Pro tip: Stop using wagos on 12 gauge wire in tight boxes

Was working on a service upgrade in a 1950s house in Portland last month. The panel was a mess, but the real pain was the old work boxes. I used wagos on the 12 gauge romex in a 4x4 box that was already packed tight. Barely got the device in without crushing the connectors. Then I had to go back two days later because a neutral came loose. Now I only use wire nuts with a solid twist on anything 12 gauge or bigger. Saves me callbacks and keeps the box from looking like a tangled mess. Anyone else ditch wagos for heavier wire in tight spots?

3 comments

3 Comments

noahjenkins2mo ago

Buddy of mine had the same issue on a kitchen rewire and switched back to wire nuts after a day.

brooke712mo ago

Huh, wire nuts are usually fine if you tape them, but yeah some people swear by Wagos for speed. I mean maybe his wire nuts just weren't getting a solid connection.

olivers2820d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah that's rough, I feel for the guy. Taping wire nuts is a solid habit but sometimes the connection just doesn't bite right and you end up chasing ghosts. Hope he got it sorted quickly without too much pulling his hair out.