Crimp Tools; Non-Insulated, Nylon Heat Shrink

[OneLeggedBiker]

Hey everyone, so I've kinda become the "my bike has electrical issues" guy. Which is fine, my previous career as as an audio engineer gives me the patience to deal with wires and a solid grasp of signal flow.

My question is, I've recently been using a ratcheting crimp tool from a company called RMStator. At first I was happy, but now that I've been doing more and more harness wiring I'm realizing I need to add to my crimping arsenal. One issue I've recently faced it splitting nylon insulated connectors. And, before you ask I did adjust it, but it just doesn't adjust enough. It also has no markings on the die for quick fitting terminal sizes to die. But, it has served me well it's just not the answer for every thing.

So, I'm looking for recommendations on some other options. Specifically for use on motorcycle harnesses. The RMStator tool works great on non-insulated connections and will probably stay around to be used on those. I also realize that they were an economical buy for me at the time. So, maybe I'm looking for an upgrade in tool? Maybe something with interchangeable dies?

Here's the RMStator tool I currently use...

 

[Wamsutta]

One issue I've recently faced it splitting nylon insulated connectors.

That's because you're using the wrong die. The die you have shown in the picture is for non-insulated open barrel connectors.

 

[vssjim]

These look a lot like what Astro Tools have, below is a link to the Astro crimper kit which shows part number for the jaw sets as well.

http://www.astrotools.com/pub/media/pdf/9477.pdf You can price jaws or price the set

 

[OneLeggedBiker]

That's because you're using the wrong die. The die you have shown in the picture is for non-insulated open barrel connectors.

I agree with you, after doing some research into crimp tool. I was just going off of what the company said they could be used for. Not, but i now also know that heat shrink connector vs. insulated connector. Thanks!

 

[OneLeggedBiker]

These look a lot like what Astro Tools have, below is a link to the Astro crimper kit which shows part number for the jaw sets as well.

http://www.astrotools.com/pub/media/pdf/9477.pdf You can price jaws or price the set

I'll check them out, if I could interchange dies that would be cool. It may also be a pain if I'm doing a whole harness vs a few connections. That gives me more to ponder...

 

[californiaHank]

Most crimper frames, even the generic Asian made ones, have changeable dies.
Yours look like they take standard Greenlee pattern ones.

The dies are held in place by two screws, one on each jaw face, and you can interchange the existing ones with ones for a different terminal type. Greenlee is probably the biggest manufacturer of this style of die, but there are a lot of alternatives ranging from cheap knockoffs to high quality industrial ones. IMHO it's usually best to buy name brand dies, like those from Greenlee, as the quality's pretty poor on a lot of the generic brands.

Here's the one I use for insulated terminals. There are lots of other dies for different terminal types that fit in the same frame.

https://www.greenlee.com/us/en/kwik-cycle-insulated-term-crimper-45500

 

[richfinn]

I have found that there are 4 sizes of heat shrink crimp connectors, red blue yellow and a clear version that is the smallest size, which is the one I use most often on car wiring repairs (I would imagine motorcycles too). Those cheaper ratchet crimpers only seem to cover the 3 larger sizes. I use an older non ratchet crimp tool on the smallest size but I would like to know if there is something better???