To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

how are tool aid ratchet crimper sets?

monster1

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
704
The only decent set of crimpers I have to crimp terminals are a pair of channellock 909's. They work well using the non insulated dimple crimp but I can't get a good crimp using the insulated non dimpled crimp. Doesn't matter what I do, the wire pulls out of the terminal so I use only the dimple crimp. So I'm looking for a nice set that will cover most automotive applications. Anyone have one of these sets? I'm looking at the tool aid Sgt 18960 specifically.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

hofferwood

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2010
Messages
922
Location
DownRiver Michigan
I got these for 5 bucks at a flea mkt.
Can't complain-------but you need good quality terminals.
I really prefer my Thomas-Betts :dunno:

SD531357.jpg


SD531358.jpg
 
OP
M

monster1

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 8, 2012
Messages
704
I got these for 5 bucks at a flea mkt.
Can't complain-------but you need good quality terminals.
I really prefer my Thomas-Betts :dunno:

SD531357.jpg


SD531358.jpg

Do they leave a good solid crimp? I've been compensating by using heat shrink terminals or at least covering the connection with adhesive heat shrink tubes. Many times both due to the dimple piercing the heat shrink tube.
 

george4

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 18, 2006
Messages
773
Location
N California
I have been using them for a few years now, they make good, clean, strong crimps. Very difficult to pull the wire out if the terminal and wire are matched. I rarely solder anything now. The set does not come with a die for terminals that come with the adhesive lined shrink tubing pre attached. I tend to use un insulated terminals and then add adhesive lined shrink tubing.
 

hofferwood

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2010
Messages
922
Location
DownRiver Michigan
Do they leave a good solid crimp? I've been compensating by using heat shrink terminals or at least covering the connection with adhesive heat shrink tubes. Many times both due to the dimple piercing the heat shrink tube.

Yes they do. Here is an example done with JUNKY H.F. terminals (no meat to them).
So on good terms. they work great for me.

PA181112_zpsa64aec42.jpg
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Heavy tech

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 16, 2013
Messages
272
I use my 909's all the time. I usually use non insulated terminals or remove the insulation on insulated terminals and heat shrink them after crimping. maybe even put on a little solder on for good measure. i like that you can easily tell you have a good connection.
 

nanofrog

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 1, 2012
Messages
1,323
Those kipex look real nice. That may be what I'm looking for.
Are you only going to crimp one profile?

If so, a dedicated tool will be perfect.

But if you're going to be using multiple types of terminals (need different die profiles), you would be more cost effective to go with a frame that has multiple dies for it (check to see if the dies you need are offered, as there's a lot of variance on this).

Some of the fixed frame types (die is screwed to the frame) actually offer other dies. So they might be viable if you can find them separately from the frame.

Because I didn't want to spend a fortune (say $300 per crimper) and didn't want to mess about with a screwdriver (lost parts in the field), I went with the interchangeable die type (Pressmaster MCT in my case, = ODM for the Waytek 560 pictured in the first thread I linked). Lots of dies for it, and far more cost effective than buying a new frame with every profile you need.

Something to think about anyway. ;)
 

plinker

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
4,286
Location
Northern Wi
I bought the Toolaid set with several dies (4-5 IIRC), and really like it. Nice consistant crimp's. I have not really used the open barrel dies yet though but the insulated and non insulated are very good. If you crimp a lot of the 10-12 (yellow) terminals it makes the thing well worth buying.

On another note, I bought a pair of the Channellock 909's a few months ago and am not terribley impressed with the insulated crimp quality (damages insulation). The Kliens I have are far better.


FWIW, At work all they have for the most part is insulated terminals. My preference is non- insulated with liner type shrink tube over the terminal.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom