Dean,
I don't understand - what do you mean that you can squeeze the connector/connection with your fingers but not with a tool? Nearly every one of my
tools are stronger than my fingers...
The ribbon cables I've encountered are generally not used in exposed locations and I've never seen one that had any type of grease in the connector.
Others with more experience might have different opinions, but I would not use any grease on a ribbon cable that has an iffy connection.
The question of the correct use of dielectric grease pops up every so often, and it's akin to a tire or oil "war" - everyone swears there's only one
right answer and there are a whole bunch of different answers.
https://www.permatex.com/products/specialized-maintenance-repair/electrical-system-maintenance/permatex-dielectric-tune-up-grease-2
The pertinent part:
"Coat both parts of terminal contact with Dielectric Grease.
Reassemble maintaining metal to-metal contact."
Seems pretty explicit to me - it won't interfere with an electrical connection... if it's a good connection to start.
I found this page very informative:
https://www.w8ji.com/dielectric_grease_vs_conductive_grease.htm
The pertinent part for your question is at the very bottom of that page. "Conductive greases should never be used in low pressure electrical
connectors, or in connectors with multiple terminals."
A little further up from the bottom: "One incorrect logic is the "dielectric" in "dielectric grease" means the grease should only be used to insulate.
All greases work by the low viscosity allowing the grease to completely push out of areas with metal-to-metal contact."
If the connection is good the dielectric grease will preserve the connection. If the connection is iffy the dielectric grease won't improve it.
Richard
--
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach with 18,477 verified miles;
‘76 Edgemonte