Professional electrical crimper

MarkLeininger · Apr 30, 2006

I want to buy a professional style crimper for electrical connectors for splicing wires on cars, tractors, etc. I've seen crimpers that are ratcheting and squeeze the connector uniformly so that it gets a good connection and doesn't destroy the insulation. Anyone recommend a brand, hopefully one that doesn't require special connectors so I can use what is commonly available. I've found one that comes with a set of interchangeable jaws and it looks like a good quality unit, but it only takes connectors purchased from that manufacturer.
thanks

JerryG · Apr 30, 2006

I have used all kinds of connector and didn't really like any of them. That is until I started using Posi-Lock connectors. The last several months, I have been using them and they are great.

Shimon · Apr 30, 2006

I work as an electrician on boats make hundreds of crimps a week so I feel I have some experience on this subject.

As far as crimpers...it does boil to preference but there are a couple that are the most popular in our boat yard. I own about a dozen different crimpers and they are all good, name brand models...but they are not all equal. I have a ratcheting model which is good but requires care in use and you need to make sure to put the terminal in the right way or you won't get a good crimp. They are really made to be used with "double crimp" terminals which crimp on the wire and then make a second crimp on the insulation for double security. But they can be used with regular single crimp connectors. My favorite crimper is this Snap-On crimper which also happens to be the favorite of a couple of other electricians I know. It makes good crimps, is easy to handle and has long handles so your hands don't hurt at the end of the day.

As far as terminals, the best I've used are the kind that have built in heat shrink such as these. They seal out any moisture and prevent corrosion of the wire. But you need to carry a heat gun around for the heat shrink.

Hope this helps.

Farmwithjunk · Apr 30, 2006

I HATE doing auto/truck/trailer/tractor electrical work. Let's make that abundantly clear from the beginning. When I HAVE to do any, I want E.A.S.Y. That means having the right tool for the job in most cases.

Klien model #1005, 9-3/4" crimper. for insulated and non-insulated crimp-on connectors. Handles connectors for 10 to 22 AWG wire. Also has wire cutter built into nose of crimper. Very thin, and long handles permit crimping where your hands aren't blocking your view.

I had 3 other crimpers in my box prior to finding these Kliens. They all three went into the "these are for people to borrow" box. No need for another crimper any more.

Jagmandave · Apr 30, 2006

That looks just like the Snap- on mentioned in the previous post, but at 1/3 the price!

Shimon · Apr 30, 2006

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( That looks just like the Snap- on mentioned in the previous post, but at 1/3 the price! )</font>

It looks like it but it's very different. I have the two different Kleins including the 1005 and the Snap-on IMO is better because it has more leverage and can crimp up to #6 crimps with no problem. Try that with the Kleins and your hands will be killing you after a couple. That's because the Kleins are shorter and lighter. Each has its purpose but I still feel that Snap-on is the best "all-around" crimper.

MarkLeininger · Apr 30, 2006

Thanks for all the replies. I've got a little research to do.

PILOON · Apr 30, 2006

My background is in aviation electrical.

I would suggest that you check AMP as they have a very wide assortement of wire conector tools.

In fact many crimping tools out there are copies of AMP.

They specialize in crimp connectors and tools and are aerospace approuved.
There go/no go ratchet crimpers are simply the best.

You will find them listed in yellow pages in most major cities.

SPIKER · Apr 30, 2006

there is a good quality set for crimping all sides listed at http:www.automationdirect.com look under the tools link and they are there prety expensive, but NICE /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
mark