How to Install Speaker Wire Connectors

There are three different types of speaker wire connectors in use on a variety of different types of speakers.

Screw Post Connectors

This type of connector is found on very high end home and auto speakers.

Step 1: Strip the Wire

You’ll need to strip approximately ¼ inch of the insulation off the wire. Tightly twist the wire.

Step 2: Attach to Screw Post

When using normal speaker wire, the wire with the stripe or the copper wire is considered to be positive. Paying attention to polarity, tightly wrap the wires around the screw posts and securely tighten the screws on the wire. Lightly tug to make sure the connection is solid and secure. Don't over tighten the screw post or you will strip it.

Spring Clips

This kind of connector is found on midrange speakers in the car and almost all house speakers.

Step 1: Strip the Wire

With spring connectors, you’ll only need to strip ¼ inch of wire. Twist tightly.

Step 2: Insert into Spring Connectors

Paying attention to the aforementioned polarity, push the button on the red connector terminal and insert the positive speaker wire into the red terminal opening.  Push the button and insert the negative wire into the black terminal opening. Lightly tug to make sure the connection is secure.

Spade Lug Connectors

This kind of connector is found on most automotive stereo speakers.

Step 1: Strip the Wire

You’ll need to strip ¼ inch of insulation off the speaker wires. Tightly twist the ends together.

Step 2: Insert the Wire into the Connector

There is a small tab that sticks up inside the connector. This is the limit to how far you can insert the wire into the connector. Don’t try and push it any further than this.

Step 3: Crimp

Depending on the size or thickness of the crimpers you have, you may need to perform this operation twice. Use the smallest crimping block that the wire will fit snugly into the mouth of the crimper. Squeeze the handles as tight and hard as you can. Crimp the full length of the inserted wire. As stated earlier, you may need to perform this part of the step twice. Hold the connector end and the wire in your hands and lightly tug to make sure the connection is secure. Look into the connector from the speaker end and make sure you can see the wire. If not, cut the connector off and try again. Repeat this same operation for the other wire. Don't worry about squeezing too tight. The crimpers are designed so you will be unable to crimp too tight unless you use the wrong size die for the crimp connector in use.