Hydraulic wire crimper

[Danglerb]

I just saw this on HF, kind of like the MasterCool flare tool, but does anybody really need 8 tons of force on a wire crimp?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?itemnumber=66150&Submit=Go

 

[WVU Tuba Dale]

When some is good, more is better.

 

[Big Bad Jon]

I just saw this on HF, kind of like the MasterCool flare tool, but does anybody really need 8 tons of force on a wire crimp?

The short answer is no. On the other hand seeing a HF tool **** out while exerting 16,000 pounds of force could be entertaining!

 

[theWORLDSaNAIL]

Yes there a large power fittings that require hydraulic crimp to hold wire in place solder and melt are not an option some times

 

[caper]

We have bigger versions at work,run about $1000.

 

[mrb]

that thing is actually an incredible deal. Im gonna order one..

as far as needing 8tons of crimping force....have you ever crimped a lug on 4/0? Ive done it with these giant bolt cutter looking crimpers, not fun.

 

[Danglerb]

Maybe a high force crimp does something special? Gas tight or?

As I understand it, any kind of serious power requires a mechanical connection.

I wanted one the moment I saw it, now just thinking of a remote reason for it.

What do the connectors, the part that is crimped look like?

 

[speed bump]

Maybe a high force crimp does something special? Gas tight or?

As I understand it, any kind of serious power requires a mechanical connection.

I wanted one the moment I saw it, now just thinking of a remote reason for it.

What do the connectors, the part that is crimped look like?

You can see some examples of commonly used connections for welders here.
https://weldingsupply.securesites.com/cgi-bin/einstein.pl?Next::1:UNDEF:OR:terms::PA

As far as why you would want a crimper with this much force try crimping big cables without it. The only other cheap tool I can think of to do this with does it using a good sized hammer and doesn't always make nice crimps.

 

[fourfeathers]

I checked them out last week @ HF, and when it goes on sale, I'll get one.

 

[Danglerb]

Normal price appears to be $99.95, on sale now for $49.99, used my 20% single item and bought one for $43 including tax.

Its bigger and heavier than I assumed it would be, nice solid feel with a heavy rubber coating over most of it. Handle and on/off dial felt a bit sloppy, but I haven't used it yet.

Says it works with regular wire crimps, but WOW the dies seem small vs wire sizes. Comes with 90 day warranty and a set of replacement O rings (says only a tech should replace them though). I'll report back once I do some crimps. Guys in the store say I bought the first and only one they have.

 

[Danglerb]

The dies seem really simple, block with a locating peg, and a bit of machining on the business end. I wonder how hard it would be to make some "tools" to fit the handle like a set of jaws for a bolt cutter?

 

[vette-kid]

that thing is actually an incredible deal. Im gonna order one..

as far as needing 8tons of crimping force....have you ever crimped a lug on 4/0? Ive done it with these giant bolt cutter looking crimpers, not fun.

As far as why you would want a crimper with this much force try crimping big cables without it. The only other cheap tool I can think of to do this with does it using a good sized hammer and doesn't always make nice crimps.

I use this method:

Works pretty well. i wish I could have pulled the sleeve down to show you the crimp, but once its in place its kinda stuck there. It makes a pretty clean crimp though. Thats 1/0 wire.

But I might look around for this next time Im over at HF.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Mine ran 39.99 with a coupon and was bought to crimp battery terminal ends on my truck and mainly for a harness that I was making for a golf cart. This thing is a lot easier to use than the hammer shown above as I can do them with the cable on the cart right at the battery.

It makes a nice looking crimp with the included dies but after reading Danglerb's post above, I am starting to think what sort of handy little dies could be made for this..... Cable cutters, nut splitters, ????

 

[Thedroid]

big lugs require big tools. The brand name models for those types of crimpers are big bucks. I think a lot of outfits that use these types of crimpers, require them to be certified, and are checked every so often. Once the crimp does not meet spec, the crimper is disposed of. I've done the big stuff with this tool numerous times. Works real good, but the tool is expensive.

http://www.electriciansupplies.com/index.cfm/S/312/N/11040/P/83581/Burndy_MY29-11C_--_1__Each.htm

 

[fourfeathers]

Got mine yesterday for $39.99 after 20% off coupon. Let you know when I get to use it!