they should. But they often can easily be re-used. Especially when you get down into the smaller gauge wires, eg 16 and smaller. I do understand this thread refers to larger household wiring.

[Jim Becker]

Dave, common sense has no age boundaries. ��

[Doug Garson]

Some would say "common sense" is an oxymoron.

[Jim Koepke]

Some would say "common sense" is an oxymoron.

And I always though an oxymoron was a big lug without any common sense.

jtk

[Dave Zellers]

But we can reuse the lug when it passes the common sense test.