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Apply HereFork Terminals
What are fork terminals?
Fork terminals are a type of crimp connector designed to securely attach wires to a stud, bus bar, or other electrical components. They help prevent frayed wires and enhance connection reliability. In electrical environments, vibrations can loosen terminals, leading to a loss of conductivity. Pacer addresses this issue with two specialized solutions: flanged fork terminals and locking fork terminals, ensuring a secure, long-lasting connection. Built for durability, Pacer fork terminals meet industry standards and are trusted for long-term applications. Don’t let inferior components compromise your electrical system; choose high-quality parts that you can rely on.
"Built for durability, Pacer fork terminals meet industry standards and are trusted for long-term applications."
How do you use fork terminals?
Properly using fork terminals is easier than you may think. Let's cover how to use crimp connectors such as fork terminals with a common bus bar. The first step is stripping the wires to the proper length. Pay careful attention not to damage the insulation or conductors when stripping. With your wires prepped, line up the terminal into the proper crimp nest. You'll notice the colored dots on the crimping tool indicate the nest by gauge. Next, you'll insert your wire into the fork terminal body making sure that the insulation butts up to the inner barrel. Now simply complete one full ratchet cycle. With your terminals properly installed, it's time to activate the heat shrink with our heat tool. Epoxy-lined heat shrink should be used in marine environments to create an environmentally sealed connection. Now it's time to install our fork terminals on our busbar. Simply loosen the screws you intend to use. Now take your locking fork and press it into the screw. With the fork terminal in place, you can tighten the screw. With a gentle tug, you can see just how durable this connection is. Fork terminals are available in 22-18 gauge, 16-14 gauge, and 12-10 gauge sizes. They are also available in bare, nylon, vinyl, or heat shrink insulation.
Where are fork terminals implemented?
Fork terminals offer advantages other terminals do not
A fork terminal can be utilized in applications where accessibility and future alterations are important considerations. When used with bus bars, they allow the user to make changes without having to disassemble the entire connection. They are ideal for use in new wire installations as well as replacement parts. If you have faded terminals, damaged terminals, or cracked terminals, then these may just be the terminals that you are looking for. All you will need are the proper tools and some heat shrink depending on the application.
Flanged fork terminals vs. Locking fork terminals
Flanged fork terminals and locking fork terminals share some similarities however they are quite different. A flanged fork terminal has the ends of the forks turned up. This action causes the fork terminal to grip the screw or mount that it is attached to. This, in turn, creates a stronger connection and reduces the risk of the terminal coming loose. A locking fork terminal on the other hand has projections inside the fork head. These projections cause the terminal to snap onto the screw. This snapping action again creates a stronger bond and reduces the risk of the connection coming loose. So, the difference is quite clear even if the end result is largely the same. Both of these designs will keep the terminal fastened even if the holding screw loosens.
- Flanged Fork Terminals: Feature upturned fork ends that grip the screw or mount, creating a stronger hold and minimizing loosening.
- Locking Fork Terminals: Contain projections inside the fork body that snap onto the screw, ensuring a firm attachment even if the screw loosens slightly.
Flanged Fork Terminal
Locking Fork Terminal
Why choose fork terminals?
A fork terminal can offer a host of benefits that make it a solid choice. A fork terminal offers longevity over other terminals as well as durability. Each Fork terminal is also versatile in its use as it can be used in applications that other types of terminals and connectors cannot be used. The fact is that a standard terminal can potentially disconnect should the holding screw loosen over time. With Pacer fork terminals you ensure the longevity of your connection and the conductivity of your electrical system.
Durability
Versatility
Longevity
What is the difference between a fork terminal and a ring terminal?
The main difference between a fork terminal and a ring terminal is the way in which each is used to connect to an electrical system. A fork terminal can quickly and easily be attached to a stud or screw without having to fully remove the screw or nut. This fact alone can save time in the long run, especially on larger jobs. With a ring terminal, you would need to fully remove the screw or nut in order to properly apply the terminal. The bottom line is that both fork terminals and ring terminals have the applications that they are best suited for. The trick is knowing when to use each.. The key difference between fork and ring terminals is how they attach to an electrical connection:
- Fork Terminals: Easily slip onto a screw or stud without removing the fastener entirely, saving time on installations.
- Ring Terminals: Require the complete removal of the screw or nut before installation, providing a more permanent but less convenient connection.
A Fork Terminal
A Ring Terminal
Essential tools for fork terminal?
A fork terminal can only be used with the proper type of crimper which will give the strongest connection possible. This ensures the proper pressure and a long lasting connection. The most versatile crimper we offer is the VTTR50 which can crimp any fork terminal available other than the non-insulated types. If you need to crimp non-insulated terminals for your application, use our VT3120CT which can work with every fork terminal available. Make sure that you have the correct tool to handle your crimp connectors or electrical wire connectors. Both of these tools work exceptionally well with fork terminals.
What types of fork terminals are available?
Pacer carries fork terminal wire connectors in 22-18 AWG, 16-14 AWG, and 12-10 AWG in both flanged and locking styles. This means that you can get 12-10 AWG locking fork terminals or 22-18 flanged fork terminals. We offer many of our fork terminals in heat shrink, nylon, vinyl, and non-insulated body styles. In this way, we ensure that you can get the exact type of fork terminal that you are looking for. One question that we frequently receive is how important the insulation type is.
12AWG-10AWG
16AWG-14AWG
22AWG-18AWG
Does the insulation type really matter?
Insulation plays a crucial role in the life and conductivity of an electrical connection. Using the wrong type of insulation for a given application can result in undesired outcomes. We carry heat shrink to give the highest level of protection possible. With a heat shrink fork terminal, you can create an environmental seal that can outlast other insulation types. Nylon insulation is the next step that offers strong protection but not environmental protection. Vinyl is cost-effective but offers less protection than nylon. Non-insulated is the most affordable option but you compromise some of the protection you get with the other types of insulation. It all boils down to what your specific application requires.
- Heat Shrink: Provides the highest level of protection, creating a weatherproof seal.
- Nylon: Durable with strong insulation properties, but not fully waterproof.
- Vinyl: Cost-effective with moderate protection.
- Non-Insulated: Most affordable but offers minimal protection.
Heat Shrink
Nylon
Vinyl
Non-insulated
Why choose Pacer?
Pacer has served the marine and wire industries for over forty years and has used that time to build a reputation as an industry leader and a trusted source. We are continually chosen by some of the world’s largest boat builders for their electrical needs. We are also the frequent choice of local and national repair shops, marinas, and private boaters. Pacer products are a proven industry standard. We only stock the highest quality parts for our partners. Throughout our time in the marine and wire industries, we have had a long-term focus on quality and customer satisfaction. When you order from Pacer, you know that you are getting quality.
*This page was updated on 6/10/2025*