Hydraulic Crimping tool question

[afbrian13]

I run an aircraft electrician shop working on 747's. Our power feeders in the aircraft are 1/0 and some are 2 1/0 into one terminal, so we need some good size crimp dies. Whenever we have to work on this stuff we barrow from a different shop the tools and dies we need, but we're finally getting our own set. (to many instances of delayed maintenance waiting for tools)

What we currently use is a Thomas and Betts 10 ton hydraulic pump feeding a Sta-Kon crimp head. Of course everything has to be all the mil spec numbers and meet the right specs for force applied etc.

http://www.tnb.com/ps/fulltilt/index.cgi?check=Y&part=13600

http://www.ideadigitalcontent.com/files/IDURPIC/13642m_ck1.jpg

My question is do any of you guys use this type of equipment on a regular basis? Are there better options out there? I just want to make sure that if/when we get these tools they will last the unit a long time. Any brands you guys have had better luck with?

For any of you that have played the military game: of course I have all my tech data with the required specs and mil spec numbers. However, other than specs they don't call out exact tools, except the dies themselves. Also, these things don't have any NSN's listed, so its a research it yourself proposition.

I know there are people on here with tons of experience and good advice. I'm just trying to spend the money we have wisely so we get the tools that are going to last.

Thank you for any input!!

Brian

 

[awdblazer]

we use burndy hypresses in the utility
different models are manual pump to electric to hydraulic powered

 

[Treeman]

Don't even know why I am responding here, as I know nothing of your tool needs. What I did learn from my recent foray into hand crimpers and terminals is that it seems that in order to meet code regulations, you have to use the same brand crimp tool and terminal manufacturer. With this in mind, it seems that your options are limited to the major terminal manufacturers: TE, T&B, Panduit, Molex, Burndy, and maybe 3M. Take the specs. of your current T&B unit and solicit bids from these companies.

It will be interesting if anyone on this forum can follow up with industry experience.

My apologies for a "non answer". I'm somewhat fascinated with crimp technology.

 

[rockwithjason]

burndy hypress is the high end unit. greenlee makes some nice units too. check out their catalogs for mil sped numbers.

 

[afbrian13]

Thanks for the ideas. I was looked up the Burndy tools. They do look pretty nice. We have connectors on the plane made by them and they've held up well. I'll have to check out the greenlee stuff. Anything in this price range had better be a nice unit!

Treeman: Don't worry about the non answer! I didn't know that about the crimpers and terminals and the code. The way it works for us is that Boeing and the USAF both have specs that you have to meet. If the Boeing book doesn't address something you go to the AF book, but in general the manufacturer supersedes. In this case, Boeing lists the part number of the terminal, then you check the AF chart and it lists a crimp die set and tool required based on the terminal size your using. The numbers aren't part numbers, but MS (Military Standard) When looking up tools, etc, the company will list the mil spec number that the product meets next to their part number. As long as the product meets the mil spec your good to go. Hope that's clear as mud for you!

Funny enough, unlike car manufactures, aircraft companies source a ton of items for theirs products. (i know auto companies source some things, but not this much) We have Burndy and Cannon plugs/connectors, walter kiddie switches, GE engines, etc. Except for the structure itself, the rest comes from other companies.

Thanks again,

Brian