ETC crimper / staking tool

[BusterofKnuckles]

This tool was apparently made by ETC. I can find NOTHING about ETC whatsoever. Does anyone know anything about this maker, like what the acronym stands for or basic company history? I suppose that it may be 'TEC' instead of 'ETC', but still nothing. Thanks for anything.

 

[cgrutt]

Electronic Torque Control apparently a line of tools made by ACDelco

ACDelco Tools' ETC Power Tools Solve Under-/Over-Torquing Issues -

ACDelco Power Tools' ETC Electronic Torque Control tools offer precise torque control for efficient and accurate performance.

www.shopownermag.com

Guessing it might be a die for a crimping tool.

 

[AA/FC]

It's a "hammer crimper"

Slide your crimp fitting onto your battery cable, put the fitting/cable in the jaws of the device, then smack it with a big hammer.

 

[BusterofKnuckles]

Yep, I know what it is and how it works.
"ACDelco Power Tools introduced ETC Electronic Torque Control tools specifically to solve under-/over-torquing issues." Doesn't seem to fit this tool as it has nothing to do with electronics nor torque accuracy. In this instance it seems to be more of a model line than a tool maker. Of course that doesn't preclude Delco from building it and calling whatever they want to. Just seems like there is something else going on here. I'm not sure but I believe this tool predates ACDelco, coming to be in the Delco Remy days. Could be wrong about that.

 

[kd3pc]

probably early 1970's as we started switching from cad weld cartridges to this mechanical connection to solder/weld and so on for building/antenna grounds. Usually needed something to set it on, to get the proper amount of torque for the wire sizes indicated on the pin plate. As a lowly apprentice, I got to carry around a piece of railway track and a 2x4. They are still in use today, relatively unchanged from what we see here.

 

[AdAstra]

It doesn't have anything to do with ACDelco's "ETC" line. That is just a relabeled part they happen to distribute. Molex is maker as far as I know, instruction sheet attached.

Original patent attached.

I also haven't been able to find any history online, but based on patents ETC Inc was a company that designed/made crimp tools and electrical connectors at least as early as the 60s.

I found a patent that is shared with ITT, so I think they were part of that conglomerate at some point. It must have ceased to be an independent company long before the intern et.

Given I've only seen it in the wild on Molex-specific tools and they have no other presence I could find, I gather is now a wholly owned subsidiary/completely folded into Molex (Koch).

This confirms that theory, although wish it were better sourced: https://www.encyclopedia.com/social...nd-labor/businesses-and-occupations/molex-inc

 

[RTM]

That patent is not in DATAMP, just a placeholder for later.

Molex owns 90% of ETC Inc now.
Trying to figure out when they acquired them.

Maybe pre-1982


Read elsewhere that Koch Bros acquired Molex 10 years ago, have not researched that one yet, but this confirms it for those who care.

 

[AdAstra]

Aha we are doing the same research, I had been editing my post as I went. Let me know if you find anything, I think next step would be really boring public records that I have no interest in poking into.

 

[RTM]

My boring meeting is over, so I need to get back to real work, so you’ll have no competition for a while from me.

 

[AdAstra]

Same!

 

[yatg]

 

[BusterofKnuckles]

Well, that sure looks like their stamp. Maybe I missed it, but do we know what 'ETC' stands for?

 

[AdAstra]

Nope, didn't find anything, but guessing perhaps something along the lines of "electrical terminal company"

 

[dnschmidt]

Doesn't matter. These types of crimpers are very common under many brands. Amazon has pages of them.

 

[BusterofKnuckles]

I'm sure they do, but my inquiry concerns only one brand. I don't remember running across this one before and it piqued my curiosity.