Bought a Crimping Tool

[RM209]

Picked up this Ethernet style cable crimping tool (See link below) as part of a group of items at an estate sale. It's very well constructed, and apparently can accomodate a variety of connectors, but I was suprised that it sells new for $250.00. Is it because it meets FCC specs? Had no idea it would be so pricey.

http://craftworktools.com/71632.html

Thanks,
RM209

 

[madosta]

Awesome. It probably sells for more because it includes the tool and a die. The only crimp tools with interchangeable dies that I've seen are quite pricey!

 

[Speedy Petey]

Awesome. It probably sells for more because it includes the tool and a die. The only crimp tools with interchangeable dies that I've seen are quite pricey!

Exactly. Also, professional quality tools like this are FAR more expensive than hanyman or hobby grade tools, but the quality definitely shows. Better tools are also usually made in the USA or Germany, which is important to some, myself included.

 

[Gary S]

Great find, but totally overpriced. I spent many years in the IT industry and we had tools that did an equal job to what that one can do, and they sold for far less money. You want a tool that ratchets and locks and won't release until the crimp is fully completed. This feature is available on some very cheap tools that do a great job.

 

[Norcal]

Exactly. Also, professional quality tools like this are FAR more expensive than hanyman or hobby grade tools, but the quality definitely shows. Better tools are also usually made in the USA or Germany, which is important to some, myself included.

Your not one to drop in to Harbor Freight for "tools"? All jokes aside, "buy well, buy once", applies.

 

[Falcon67]

Because good crimpers cost a hell of a lot of money. Crimpers for small 24~26 gage pins for serial, etc connectors run $200~300. You can't make reliable and long lasting RJ45 connections with a pair of pliers.

 

[RM209]

Your not one to drop in to Harbor Freight for "tools"? All jokes aside, "buy well, buy once", applies.

Nope; I just assumed there was a level of quality available somewhere between a cheap $20 pair of plastic crimpers, and a high-end pair that costs $250. I guess the heavy duty metal design and replaceable dies escalates the cost quickly.

Thanks,
RM209

 

[jeffmoss26]

It's junk, send it to me!
Seriously, that is GMP presser and is top of the line! They make a lot of very special tools for the telecom industry.
What else did you get?

 

[RM209]

It's junk, send it to me!
Seriously, that is GMP presser and is top of the line! They make a lot of very special tools for the telecom industry.
What else did you get?

Just a few bits and pieces unrelated to telcomm, and some (RJ50?) connectors. That's what was surprising; sitting in a pile of cheap screadridrivers and imported pilers was this high-end tool.

RM209

 

[jeffmoss26]

RJ45 is most likely what you have, 8 pins.

 

[rancherbill]

....but I was suprised that it sells new for $250.00. Is it because it meets FCC specs? Had no idea it would be so pricey.

It was worth that when it was bought by the deceased guy 20-30 years ago. It is not worth that today. You can get the same functionality for $10.60 delivered.

It is a little used tool nowadays. Pre-made cables are so cheap.

 

[RM209]

RJ45 is most likely what you have, 8 pins.

Jeff: Good catch; yes, the connectors have 8 pins.

RM209

 

[jeffmoss26]

FCC has nothing to do with tools.
It costs a lot because it's well made and will stand up to use in the field. Sure a 10 dollar crimper will work, but a pro would not use it. I know I sure wouldn't!

 

[rlitman]

Great find, but totally overpriced. I spent many years in the IT industry and we had tools that did an equal job to what that one can do, and they sold for far less money. You want a tool that ratchets and locks and won't release until the crimp is fully completed. This feature is available on some very cheap tools that do a great job.

BS! That GMP crimper is worth its weight in gold. I have three of them, and several Ideal Crimpmaster ratcheting crimpers, and the crimpmaster is nowhere near as good a tool (even though it is the next best thing)

If you look at the action of the GMP, it is the only 8p8c crimper on the market that presses the pins straight.
That $10 POS plastic crimper someone linked will always press the pins at an angle. That leaves you with one side pressed deeper than the other, and the pins tend to crimp into the wires at an offset.
The Crimpmaster at least approaches it from a front-to-back angle instead of a side-to-side. That makes a minimally acceptable crimp.

Having done many thousands of these crimps on many hundreds of miles of wire, I can say for sure that the $10 crimper will not give you as reliable connections as the GMP by a long shot.

 

[Speedy Petey]

But it's cheaper!! That makes it better.

**BTW- I call this the "walmart mentality".

 

[Norcal]

But it's cheaper!! That makes it better.

**BTW- I call this the "walmart mentality".

Not just WalMart, but people do not care as long as it is cheap, sad commentary on today's state of affairs.

 

[RM209]

Haven't used the crimper yet, so it's time to move on; it's listed in the GJ Classifieds if you're interested.

Thanks,
RM209

 

[sberry]

I wouldn't mind something cheap. I make do with ready made cords and there is an occasion or 2 I wouldn't mind having a few connectors and a tool.

 

[nanofrog]

If you look at the action of the GMP, it is the only 8p8c crimper on the market that presses the pins straight.

FWIW, Pressmaster makes a couple of crimp frames that press straight as well.

 

[sberry]

Not just WalMart, but people do not care as long as it is cheap, sad commentary on today's state of affairs.

No it isn't. Its practical for a lot of people. Its a huge boon the quality of life. I remegmber the first vcr and even the second was a 300$ pc of **** that now cost 20 and works twice as good.
You get no argument that the good tool isn't better or that putting 1000's of connectors on you need it, probably even hundreds may make it a good investment but which tool is sufficient and priced to afford at an economical level is a real question.

Any body can spit out some hi end brand name, don't even got to know how to use the thing.

BTW, to the OP, nice find, right price, made stopping and sorting thru some other junk well worth it to score a great tool.

 

[sberry]

Walmart has brought competitive shopping to the modern world. I am not terribly old but when I started all this shopping sucked, held hostage to local hardware stores or Sears speed mail order and having to pickup. Some products are near the same as they were.
There is a real markup on junk at Wallyworld, things you don't need in the first place but they sell a lot of real brand name stuff at lo prices. No one beats them for soap and you got to shop on small appliances to do better. I got caught the other day giving up 2$ for an alarm clock over Menards but wasn't going to make second stop etc. Walmart does that with meat.

Tools, kitchen tools, they got brands and in some cases especially where the brand name is an import,,, they have the generic packed version.

 

[jeffmoss26]

RM209, PM sent!

 

[89GLH]

Because good crimpers cost a hell of a lot of money. Crimpers for small 24~26 gage pins for serial, etc connectors run $200~300. You can't make reliable and long lasting RJ45 connections with a pair of pliers.

$300? I built my arcade and crimped 300+ 26awg pins into Molex connectors, and those crimpers were $30 (I overpaid). You don't need expensive tools for those things, just patience and good eyes. The ethernet crimpers I'll go all in on though, because those you need the ratcheting function. Less work for better crimps.