Crimping Tool

[gaillarry]

Is there a better electrical crimping tool compared to the cheapie sold at wallyworld?

[Steve]

Yes.
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[simon kuether]

What Steve said.The best type are ratchet ones that don't release until the correct amount of pressure is applied to the crimp.Cheers,Simon.:-D

[gaillarry]

Ok, I'll bite, what is it and where to get it?

[Pete Logan]

Click the Yes link in post 2

[simon kuether]

That's him.Get the ratchet type.Cheers,Simon.:-D

[bonanzadave]

I use this one (blue handle). Its an AMP crimper for AMP insulated terminals. Kinda expensive.

[simon kuether]

As well as getting a good crimper,you should also get good quality lugs.Lugs aint lugs Sol.With the cheaper types,where the bare conductors are fitted into the lugs,the metal is folded back on itself and the crimper forces these folded bits down onto the wire.With a good quality lug,there is a sleeve that the bare wire goes into.This sleeve is compressed onto the wire giving a contact over this entire surface instead of just at the points as with the cheaper version.The gooderer lugs will probably be twice the price,but for long term reliability,they are the go.Also,get the correct size lugs for the wire.Cheers,Simon.\\/

[80gs750LT]

I use the crimping tool from MikesXS (scroll down the page to find it):

http://www.mikesxs.net/mikesxs-tools.php?category_id=7.1

It works great, and the crimps look very close to original. Mikes is a good place to buy metric terminals and couplers as well (scroll down the page):

http://www.mikesxs.net/mikesxs-electrical.php?category_id=2.6

Hope this helps.

[BassCliff]

Yes.
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See the blue underlined "Yes" above? That is a link which will take you to the web page displaying the recommended part. Just click on it. Embedding links in your text makes your post look neater. :-D


Thank you for your indulgence.

BassCliff

[SPARKSS]

I don't know what they sell at "Wallyworld" but KD makes a couple of fine multipurpose stripper/crimpers - p/n 2154 and 2162. I've used many types (including ratchet crimpers) over some 38 years from many manufacturers.....some were better for specific jobs.....some were a pain to use (sometimes physically, sometimes just because of the multitude of dies or proprietary sizing). For general purpose electrical work in the 20-10 gauge range, with typical automotive type stranded (or solid) wire and solderless connectors, I'd recommend the 2162. The machine screw cutters on this tool are also better than many.

One drawback to this tool (seen in others) is that the crimp takes place between the handles so putting butt splices in a bundle takes a little care. I often use the crimp described for "non-insulated" terminals on both insulated 'n non as it completes a better connection. The drawback here is that sometimes it punctures the insulation, which may require additional insulation in some environments.

[Macmatic]

I've made maybe a couple of hundred crimps with this one from HF and I'm happy with it. Its a ratchet type and gives a nice solid crimp.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93977

/\/\ac

[bakalorz]

I've made maybe a couple of hundred crimps with this one from HF and I'm happy with it. Its a ratchet type and gives a nice solid crimp.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93977

/\/\ac

I have one of those too.

I really like it, but one thing about it annoyed me.
The dies in it were set to make "double crimps", which I didn't like.

The solution is to turn one set of die-plates around so that they don't crimp.

Much better. :-D