Wire splices are a tricky thing that can be the cause of huge problems and frustration if done badly.

In <attempts> to avoid problems, many integrators use 'beanies' that are crimped over splice wire ends:

They are so common, that both Indoor/Outdoor types are available. Outdoor types usually contain some kind of conductive grease that helps waterproofing and oxidization loss.

In my experience, beanies work well for simple electrical splices (like alarms or access), but aren't suited to splice network cabling. Too noisy, too loose, take your pick why to forbid them for network work.

But overall, I think they are lousy. In the hands of an experienced tech, they are good. But a novice can install hundreds of them in a day that go bad because they aren't crimped enough, the wrong size, not outdoor rated, or other poor worksmanship issues.

Do you use beanies? Why/why not? Have you had issues with a type or brand?