Ratchet Crimp Tools

[Quickster]

Looking to get a ratchet type crimp tool, mainly for **** connectors and ring terminals. 10-22awg for automotive use

No pliers type crimpers, I already have Klein 1005 crimper. I don't want the inconsistencies with these type of crimpers.

For now I will be using the heat shrink & crimp style connectors. Or maybe the crimp, heat shrink with the solder in the middle kind. So no "double" crimpers I don't want tear the heat shrink with those kind, like the Ancor 701030. So I have to get one specifically for heat shrink terminals.

Through some searing, Thomas & Betts seem to be a good choice. Their ratchet crimper I have found heat shrink terminals Part# ERG4255 I have not been able to find for under $300. I'll skip on that one for now. They have the crimper for Non-insulated terminals part# ERG4002. I have found this one for around $200. Not too bad, I plan to pick one up because if I don't use heat shrink terminals I will use bare non insulated ones with adhesive heat shrink instead.

Some other brands I have found are.

Rennsteig part# 619 060-3 3 about $120 shipped or so I have found

Or

Knipex part# 97 52 37 about $150 shipped I have found

The Knipex & Rennsteig look like twins, same colors and everything. Manufactured by same company?

I'm curious about this brand below, if anyone has any info or first hand experience with this crimper.

Wiha 43149
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UV8VS4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

With this die

Wiha 43158
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UV8VTI/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Another cheaper alternative

Klein Tools T1715
http://www.ktool.net/servlet/the-2855/KLEIN-TOOLS-T1715-Full-dsh-Cycle/Detail

This style crimper has been copied by many other companies, not sure who originally design this one. I know they sell a similar one on sailors solutions for around $40.

 

[wornoutoldman]

http://www.delcity.net/store/Double-Insulated-Terminal-Crimp-Tool/p_665741

http://www.delcity.net/store/Open-Barrel-Terminal-Ratchet-Crimp-Tool/p_714008

 

[CWP1616L]

Knipex 97 52 06

 

[Quickster]

http://www.delcity.net/store/Double-Insulated-Terminal-Crimp-Tool/p_665741

http://www.delcity.net/store/Open-Barrel-Terminal-Ratchet-Crimp-Tool/p_714008

I've seen these on delcity. Neither of those are for use with heat shrink terminals. I think I will stay away from the $50 and under knock offs.

Knipex 97 52 06

This looks like a double crimper, for use with nylon/plastic type terminals. 1 crimp for the wire and another for a strain relief. Not necessary for heat shrink to be double crimped as the strain relief for those is the heat shrink covering it's self.

After some more digging the Rennsteig & Knipex are indeed same thing, so I guess out of the two would be a win win situation. Just pick whichever is cheapest.

Would still like some input on the Wiha branded one listed in post#1 if anyone knows something about it. Not too concerned right now with the ability of interchangeable dies. But it would be nice.

BTW- I know some people on here have the ToolAid crimper on amazon, I'll pass on that one.

 

[Brownsfan]

I use this one. Comes with a bunch of different dies. I for some reason still prefer the plier style crimpers. I have never had any inconsistant crimps with them. I use the ratchet style more and more though http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products.php?product=TE18920-%2d-Ratcheting-Term-Crmp-Kit.

 

[Brownsfan]

Never mind my recomendation. I just saw you don't want that one. Sorry

 

[snowman1981]

check out ebay for Brundy racheting crimpers. i have a pair that does yellow blue and red insulated connectors. works really well. If your interested pm me and i can give you the part number on my as they sell different dies. paid like $50 for mine used.

 

[CWP1616L]

AMP Pro-Crimper 58433-3

 

[mark40sw]

A member, "Nanofrog", has spoken highly of the Wiha. He also reported that Waytek sells the same one for better price (both made by pressmaster).

Here is his take
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147863
and he has commented on other crimper threads here on them.

Noting his advice, I bought some from here. They are very nice.
http://www.waytekwire.com/item/560/CRIMP-TOOL-W-INTERCHANGEABLE/

Waytek seems to have the dies mostly for automotive, but Wiha has many more styles available if needed.

 

[spotco2]

If you want the best then you'll have to go with Thomas & Betts or Burndy.

 

[Quickster]

Okay off topic

Anyone else having trouble accessing the site from a laptop/desktop?

Everything I have is on wireless connection right now with my dlink router, everytime I come to the site it directs me to a dlink page. Had to use my phone and disable wifi to post this. Guess I will try and restart my router.

 

[spotco2]

I'm on a laptop with a DLink router. Clear cache and reboot everything.

 

[Rebelphotog]

I got this pair, made by Ideal, last week at Ollie's Bargain Outlet for $7, new in unopened package... I couldn't believe it. I had this same pair a few years ago and it was $65, plus the other dies I had for it. I plan to buy some more dies for **** connectors and such.

With my last set, I did countless 2 way radio installs, siren installs, light installs, and DVR/Camera system installs without a problem. The only reason I needed a new pair was because I lost the old ones. If you have an Ollie's in your neck of the woods, I'd see if they have any in stock. I'd never heard of the place before, but we got one or two in my area last year.

You can get them on Amazon, but for more money. Just find one with the dies you need and then buy any additional dies you may use in the future... they had a ton to choose from the last time I looked.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000WU4JK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[spotco2]

WOW! $7?

I'd bought every one they had.

 

[Strouty]

I use this one. Comes with a bunch of different dies. I for some reason still prefer the plier style crimpers. I have never had any inconsistant crimps with them. I use the ratchet style more and more though http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products.php?product=TE18920-%2d-Ratcheting-Term-Crmp-Kit.

Same only a lot cheaper:

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

As far as cheap versions, unless you are doing production crimps for someone who will inspect the die marks, the cheap ones work fine. I have both cheap and expensive ones. I do not see much difference and it is mostly in comfort. I had a a $275 set of T&B and it broke the main bolt holding it together, luckily it was under warranty and they replaced it.

 

[mader121]

got a set from my local wurth guy for no charge and they work excellent

 

[skruft]

I have used various ratcheting brands, but mostly T&B that I have found used. The only trouble I have had with some brands (other than T&B) is that sometimes the dies that are supposed to work on insulated terminals just don't crimp hard enough with certain terminals.

 

[Quickster]

Does anyone here use 3M's heat shrink crimp connectors? They have pretty good prices on ebay for 50 or 100 of them.

A member, "Nanofrog", has spoken highly of the Wiha. He also reported that Waytek sells the same one for better price (both made by pressmaster).

Here is his take
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147863
and he has commented on other crimper threads here on them.

Noting his advice, I bought some from here. They are very nice.
http://www.waytekwire.com/item/560/CRIMP-TOOL-W-INTERCHANGEABLE/

Waytek seems to have the dies mostly for automotive, but Wiha has many more styles available if needed.

Thanks, yeah I actually came across the one on waytek first. Then discovered the Wiha one and figured they were manufactured by same company. Also some how came across another crimp tool thread on here that I didn't see before and a few people said they liked theirs.

I'm on a laptop with a DLink router. Clear cache and reboot everything.

I tried that and multiple other things, ended up having to reset my router to factory settings and redoing everything...ughhh fun that was.

 

[rambo19]

AMP Pro-Crimper 58433-3

Ive got a simular pair, work very well.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Rebelphotog, that is a STEAL!
I have 2 sets of the Ideal crimpmasters, one just like yours with coax dies, and one with 8 pin modular plug dies.

 

[Rebelphotog]

Rebelphotog, that is a STEAL!
I have 2 sets of the Ideal crimpmasters, one just like yours with coax dies, and one with 8 pin modular plug dies.

Yeah, I loved my old pair. Haven't had a chance to use these yet. The store I bought them at isn't close to me, but I may be working back up that way soon. If they still have any, I plan to buy a few more pairs. The other packages I saw had been ripped open and I didn't have time to inspect them for damage or anything, so I just grabbed this one and headed to the door.

 

[jeffmoss26]

What I did was swap the dies out, since I do not use the coax tool that often. I put my modular dies in the newer padded handles, and put the coax dies in the beat up plastic handles. They make dies for just about any connector.

 

[Quickster]

I for some reason still prefer the plier style crimpers. I have never had any inconsistant crimps with them.

The crimp from a plier type will vary from user to user, or even from yourself after a few crimps. Someone else might apply less force then you would with that tool, ratchet one takes the guess work out on over or under crimping.. Or if you need to make 20+ crimps, you could start off strong on those first few crimps then really start feeling the pain in your hands like myself after a few.

As far as cheap versions, unless you are doing production crimps for someone who will inspect the die marks, the cheap ones work fine. I have both cheap and expensive ones. I do not see much difference and it is mostly in comfort. I had a a $275 set of T&B and it broke the main bolt holding it together, luckily it was under warranty and they replaced it.

I have high standard for myself and whatever I touch. If I can get best tool for something I need to depend on with my car like my starter wire, fuel injector wires etc. then I will try and cough up the dough for a good tool. Plus who doesn't enjoy a quality tool?

Along with those cheaper ratchet styles and the plier type I have read that people are not getting consistent quality crimps. Not to mention the dies are sometimes poorly machined.

 

[mikegt4]

I got this pair, made by Ideal, last week at Ollie's Bargain Outlet for $7, new in unopened package... I couldn't believe it. I had this same pair a few years ago and it was $65, plus the other dies I had for it. I plan to buy some more dies for **** connectors and such.

Dang, my local Ollie's doesn't have them.

 

[jdjm]

After reading about these crimpers on Sunday, I ran across town to Ollies and they had about 10 sets of the coax for $4.50 but not the ratcheting crimpers.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Were they just the dies?

 

[AJH]

I
Would still like some input on the Wiha branded one listed in post#1 if anyone knows something about it. Not too concerned right now with the ability of interchangeable dies. But it would be nice.

I have the Wiha PortaCrimp and really like it. It's definitely more money, but it's well built and made in Sweden. There are a ton of dies available, the only drawback being that you can really spend a lot of money if you want a bunch of different dies. I've just got three, one for open barrel terminals, one for heat shrink terminals and one for insulated terminals.
I would like to get a set of Weatherpack dies, but can't seem to bring myself to spend $140 on them.

Oh, and the dies come with handy little holders that lock into each other so you can keep them all in one place.

 

[mark40sw]

I have the Wiha PortaCrimp and really like it. It's definitely more money, but it's well built and made in Sweden. There are a ton of dies available, the only drawback being that you can really spend a lot of money if you want a bunch of different dies. I've just got three, one for open barrel terminals, one for heat shrink terminals and one for insulated terminals.
I would like to get a set of Weatherpack dies, but can't seem to bring myself to spend $140 on them.

Oh, and the dies come with handy little holders that lock into each other so you can keep them all in one place.

How about $84 ?

http://www.waytekwire.com/item/564/WEATHER-PACK-DIE-SET-20-12GA/

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/waytek/catalog226/#/52/OnePage

 

[aczr2k]

I have the Waytek rebranded Whia also, great tool.

 

[Quickster]

I went with the Rennsteig 619 060-3 3 aka knipex one. Got it off amazon $119 shipped. Going to give it a try.

I'm going to pick up one of those wiha/waytek ones too. I would like to do weather pack and open barrel crimp. But it's not needed at the moment.

 

[AJH]

How about $84 ?

http://www.waytekwire.com/item/564/WEATHER-PACK-DIE-SET-20-12GA/

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/waytek/catalog226/#/52/OnePage

Sweet. I was not aware of that.

 

[Quickster]

Few I have picked up.

Couple die sets I plan on buying for the waytek crimp frame like Metri-pack and weather pack die sets.

 

[Danglerb]

This thread *****, and could end up costing me load of money.

 

[nowlan]

That Rennsteig has me confused. It looks like Knipex colours.
Who is OEM here?

Speaking of expensive crimpers, last time I looked at this stuff, was suffering sticker shock on MIL & Deutsch dtm connectors
Someone here said they use Deutsch on Harleys?

Daniels DMC
AFM8 seemed pretty popular.
I was wondering if the Germans did a cheaper version. The specification is all military code MIL-DTL-22520/2.
So all brands should all be equal.

 

[Carlos Iglesias]

...

Speaking of expensive crimpers, last time I looked at this stuff, was suffering sticker shock on MIL & Deutsch dtm connectors
Someone here said they use Deutsch on Harleys?

Daniels DMC
AFM8 seemed pretty popular.
I was wondering if the Germans did a cheaper version. The specification is all military code MIL-DTL-22520/2.
So all brands should all be equal.

^^^

1. DMC is the prefered crimper of Aviation and professional motorsports (at least in the states.) Goes hand-in-hand with Mil-22579/X wire, DR-15 heatshrink, and Stripmaster sheathing strippers.
2. You haven't live until you've crimped a Deutsch barrel/pin terminal end with a DMC multi-prong. You cold hang a small tank with the pull test if the wire will hold it.
3. Roger sticker shock, but after spending at least 20 hours trying to find a crappy **** crimp in the race car's MOTEC ignition sub-harness crimped with a MSD crimper, the opportunity cost of a ****** crimp made the cost of the DMC crimper relatively immaterial.

 

[All]

Those Daniels DMC military crimp tools make my Ideal ratcheting set look like a stone tied to a stick.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have a set of AMP ratcheting crimpers, (That I have not used yet...) No. 49900. Amp has a good name, how are their crimpers? (or is it just re-branded something else?) one piece jaws, compound grip, seem to be quality, (and they want like $150 for used on line...)

No one has mentioned AMP; Are they any good?

 

[Quickster]

That Rennsteig has me confused. It looks like Knipex colours.
Who is OEM here?

According to my findings on here they are the same, both under the same umbrella. Not sure who owns who though.


Thinking about getting this one also
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=140979399882

The dies are pretty pricey, lowest I've seen is $250. But with this one there is no need to solder the terminals after the crimp.

 

[Treeman]

Quickster,

What is your review of the Waytek crimper? I had to postpone buying one at my workplace due to budget cuts, but it is still on my radar.

You proclaim to be a person that wants quality tools/results, so I am interested in your opinion. The Waytek (Pressmaster) seems to be a good value compromise for those who cannot justify several dedicated tools at $250+, but also don't want to purchase the Asian imitations.

Thank you for any input.

 

[SantaAna12]

I think Amp is now owned by Tyco. An excellent crimper.

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=125926&#post780560