Ratcheting crimp tool recommendations.

[Fast_Eddie]

I do a lot of work on vintage Mercedes and am looking for a good quality ratcheting crimp tool with interchangeable dies.

I currently have a Pro-Crimper III by TE Connectivity with a single die for their PIDG red, blue and yellow terminals.

It works fine, is made in Taiwan, but the dies are horrendously expensive. Looking for a more cost system. Was looking at the Pressmaster MCT crimper as the dies are less expensive and they have a nice selection.

Any other recommendations I am all ears.

 

[alfazer]

I have now bought 2 different crimpers on Amazon UK called "Previca". I guess they are China or Tiawan, I don't think they do replacement jaws but I find them pretty good (at least for my hobby use) and saves me stopping to change jaws. Lots of different styles available.
I have one for the blue, red, yellow style and another for non-insulated japanese motorcycle sizes. They come in sets with some terminals included but some of them terminals are cheap quality.

 

[Wamsutta]

Whichever is the most ergonomic is the one I would choose. Probably Knipex.

 

[macgee]

You may want to check out Pressmaster, they're made in Sweden and pretty much only focus on crimping. They make really nice tools.

EDIT: I just noticed you already mentioned Pressmaster

https://www.pressmaster.se

People seem to like Klein Tools 3005CR ratchet crimper but not sure how good they are or where they're made now a days.

Wiha also makes a nice one, (Wiha 43618) Made in Germany but it is pricey, they have several types to choose from.

https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-43618-ratchet-crimper-for-standard-connectors/

PS> Those are some beautiful cars in the pic

 

[Djosbun]

Amphenol is the best tool if you want interchangeable dies.

-- Dave

 

[oldwino]

I’ve been pretty happy with the Astro Pnumatic set. Works well at a reasonable price. Haven’t had the need for anythin pricier

 

[MatBirch]

I’ve had excellent luck with the Asto Ratcheting set for when I need other dies. My go to for a set with a “plain die for standard marine style insulated terminals is my Knipex.

 

[macgee]

Djosbun,

Amphenol doesn't make tools, they rebrand tools made from others like Rennsteig and DMC (Daniels) which are excellent but: $$$$

 

[Djosbun]

Who cares who makes the tool? Half the items discussed daily on here are made by another manufacturer.

-- Dave

 

[Steve_P]

I recently bought the Astro. Only used it a few times but it's nice. Additional dies aren't too expensive.

 

[jgromada]

nice car pics!

 

[signcrafter]

I've also got the astro set and it works great for a good price.

 

[pi_guy]

I do a lot of work on vintage Mercedes and am looking for a good quality ratcheting crimp tool with interchangeable dies.

I currently have a Pro-Crimper III by TE Connectivity with a single die for their PIDG red, blue and yellow terminals.

It works fine, is made in Taiwan, but the dies are horrendously expensive. Looking for a more cost system. Was looking at the Pressmaster MCT crimper as the dies are less expensive and they have a nice selection.

Any other recommendations I am all ears.

Couple of thoughts you get what you pay for.
Also bad connections will cost you more time and money plus reputation.
If you are doing this commercially you should be able to include in job costs.

I have more crimpers than I can count, my feeling has been it is not worth playing games. Going with factory recommendations and the thought that tooling like crimpers are wear and toss items