Twist wires before using a wire nut?

[Ole Anderson]

So, do you twist your wires together before using a wire nut? Some manufacturers say it isn't necessary.

[Doug Dawson]

So, do you twist your wires together before using a wire nut? Some manufacturers say it isn't necessary.

Absolutely. It’s a mechanical connection, held in place by the wire nut (which also insulates the connection.)

[David Buchhauser]

Absolutely. It’s a mechanical connection, held in place by the wire nut (which also insulates the connection.)

Yes. Particularly on #10 and #12 solid conductor "Romex" cable.

[Doug Dawson]

Yes. Particularly on #10 and #12 solid conductor "Romex" cable.

Here’s how I remember it. If a wire comes along, you must twist it. Twist it good. Sing it with me now... :^)

[Julie Moriarty]

So, do you twist your wires together before using a wire nut? Some manufacturers say it isn't necessary.

We have joked on the jobsite many times about what the wire nut manufacturers say and then follows the countless stories about tracing out an electrical problem only to find a wirenut twist the culprit.

IF, and that's a big IF, you can get sufficient purchase on two small wires that grab the wires enough to twist them as you would with lineman's sidecutters, then maybe that will be a good splice. But try to grab 3 or 4 #12 wires using a wire nut and properly twisting them.

The manufacturers need to drop this silly claim.

[Julie Moriarty]

I just clicked "NO" because I was thinking about using a wire nut to twist wires. I can't change my vote but want everyone to know, at this point, the poll should be 3-0 in favor of twisting wires.

[Robert Engel]

Yes. I had a a neutral come loose in a junction box up in the attic.

Electrician had a heck of a time tracing it down, then schooled me about ALWAYS twisting before wire nutting, even if it’s just 2 wires.

[Tony Zona]

On occasion I have soldered the twist before screwing the wire nut on. Extreme, huh?

[Tom M King]

I always make a pretty twist counter-clockwise. I have a pair of needle nose pliers that don't open without help. They are "clamped" onto the wires, and the ends are twisted together, then the ends clipped. That leaves the wire nut to mostly just protect the twisted wires from touching anything else.

Soldering is not recommended.

[Rod Sheridan]

Interesting question, in Canada the electrical code stipulates that manufacturers installation instructions must be used.

In the case of Marrettes (wire nuts) all the manufacturers products I've purchased state not to twist the wires before installing the Marrette.

I don't twist the wires before insertion into the Marrette.............Rod.

[Zachary Hoyt]

I was told to always twist the wires before installing the wire nut, so I do. It makes sense to me.

[Aaron Rosenthal]

Like Julie says, my electrician here in Vancouver (Canada) always twists the wires together. But then he’s old school, and values his claim free insurance and low call back reputation.

[Frank Pratt]

Interesting question, in Canada the electrical code stipulates that manufacturers installation instructions must be used.

In the case of Marrettes (wire nuts) all the manufacturers products I've purchased state not to twist the wires before installing the Marrette.

I don't twist the wires before insertion into the Marrette.............Rod.

Rod, I'm a stickler for following the book, but sometimes you have to let common sense & experience take the driver's seat. For a couple of #14 wires, no problem. Just make sure the ends of the wire are all perfectly aligned & then twist it tight. If the wires don't end up twisted inside the wire nut, then it's not a good connections, period. Try doing it with 5 or 6 #12s. MUCH easier to twist first with linesman pliers, clip the ends flush, and then put on the wire nut.

BTW, I just checked the instructions for Marrette & Ideal wire nuts & both say to twist the wire nut on tightly, but don't forbid twisting the wires first. If the wires are not twisted after connection, then the wire nut was not twisted tightly enough.

[Doug Garson]

I always make a pretty twist counter-clockwise. I have a pair of needle nose pliers that don't open without help. They are "clamped" onto the wires, and the ends are twisted together, then the ends clipped. That leaves the wire nut to mostly just protect the twisted wires from touching anything else.

Soldering is not recommended.

Aren't wire nuts made with right hand threads? Won't twisting the wires counterclockwise then twisting the wire nut on clockwise untwist the wires? What am I (or everyone else) missing? Oh and how do millennials with digital smart watches know which way to twist?

[Peter Kelly]

I'll twist the wires clockwise if I have the grave misfortune of having to use wire nuts. Wago or Polaris connectors otherwise.