To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Building automotive relays…

Razorhunter

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
393
Can someone please clarify what terminal crimpers I need to build automotive relays as I have pictured?
From what I can gather from the insanely overcomplicated subject of crimping, these are uninsulated “quick disconnect” terminals that can also be referred to as FASTON? terminals?
I’m sure you guys will be right along to inform me of at least another thousand or so names for these things.
Bottom line is I need to know what terminal crimpers I need to build the relay pictured and please let me know if it matters whether my relay is using .250” terminals or the smaller .110” terminals?
Do they require a totally different set of crimping dies?
If anyone knows of the mother of all webpages explaining various crimp and terminal types I would be overjoyed to hear about it. To date, I’ve shockingly never found anything close. It’s always tidbits of crimping info here and there, with no mention of all the various terminology used for the exact same terminals etc etc.
I would think someone would’ve covered this ten times over by now. Maybe I’ve just missed it and it is out there?
 

Attachments

  • IMG_7025.png
    IMG_7025.png
    2.6 MB · Views: 95
  • IMG_7024.png
    IMG_7024.png
    3.4 MB · Views: 96
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,162
Location
Chicago, IL
At the bottom of the website page you are showing, they have the spare terminals that detail they are Metri-Pack 630 Series terminals. You need a special crimper with a die specifically for the Metri-Pack 630 terminal AND wire gauge size. (The crimps will be different.)

This GM booklet has the OEM part numbers for the terminals: https://www.weber.edu/wsuimages/automotive/j-38125-620b terminal repair booklet.pdf

^ You can use the booklet and tables to sort through all the terminals and find your part numbers. The tables will also give part numbers for the Delphi crimpers. You can often get good deals on these through eBay or you can find generic versions also.
 

cgrutt

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 4, 2016
Messages
8,351
Last edited:

The Metric System

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 28, 2025
Messages
268
There are many different types of crimp systems, far too many to make a comprehensive list.

Even the same type of terminal (like your 0.25" Fastons) can require a different type of crimper on the wire end depending on things like whether it's single or double crimp, straight vs flag, or the intended wire gauge.

Often the crimpers are manufacturer-specific, so otherwise interchangeable 0.25" Fastons made by Molex might specify a different crimp tool than ones made by AMP.

These crimp tools are expensive and generally only suitable for use on one particular type of crimp. They are worth every penny in an industrial application where you are making thousands of crimps a day without much time to inspect each one and where rework is a big process issue.

IMO they are overkill for a home/hobbyist application, and with a bit of practice and care you can get good crimps with this style of inexpensive ratcheting interchangeable-jaw crimpers.

 

mm08822

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2012
Messages
6,032
Location
NJ
That has been a standard crimp style for years.
I suggest you buy similar cheap ones and practice with whatever crimp tool you anticipate using with scraps of the same wire gauge. Teach yourself how to crimp this style. Not always a single step.

Also note how the terminal is retained. There is usually some whisker that deflects while pushed in and rebounds within the shell to keep it retained. Good to know before assembling. Sometimes a jeweler's screwdriver can accomplish the release.
Edit: This series uses a terminal positioning insert which accomplishes the same.

On another point,
what is the amperage of the load you are switching?
Rating of the relay contacts?
Wire size?
 
Last edited:
OP
R

Razorhunter

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
393
So far I’m hearing Fastons and Metri Pak 630’s yet never once have I seen a “metri pack 630” or “FASTON” advertised crimp tool.
I guess I just thought there’d at least be some standard terminology more commonly used for these crimps/terminals which have been used forever in numerous industries.
Be that as it may, I’m replacing a couple FASS fuel pump relays. They are 40a relays on 10awg wire. They are overkill and the pumps only pull less than 10a, but that’s what the mfr sends so that’s what I’ll go back with.
 
Last edited:

cgrutt

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 4, 2016
Messages
8,351
So far I’m hearing Fastons and Metri Pak 630’s yet never once have I seen a “metri pack 630” or “FASTON” advertised crimp tool.
I guess I just thought there’d at least be some standard terminology more commonly used for these crimps/terminals which have been used forever in numerous industries.
Be that as it may, I’m replacing a couple FASS fuel pump relays. They are 40a relays on 10awg wire. They are overkill and the pumps only pull less than 10a, but that’s what the mfr sends so that’s what I’ll go back with.
This looks similar to the MAC I posted above but they do mention FASTON Type-B in description. I'm sure there are others that do so as well.

 

The Metric System

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 28, 2025
Messages
268
So far I’m hearing Fastons and Metri Pak 630’s yet never once have I seen any crimper advertised with either of those terms.
"Faston" is a trademark of TE Connectivity for this type of quick-insert tab. Not all quick-insert tabs are technically "Fastons" although the term is used in a generic way similar to Xerox.

The term refers only to the quick-insert tab on the free end of the terminal, it does not have any bearing on the direct wire connection side.

This style of terminal can be made with dizzying array of wire connection designs, including a wide variety of crimps, solder lugs, or even screw/rivet holes.

Their ubiquity in industry drives a lot of variation. For example, Digikey currently lists more than 5,000 versions of the concept available for purchase.

 

mm08822

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2012
Messages
6,032
Location
NJ
There are several crimpers that come up searching for crimpers for this series that do mention 630 in their description. However, they are all ~$120ish.
 

whateg01

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 13, 2006
Messages
11,416
Location
doo dah, kansas, usa
There are many different types of crimp systems, far too many to make a comprehensive list.
^^^this
...
I guess I just thought there’d at least be some standard terminology more commonly used for these crimps/terminals which have been used forever in numerous industries.
But often, a hobbiest can get by with something similar as has been indicated in others' comments.
 

wssix99

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2011
Messages
5,162
Location
Chicago, IL
Each terminal manufacturer has a proprietary design and crimp.

We can make this easier - what cars do you own?
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

The Metric System

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 28, 2025
Messages
268
It's a bit of an expensive option, but you can also buy pre-crimped pigtails and then just land on the bare wire however you prefer.

 
OP
R

Razorhunter

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
393
Each terminal manufacturer has a proprietary design and crimp.

We can make this easier - what cars do you own?
I’m usually working with aftermarket truck parts totally unrelated to any specific auto mfr. I get your point however.
 
OP
R

Razorhunter

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
393
It's a bit of an expensive option, but you can also buy pre-crimped pigtails and then just land on the bare wire however you prefer.

Sure. I’ve done this for years with heat shrink splices and there is a time and a place for that for sure. Other times I prefer to avoid the splice and just build the harness or component out the proper way so to speak.
 

BillK

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 24, 2006
Messages
9,356
Location
Beautiful Southern Maryland
Depending on how much you plan on doing they make tools with interchangeable die sets that will do almost anything:

I have been working with electronics my entire life both as a profession and as a hobby. I probably have 6 or 7 different crimp tools I have accumulated over the years to cover all of the bases.

I will say that the usual "you get what you pay for" definitely applies here.
 

joe_padavano

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 26, 2011
Messages
1,788
Location
Northern VA
The terminals in the OP's initial post are Packard 56 style terminals. Use a correct Packard 56 crimping tool. I have a set of MSD jaws in a generic crimper tool frame that do a great job on these, including crimping both the conductor and insulator at the same time. The result looks just like the OEM crimps. These are NOT MetriPack or anything else, they are Packard 56.
 

whateg01

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 13, 2006
Messages
11,416
Location
doo dah, kansas, usa
The terminals in the OP's initial post are Packard 56 style terminals. Use a correct Packard 56 crimping tool. I have a set of MSD jaws in a generic crimper tool frame that do a great job on these, including crimping both the conductor and insulator at the same time. The result looks just like the OEM crimps. These are NOT MetriPack or anything else, they are Packard 56.
So the correct tool is a generic tool?
 
OP
R

Razorhunter

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
393
The terminals in the OP's initial post are Packard 56 style terminals. Use a correct Packard 56 crimping tool. I have a set of MSD jaws in a generic crimper tool frame that do a great job on these, including crimping both the conductor and insulator at the same time. The result looks just like the OEM crimps. These are NOT MetriPack or anything else, they are Packard 56.
Thank you Sir.
 
OP
R

Razorhunter

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
393
Depending on how much you plan on doing they make tools with interchangeable die sets that will do almost anything:

I have been working with electronics my entire life both as a profession and as a hobby. I probably have 6 or 7 different crimp tools I have accumulated over the years to cover all of the bases.

I will say that the usual "you get what you pay for" definitely applies here.
Yes Sir I too have many ratcheting style crimpers that are very costly as well. Interchangeable jaws, etc.
As long as I know what to buy, I’m always willing to buy the proper tool or jaw insert when necessary. My problem usually lies in identification/terminology.
 
Last edited:

Neohio

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 10, 2011
Messages
183
Location
Painesville, Ohio
I have these following crimp dies for those connectors.
What city/state are you in?
I can crimp some on some wire and send them to you.
 
OP
R

Razorhunter

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Messages
393
I have these following crimp dies for those connectors.
What city/state are you in?
I can crimp some on some wire and send them to you.
Thank you so much for the offer but I’ve got to cut an old corroded relay socket off and crimp a new one back on. In other words, directly to the harness and avoiding any splices. I appreciate your kind offer though.
 

joe_padavano

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 26, 2011
Messages
1,788
Location
Northern VA
So the correct tool is a generic tool?
How did you get that from what I wrote. One more time, MSD sells different jaws (dies) for different terminals. One of them is P/N 3509, which will make the correct crimp on Packard 56 terminals as well as on WeatherPack terminals. These dies fit into most generic ratchet crimp frames that are set up for replaceable dies. I got a generic frame at a swap meet for $15 and the MSD dies fit fine. You can also pay stupid money for an official Kent Moore Packard 56 crimp tool. Personally, I'm cheap. The Kent Moore tool in the last photo is currently $285 on ebay. Too rich for my blood.

4cf16eabd8dd421d270d551b5032a743ad2fb9a9.jpg

51y6EXZap0L._AC_UL420_SR420,420_.jpg

s-l1600.jpg
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom