Anyone know about swage tools?

[scab]

It boggles my mind that all four of the stores I went to this morning sold ferrules but not the swage tool needed for crimping them...... Even more ignorant is the fact that Home Depot had a swage tool chained to the rack in the aisle for use by the employees but they don't actually sell the tool itself. I wanted to make an offer on the store's tool. What gives? On second thought, I wonder if they would mind if I just brought the wire rope back to the store and crimped it there....

So....what is a good place to buy a swage? I'm not looking to spend a ton, just want a decent one to crimp a few ferrules. Also, which type of swage is better - the bolt cutter style or the kind that requires a wrench?

Thanks.

 

[Provincial]

Are you talking about the Nicopress sleeves? If so, either type can make a proper swedge if used properly. One should measure the swedge to make sure it is properly formed. Instructions for this are online and come with the tool.

For one or two swages at a time, the wrench-type makes a proper swedge, but takes more time. Lube up the threads to reduce the torque required and the chance of galling the threads. Because of the threads, this type can wear out with regular use.

The bolt cutter style is for regular use. They are much faster, and last forever with proper lubrication. They are available at industrial supply stores, aviation tool suppliers, and on the internet. Farm supplies have versions to splice fencing wire, but I don't know if the dies are proper for cable.

 

[scab]

Are you talking about the Nicopress sleeves? If so, either type can make a proper swedge if used properly. One should measure the swedge to make sure it is properly formed. Instructions for this are online and come with the tool.

For one or two swages at a time, the wrench-type makes a proper swedge, but takes more time. Lube up the threads to reduce the torque required and the chance of galling the threads. Because of the threads, this type can wear out with regular use.

The bolt cutter style is for regular use. They are much faster, and last forever with proper lubrication. They are available at industrial supply stores, aviation tool suppliers, and on the internet. Farm supplies have versions to splice fencing wire, but I don't know if the dies are proper for cable.

Nicopress, eh? Didn't know the proper name but, yes, those are what I am referring to. Thanks for the info, I was leaning toward the bolt cutter style already.

 

[jakemac]

If you have the money, Grainger or McMaster-Carr will have them. Being cheap, I bought mine off eBay.

 

[A_Pmech]

The ferrules you found are likely "hammer swaging" ferrules. Place them on something hard and whack with a hammer a couple times.

Obviously, they are not useful for much more than holding planter boxes on the front porch...

 

[scab]

The ferrules you found are likely "hammer swaging" ferrules. Place them on something hard and whack with a hammer a couple times.

Obviously, they are not useful for much more than holding planter boxes on the front porch...

I'm replacing the lift cables in my popup camper so I need them to be a little stronger than that.

 

[jakemac]

If this is just a one-off project, you might try looking to rent one at a tool rental.

 

[kyrbz]

Home Depot sells both styles for a little under $20.00. The bolt cutter style is sold in stores. The wrench style has to be ordered online. I did a quick check of my local stores and they all had the bolt cutter style in stock. I have the style that uses a wrench. It's slow and can be a pain to use. I often wish I had the style that looks more like a bolt cutter. Now that I see Home Depot sells that style for under $20.00, I might have to go pick one up.

http://www.homedepot.com/s/swage tool?NCNI-5

 

[scab]

Home Depot sells both styles for a little under $20.00. The bolt cutter style is sold in stores. The wrench style has to be ordered online. I did a quick check of my local stores and they all had the bolt cutter style in stock. I have the style that uses a wrench. It's slow and can be a pain to use. I often wish I had the style that looks more like a bolt cutter. Now that I see Home Depot sells that style for under $20.00, I might have to go pick one up.

http://www.homedepot.com/s/swage tool?NCNI-5

Their online "in stock" numbers are off at the store I checked today but nice to know they sell it. I'll check another store. Thanks a lot.

 

[kamesama980]

The fastenall outlet by me has them. Make sure the tool is adjustable and comes with a go/no-go gauge. Back in my tech-theatre days we did pull-tests with misaligned crimpers... it took alarmingly little tension for the cables to slip out of the sleeve that just barely didn't pass the go/no-go gauge test. vs the sleeve that did pass the test breaking the cable first.

 

[Danglerb]

Boat places might also have swage tools.

I'd just take what I need done into the store with me.

 

[racer32]

Boat places might also have swage tools.

I'd just take what I need done into the store with me.

Find a marina nearby with lots of sailboats. More than likely you can get someone there to let you use theirs. I have one SOMEWHERE from when I used to work on boats, but I haven't seen it in probably 20 years. Definitely get one of the bolt-cutter types. MUCH quicker work.

 

[PugetDude]

I bought the Home Depot "bolt cutter style" swager to do a big stainless cable rail job- 600+ fittings. It was the least expensive full-size hand swager I could find, but does a great job on the 1/8" stainless cable fittings I'm using.