There are several ways to splice automotive wires. Gelfand’s preferred method is to both crimp them and soldier them together, before adding heat-shrink tubing with built-in adhesive for protection.

Today, his collection has grown to include 400 pieces of lineman memorabilia. Valued at about $20,000, his collection ranges from antique insulators to wire splices. As a journeyman lineman for IBEW ...