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GM Crimp Tool

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seanb02

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Hey folks, I am looking for a tool to crimp GM style terminals for a wiring project I am currently working on. At this time I have a really nice one that covers the range of 22-14 gauge, but I need to get down to 10 gauge.

Since I wasn't the one that bought the one currently in the shop toolbox, it is unknown where it was purchased from originally, and does not have a brand on it - simply a GM equivalency number, and a made in USA stamp.

So, who makes a quality unit in the range of 12-10 gauge, or even 12-8 gauge? My local Snap-on guy doesn't currently have one on the truck, so figured for the little use it is going to get can likely find a cheaper one online.

Attached image of exactly what type of terminals I am talking about.

Thanks! :thumbup:
 

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vssjim

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I have the Astro Ratcheting crimper for those and It does a fantastic job on those, I have about ten others and the Astro does the best
 
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seanb02

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vssjim said:
I have the Astro Ratcheting crimper for those and It does a fantastic job on those, I have about ten others and the Astro does the best
Click to expand...

Would that be the Astro model 9477? Price seems good, long as it covers those sizes that I need it certainly seems to be the right option!
 
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seanb02

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lilcraigford said:
Late model GM vehicles are wired with Packard/Delphi Metri Pack terminals.
Click to expand...

This is a 1978 GMC truck. Putting in a new wiring harness from American Autowire. Terminals appear to be original style, but I wouldn't really classify it as a "late model" truck as old as it is.
 
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lilcraigford

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seanb02 said:
This is a 1978 GMC truck. Putting in a new wiring harness from American Autowire. Terminals appear to be original style, but I wouldn't really classify it as a "late model" truck as old as it is.
Click to expand...

I know late model GM vehicles are wired mostly (if not entirely) with Packard/Delphi/Aptiv Metri-Pack connectors (with the occasional Micro-Pack and Weather-Pack item). All of these use open-barrel type terminals that can be crimped with a variety of tools. I'm not sure how early these became the norm for GM, but the terminal you pictured appears related.

American Autowire lists the Packard 56 and 59 series among the terminals used in their harnesses (Terminals 101). Most of the tooling I researched for my own project was on the smaller end of the spectrum (12-24 AWG) so I don't have any suggestions off the top of my head.
 
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lilcraigford

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I can't speak for the Astro Crimper, but a quick search shows Sargent 3182 LCT as a Packard 56/58/59-specific crimper. This cross references with Packard 8913440, GM 08913440, Kent Moore J-35688 and American Autowire's Multi Master 500650. Not exactly cheap, but maybe useful as a lead on the secondhand market.

Edit: Nevermind. I just realized the wire range is smaller than you're looking for.
 
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FigureItOut

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Daves69 has it right, the correct crimper for those big 56 series are somewhat hard to find. Neither of the Astro tools mentioned are going to work well, and recommendation for the 9478 is a bit laughable.

Daves69's link shows the correct tool, its made by Sargent Tools, #12085115 is GM's part number on it, Sargent will have their own part number, but googling the GM number will get you there. You'll need a separate tool for smaller terminals

The two tools that American Auto Wire sells for the 56 Series appear to be Sargent made also. They're not controlled cycle, but my guess is that they'd be perfectly adequate. This is your best bet at the lowest price to get something suitable, in my opinion.



Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
 
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seanb02

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Ouch, here I was thinking the Astro would be the right tool at the right price. It does look like the GM 12085115 is the correct one for the application. The $140 price on the link further up for Texas Industrial Electric appears to be the cheapest price I am seeing it at, Amazon is quite a bit higher.

I already have the correct GM tool for the smaller terminals, it appears to be a Sargent unit although doesn't seem to have the brand stamped on to it. It appears identical to the 12014254 unit.

This is not something that will get frequent use, which is the only reason why am hesitant to spend the money. Can't ever have enough high quality tools, right? But justifying the price on something that will be sitting around the majority of the time makes it difficult.

I'm thinking of calling up American Autowire in the morning and likely go with their cheaper version of the tool, since it is their wiring harness, I doubt they would sell a tool that is inadequate for the connectors that come in the kit. I'm sure it isn't as nice as the GM equivalent versions are though...
 
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6PTsocket

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seanb02 said:
So, would the Astro kit cover that particular type of terminal? I'm completely lost now. :headscrat



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045CUMLQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Click to expand...
From the picture of the AP kit, I can see the 3 dies on the left are for open barrel crimps, like the connector shown above. The other 2 are for crimping insulated closed barrel terminals. Note that you will have to use 2 different crimp slots for the wire and the insulation. There are purpose built, very expensive, crimpers that have 2 dies together, to do a single wire size and insulation size in one shot, like the factory does. You will have to check the specs to see if the AP kit covers the sizes you need. I think there is a limit for this type terminal and really heavy gauge wire is connected with ring terminals and swage crimps.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
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mikester

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Funny. I just went through this.
I bought a set from Tool Aid with the different dies only to find the die didnt work well with male terminals. The 56 and 59 terminals have little tabs at the back and the die is too wide to properly crimp them.
I saw a video from American Auto Wire showing both their crimpers and the correct way to use them. I figured since I only had to do less than a dozen more terminals I could get away with just one crimper for $79 instead of getting both. I bought the one that does the smaller gauge wire first. The guy that took the order said it would do up to 12ga with no problem.
I wasted at least 10 59 male terminals trying to get it to work right. The longer tabs kept getting bent and distorted. I was pissed. I called them back and the guy sent me the larger crimper to try. It worked much better on the bigger wire. I sent the one for the smaller wire back.
I also placed an order from Texas Industrial Electric for more 56 and 59 male terminals. The woman that took the order told me the males are getting scarce in both sizes so if any of you guys need any you better jump on it and place an order. Im hoping my order gets here in tomorrows mail.
If you have time check out this video from americanautowire on crimping. Worth watching.

 
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Wamsutta

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Open Barrel Contact Crimp Tools - Crimps a wide range of commercial open-barrel contacts. Crimps are "F" type 14-24 AWG and are produced in three cavities: C 14-16 AWG; D 18-20 AWG and E 22-24 AWG. Insulation crimps are "F" type and are produced in two cavities: A 14-18 AWG and B 20-24 AWG. 8" OAL. Cushion grips. (USA)
Click to expand...

http://www.techni-tool.com/694ST128

Open barrel connectors have two crimps:

The first one is on the conductor and the 2nd one is on the wiring insulation.

The most important information to have is knowing which cavities crimp which size wires. The above quote tells you.
 
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Luciferi

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American auto wire will list what model crimper to use on their website.

I have the gm crimper for the 56 terminals and hardly ever use it. I don’t keep it in the truck and usually forget I have it when working at home and end up crimping them with something else. Nice to use when I remember.
 
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toplessHO

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mikester said:
Funny. I just went through this.
I bought a set from Tool Aid with the different dies only to find the die didnt work well with male terminals. The 56 and 59 terminals have little tabs at the back and the die is too wide to properly crimp them.
I saw a video from American Auto Wire showing both their crimpers and the correct way to use them. I figured since I only had to do less than a dozen more terminals I could get away with just one crimper for $79 instead of getting both. I bought the one that does the smaller gauge wire first. The guy that took the order said it would do up to 12ga with no problem.
I wasted at least 10 59 male terminals trying to get it to work right. The longer tabs kept getting bent and distorted. I was pissed. I called them back and the guy sent me the larger crimper to try. It worked much better on the bigger wire. I sent the one for the smaller wire back.
I also placed an order from Texas Industrial Electric for more 56 and 59 male terminals. The woman that took the order told me the males are getting scarce in both sizes so if any of you guys need any you better jump on it and place an order. Im hoping my order gets here in tomorrows mail.
If you have time check out this video from americanautowire on crimping. Worth watching.

Click to expand...

try Auveco and Terminal supply
 
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seanb02

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Called up American Autowire first thing this morning and ordered one directly from them. Thanks for all the input folks!
 
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toplessHO

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when I was looking for a set of dies I found this
for open face terminals
 

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