Crimping Pliers; Terminal vs Ferrule

[lilcraigford]

In my search to find a pair of crimping pliers I became fixated on figuring out the difference between terminal & ferrule (wire end) type. Before I finished setting up this thread the list of candidates was narrowed (see "Other Information" at the bottom). After wasting a lot of time on the internet I have not found a definitive answer to the following question:

*Can some ferrule crimping pliers be used to properly crimp wire terminals (uninsulated barrel type in my application)?

To illustrate, here are my nominations for purchase listed with copies or close variants.

Terminal

Snap On PWCS7CF:

Similar To:
- VIM WS57
- OTC 5950S/A (straight/angled)

Klein 1005:

Similar To:
- Channellock 909
- Ideal 30-429
- Greenlee KP1022D
- SK 15011
- Thomas & Betts/Sta Kon WT111M
- Blue Point 29CP
- Snap On 29CF
- Irwin 2078310
- GB GS-388
- Neiko 02013A
- Burndy Y10D


Ferrule

Knipex 13 01 614:

Wiha 32605:

Comparing Jaws

Looking at pictures it is easy to see that on terminal type pliers the uninsulated dies have a radius whereas ferrule pliers vary in shape (radiused, square, triangular, single dimple, multiple dimple). I was unable to find a good picture of the Wiha plier.

Klein 1005 Style (Ideal 30-429 Pictured):

Snap On PWCS7CF:

Knipex 13 01 614:

Other Information

I was really interested in the Knipex 97 71 180, however I finally found a picture showing the shape of the die which put it out of the running.

Plier:

Jaw (97 78 180 Pictured):

Threads

Don't Crimp My Style!

wire crimpers, what's your favorite.

Crimpers: Channellock 909 vs Klein 1005 vs Other?

Electrical pliers death match!! (CL/Knipex comparo)

 

[qctech]

I ordered the snap on pliers but they have been on back order for a month. I've used them liked them and decided to go with them.

 

[lilcraigford]

I ordered the snap on pliers but they have been on back order for a month. I've used them liked them and decided to go with them.

The Snap Ons were my first choice. My hands are small so I am drawn to the size. I held a pair of Channellock 909s at a local Sears and wasn't really comfortable with them (granted they were packaged in the closed position).

Unfortunately my current project is mostly 10 AWG connections which would make the Snap Ons more of a novelty purchase, especially at the price. I also have three 8 AWG connections to consider. The more I think about it the more it makes sense to invest in a long term solution (crimping tool with interchangeable dies) than buy a short term solution (plier type). Eventually I'm going to need a solution for open barrel type terminals for various connectors.

 

[Outlander]

The Snap Ons were my first choice. My hands are small so I am drawn to the size. I held a pair of Channellock 909s at a local Sears and wasn't really comfortable with them (granted they were packaged in the closed position).

I did a couple of wiring projects recently (trailer, ATV) and I noticed I had to set up and squeeze with both hands so I understand your comment. That said, they made a nicer crimp than I have ever made before (of course re-visiting the proper way to crimp helped too).

 

[theoldwizard1]

In my mind, ferrules are not common in electrical work. They are more commonly used in mechanical wire, like a ferrule to attach a piece of wire rope around a thimble. Ferrule are "closed" using a swagging die, like on the bottom of a Snap On PWCS7CF or frequently hydraulic ram and die.

That crimp from the Knipex 97 78 180 is "interesting", but can achieved by double crimping with any of the crimpers in your first batch that have a die for "bare" terminals.

My preferred style of terminal is the AMP/TE Connectivity Solistrand. These are uninsulated and have a fult formed round barrel with a brazed seam on the top. The male part of the anvil pair is placed on the seam and then pressure is applied. Usually there is enough space for a second crimp if you want.

I use Ideal 30-428 because they do have a die for the occasional insulated terminal and they have bolts utters for small machine screws. The crimp dies are very similar to the ones on the Ideal 30-429.

 

[Cope]

I have a couple pairs of Klein crimpers as well as a Blue Point and T&B. They are the style I prefer.

 

[NoahG]

Ferrules are sleeves used to make stranded wire "solid" so it has a solid connection in a terminal block.

I use the Channellock 909 for crimping basic terminals, I think it has better leverage than the Klein. It works great for the stage lights and cables I repair, but totally inappropriate for boat and aircraft work. Especially in aerospace work, crimpers calibrated and approved for just one type of terminal can easily cost thousands.

I have crimpers for ferrules, insulated terminals, uninsulated terminals, flag terminals, and dozens of other styles, sizes and types. Just be happy that basic electrical terminals are pretty universal, and not like A/V and other signal wires where you need the right crimper for whatever brand, size and style you are using.

Then you get into wire ropes, and the swaging there of, and thats a whole 'nother ball of wax.

 

[zkling]

The ideal 30-429 are the best all around pliers type crimpers; in my opinion of course.

 

[lilcraigford]

My preferred style of terminal is the AMP/TE Connectivity Solistrand. These are uninsulated and have a fult formed round barrel with a brazed seam on the top. The male part of the anvil pair is placed on the seam and then pressure is applied. Usually there is enough space for a second crimp if you want.

All of my terminals are from Crimp Supply. I'm not sure how they compare to the AMP/TE pieces but they are nickel plated copper with a brazed seam.

After some more thought I decided to give myself a crash course on ratcheting crimpers. This lead me to the Pressmaster KKB-0360S and its rebadged variants; T&B/Sta Kon ERG-2002, Wiha 43632, and Xcelite ECP-101 (all "Ergonomic" models - part numbers are for the 22-10 AWG uninsulated die). After that I impulse-purchased a NIP Xcelite for a little more than what a Snap On PWCS7CF is fetching on eBay (looks like the item pictured).

Thank you for all of the input everyone!