Need Crimper. What Kind?

[thk2c]

Hello,

I need a crimper for **** end connectors like these....

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...ssories&psid=FROOGLE01&sid=IDx20070921x00003a

I normally just use pliers and squeeze the heck out it, but for a few wires in the truck they keep separating.

I was looking at the knipex site, but couldn't figure out which one i need, and the one that looked the best was close to 360, way out of my price range.

Thanks in advance
tyler

 

[ATTappman]

I use Channellocks:

You can get them at Home Depot. If that isn't the right kind of crimping pliers, somebody will point that out.

 

[zer01]

I personally like this tool. I have had different brands but this works the best for me. Channellock 909

 

[garfunkle24]

I use those same Channellocks, they work great.

 

[Mike83]

I got some Klein crimpers off this site. $12 shipped baby. Make sure you get some that do insulated crimps for those **** connectors.

 

[chadster1]

Snap-on 29CP

 

[sputnikv8]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0006M6Y5M/sr=8-3/qid=1268768002/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=228013&s=hi&qid=1268768002&sr=8-3

I use these kleins. Long handle gives great leverage to really clamp down.

 

[Art From De Leon]

These are similar to the Snap on one I have.

http://www.nextag.com/Klein-Tools-T1715-Full-503144067/prices-html

It will not release until you have completed the full squeeze.

Here is the pair I have.

 

[jeepnut24]

Klein 1006.... are my favorite...

 

[Monte]

next to Knipex you might want to check out:

Weidmüller

Wezag

 

[MattT]

Ratchet crimpers give stronger, and better looking, crimps than plier style. But they can be expensive. Probably around $40 for a cheap one.

If you want to go with Knipex this one looks decent and the price isn't bad consideing. http://www.aikencolon.com/Knipex-97-52-36-975236-PreciForce-Crimping-Pliers_p_2167.html

Edit. The Weidmuller are nice too.

 

[Mickey O]

I'd also recommend a decent set of ratcheting crimpers, a bit more expensive but a much better crimp that won't pull out, definitely worth the extra cash. You can probably find a real nice pair on eBay for a very reasonable price. I've got a set that cost me over $500, they were required, and they had to be certified accurate every 6 months and that wasn't cheap either. Not I use them as everyday crimpers. I've seen the same set sell on ebay for $80 to $120.

 

[HankMurphy]

Another vote for the Snap-on 29CP:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=797&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I have an older Blue Point version of this (USA) and it's good for automotive use. I've used it on those types of connectors. Also get some of the Wiss scissors for telephone use -- I have better luck with these as wire strippers than with the all-in-one tools.

If you are crimping Ethernet cables, you need a different tool. I have an Ideal, looks like it's model # 30 896, Taiwan. The earlier comments about ratcheting crimpers are spot on for that application. I'm not so convinced that they are a necessity for the kind of connectors you show in your post.

Good luck,

Best of luck

 

[SCscoutguy]

I own a nice set of Kliens that I have used for years and they have given good service. I might get some flack for this but I picked up a pair of Pittsburgh HF brand crimpers a few years ago and I will be damned if they do not work just as well as the Kliens. If you want to save a little money I would buy the HF crimpers.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=36411

 

[mkdive]

I have a few crimpers (ratcheting and non ratcheting). This one on amazon.com is really not all that bad for the price. I have been pretty happy with it so far. It makes pretty nice clean/strong crimps.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STTTI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I use these from Channellock...

http://www.tooltopia.com/channellock-909.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/_img/CHA/CHA909.jpg

 

[wreckercologist]

I personally like this tool. I have had different brands but this works the best for me. Channellock 909

Several guys at work have those and like them.

Thomas & Betts
http://www.labsafety.com/images/xl/Thomas-and-Betts-Plier-LSS-_i_LBC145056S.jpg

I've used these for over a decade and personally prefer them over the channellocks (not dogging Channellocks).

 

[vssjim]

I use those same Channellocks, they work great.

This is the greatest crimper I have ever owned and use it all the time at work and home

 

[Merkava_4]

IDEAL 30-429. Look no further.

http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=30-429&div=3&l1=crimp_tools&l2=multi-crimp_tool

 

[quneur]

http://www.idealindustries.com/prod...3&l1=wire_strippers&l2=multi_crimp-strip_tool

 

[jeepnut24]

The problem with the ideal and channelock is they only have one size. The Klein 1006 has two different sizes on one set of pliers. Easier to get a proper crimp with the Klein.

http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R022EFB155D638400D794065+PRD+ENG

 

[senlow]

I prefer Sta-Kon.

 

[crewchief888]

i have the kliens and channelock.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I also agree with a good ratcheting crimper, but also make sure you get quality terminals. They look the same from the outside but the better terminals are allot thicker and grab the wire allot better than the thin terminals that you get a pep boys or HF. A few years ago I did an experiment with cheap HF terminals and pep boys terminals vs quality Anchor marine terminals. I made splices and use a 50 lb fish scale to measure how hard I was pulling the wire out of the splice. The cheap terminals let go of the wire around 15 to 20 lb. even when a ratcheting crimper was used. The anchor marine terminal pegged the fish scale at 50 lb. and didn't let loose, then I removed the fish scale and pulled till something broke. The wire broke someplace else, and the terminal didn't fail.

Chris

 

[Evogun]

Real men solder all connections! By the way there is also a right way and wrong way to do this.

 

[mkdive]

Real men solder all connections! By the way there is also a right way and wrong way to do this.

can you say "can of worms"????

 

[Monte]

Another source for general crimping tools would be DMC, AMP/Tyco, Pressmaster, ITT Cannon and JST

 

[Teken]

Anything that we do is soldered, for those instances where it is simply for a quick fix we crimp, or use scotch locks . . .

You cannot get a better electrical connection than soldering. Proper technique, roslin solder and correct heat application is key.

BTW: I use both the Klein & Channellock, both are equally consistent.

Regards

EVIL Teken . . .

 

[DanCo]

I been in love with DMC crimpers, from when I did avionic installs. I still use them now, pricey but worth the money.

 

[Mickey O]

Real men solder all connections! By the way there is also a right way and wrong way to do this.

There are places were soldering connections is not permitted.

 

[pl_silverado]

I picked up two ratcheting crimpers, one for insulated terminals and once for non-insulated terminals. Both Thomas & Betts Sta-Kon models. Still looking for one with the rotating die that does 8 awg- 2 awg lugs.

Highly recommended.

 

[ZRX61]

Channelocks here also.

 

[caper]

Another vote for the Snap-on 29CP:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=797&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I have both the Snap on and the Channelock and my Snapon's are rarely ever used.The design of the jaw on the Snappy's tears up the insulation on the connector,especially the heat shrinkable one.The Channelock design is smoother and doesen't tear the insulation as easily.Come to think of it I have similar designs from Thomas and Betts,Gardener Bender,Channelock,Snap on and Princess auto.The Channelocks are the ones I use the most.

 

[wreckercologist]

Real men solder all connections! By the way there is also a right way and wrong way to do this.

Anything that we do is soldered, for those instances where it is simply for a quick fix we crimp, or use scotch locks . . .

You cannot get a better electrical connection than soldering. Proper technique, roslin solder and correct heat application is key.

I'm not going to argue what's better......solder is, but time is a big factor and crimping is much faster. Soldering would easily add several hours to my flat rate time when building a new truck, not to mention the added risks involved working around fuel tanks and in cab with carpet's/plastic/seats.

I don't use scotch locks at work......they're like electrical tape.......they let water in, not out! I will use them under/in dash but not very often. They also don't look near as good either.

The problem is, no matter how two wire ends are joined, they are only as good as what seals them, and in my case that is glue-filled heat shrink tubing. Once the heat shrink goes, it doesn't matter how the wire is joined.........it will rot, especially with the chemicals used on the roads around here in winter.

There are places were soldering connections is not permitted.

Very true also.

I'm not trying to come across as anti-solder, just saying there's a time and place. I also primarily work on dumb circuits, not PCM stuff and that can make a difference as well.

Mac tools warrantied my Thomas and Betts with a Mac branded set of crimpers identical to the T&B's. U.S. made FWI.

 

[EZH]

Another vote for the Snap-on 29CP:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=797&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Those are the ones I have also. A pair in the truck to cover problems on the road and another in the box at the house.

There was another thread a couple months ago I think, discussing the greatness of ratcheting crimper. I've been wanting a pair of those every since. Just haven't figured out which pair yet.

Eric

 

[nolatoolguy]

I have a few crimpers (ratcheting and non ratcheting). This one on amazon.com is really not all that bad for the price. I have been pretty happy with it so far. It makes pretty nice clean/strong crimps.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002STTTI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I just want to add

Those are great types for many users. If you are tough on your tools or work in tough enviorments I DO NOT RECOMEND THEM. They are good for the home owner and light user though, they are very versitle and reasonbly priced.

 

[nolatoolguy]

http://www.acetoolonline.com/Klein-J1005-Journeyman-Crimping-Tool-p/kle-j1005.htm

Those above are the best I know of. Channelock comes in second. The good thing is there all made in the USA.

 

[LoneGunman]

LOL, FLASHBACKS, Ratcheting crimpers to make sure you get a good crimp. Soldering is no good for high vibration areas.

 

[speed bump]

Real men solder all connections! By the way there is also a right way and wrong way to do this.

Only if its never coming apart, or it doesn't need strain relief, or you don't have to worry about the connector coming apart at high temp.

 

[truckdriver]

Every since I bought my ratcheting crimpers my others just stay in the box. I like how you can ratchet them tight on the connector before crimping. When your in an odd spot or don't have much wire to work with it really helps.