A 2-pole Wago 221 lever nut

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Along with tools and a few consumables like tape and glue, I usually have a smattering of other things in my toolbag that I take along for repairs and that  just make life easier.

Those things include Wago 221 lever nut connectors . 

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Wago 221 lever nut assortment (36 pieces)

A quick and easy way to securely joining wires without soldering or twisting. 

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The Wago connector is a type of electrical connector developed by WAGO GmbH, a German company that specializes in electrical supplies. These connectors are designed to create secure, reliable, and easy-to-use connections between electrical wires.

Also: How to fix broken wires the easy way - with heat-shrink butt connectors

Wago lever nuts use a spring-loaded clamping mechanism that enables a strong and secure connection without the need for screws, nuts, soldering, butt connectors, or other traditional fastening methods. Thismakes them particularly popular for electrical installations, as they save a considerable amount of time and effort during installation and maintenance.

Wago lever nuts consist of a transparent plastic housing that contains a metal clamp system and a lever for each wire connection. They are rated for 450V/32A; bear in mind, however, that if used for high-voltage applications, they need to be housed in an enclosure to prevent people who don't know what they are from messing with them.

Also: This $60 tool essentially gives you another pair of hands

Wago lever nuts come in various sizes to accommodate different wire gauges and are available in 2-, 3-, and 5-pole (wire) configurations, allowing multiple wires to be connected in a single connector.

A 2-pole and 5-pole Wago 221 lever nut connector

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I recommend gettinga pack that has a selection of each type .

Also: This stylish electric screwdriver has some big functions for a small price

Need a few reasons to keep some Wago lever nuts in your toolbag? Wago lever nuts are super easy to use, create strong, reliable connections, can be installed without tools (apart from stripping the wires), are compact so you can use them in confined spaces, and are reusable.

How to use a Wago lever nut

1. Prepare the wires

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Strip the ends of the wires that you want to connect according to the recommended strip length specified by Wago (typically, this is between 9 to 11 mm/0.35 to 0.45-inch).

2. Open the Wago lever nut

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Open the lever on the connector by lifting it up to 90 degrees. (Don't go further as you might break the connector.)

3. Insert the wire

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Insert the stripped wire into the connector's opening, ensuring it is fully seated.

4. Flip the lever closed

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Close the lever to lock the wire in place, pressing down firmly to create a secure and reliable connection.

5. Repeat

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Repeat for the other wires you want to connect. 

6. Tug test

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Finally, a gentle tug on the connector will make sure it's properly connected.

Also: You'll never guess how many tech repair tools this little bag can fit

See also

This$30 gadget claims to add years to your phone's lifespan. Here's howThis is the USB flash drive James Bond would useHow to strip wires like a pro (and my must-have tools)Stop! Your Apple charger may be a counterfeit, and this tiny gadget can tellThis$10 gadget is my favorite repair tool of all time

• This$30 gadget claims to add years to your phone's lifespan. Here's how
• This is the USB flash drive James Bond would use
• How to strip wires like a pro (and my must-have tools)
• Stop! Your Apple charger may be a counterfeit, and this tiny gadget can tell
• This$10 gadget is my favorite repair tool of all time