suggestion for new crimpers please

[mikehaugen]

So I am looking some quality wire crimpers. I don't particularly like the crimps made by the standard klein cut/crimp/strip/bolt cut pliers, the 1005 are far better but I am looking for something better, probably a ratcheting type. I most often will use them for the standard yellow/red/blue insulated connectors such as **** connectors or spade terminals but would also like some for un-insulated connectors and open-barrel crimps. I have considered the astro 9477 set but was wondering if there was a higher quality preferably USA or possible German made equivalent. I would like it to be a set but will buy a few separate ones if I have to.

From my experience, Sargent and Knipex seem to be some of the best, but I know there are others out there. I have a $500 budget to cover all of what I mentioned. The astro set is almost perfect as far as what is included and I kind of like the interchangeable jaws as it will take up less space and I wouldn't often change from the standard insulated connector jaws.

On a side note, I will also probably at some point buy the 9478 weatherpack kit for home use.

Edit: I forgot to mention most of my use will be with 10-24 awg wire.

 

[Aquamoose]

Klein 1006. I literally upfitted thousands of emergency vehicles and millions of crimps with these pairs. Yes, they are made for “uninsulated” terminals but I use them on insulated terminals and provided the most secure crimp. For exterior connections, I soldered & used adhesive lined heat shrink.


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[mikehaugen]

Klein 1006. I literally upfitted thousands of emergency vehicles and millions of crimps with these pairs. Yes, they are made for “uninsulated” terminals but I use them on insulated terminals and provided the most secure crimp. For exterior connections, I soldered & used adhesive lined heat shrink.


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All of the threads I could find had about 80% recommending this same type. I appreciate the suggestion but it's not quite what I'm looking for. I have the 1005 (the ones supposedly specifically for insulated terminals) and I find them ok, better than combination crimpers, but not outstanding. I can't imagine the 1006 being much different, but I may give them a try in the meantime just so I can say I've tried them.

I'm specifically looking for ratcheting pliers, and preferably ones with the ability to do open barrel crimps. It appears the sargent 4100 or 4200 may be what I'm looking for but maybe it's better to get purpose-built crimpers instead of interchangeable ones? Do you lose something with interchangeable dies?

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[kd3pc]

https://shop.marinehowto.com/t/crimp-tools

he has the best information on crimpers I have seen, a lot of practical experience as well as the testing.

Great resource.

 

[JBH]

Knipex/Rennsteig Crimp System if you want dies with locators or prefer the jaws in front of your hand. Pressmaster MCT if you don’t care about locators.

Crimp System has more available dies, but MCT is usually cheaper. Both are widely rebranded by tool and connector companies.

 

[kb1982]

I have the Astro set and they have worked well for me thus far. Since i liked them, I picked up the Astro weatherpack ratcheting crimpers also.

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[rlitman]

I have not found anything better than the Klein 1005 for insulated connectors. For strictly uninsulated use, the T&B WT111M is far superior to the Klein 1006.

 

[mikehaugen]

https://shop.marinehowto.com/t/crimp-tools

he has the best information on crimpers I have seen, a lot of practical experience as well as the testing.

Great resource.

Wow, that is quite an article! Took me a while to read but very informative... thank you.

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[mikehaugen]

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone... I'll be checking these out.

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[pstemari]

Greenlee/Paladin Crimp-Alls. They have an excellent selection of dies, and there's also throw party dies for things like flag quick disconnects.

Greenlee CrimpALL Crimper Frame Only, Series PA8000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VH1OVG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

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[kythri]

I have the Astro set mentioned, with some additional jaws. It's performed fantastically for the automotive stuff I've used it for, and I love the 8P8C jaws for making patch/crossover cables.

 

[matt stott]

Another plus one for the Astro 9477 kit. Been using them for about 6 months now - both at work and at home, and they have been very nice.

Matt

 

[Professional Tool User]

It really depends on what style of crimper you personally like to use. I personally prefer the combination crimper/cutter/wire stripper type that Mac and Snap on sell. Less tools to carry around.

However, if I have to make a lot of crimps, my crimper of choice would be the Channellock equivalent of the Klein 1005 and I would like to also have side cutters, automatic wire strippers, and a regular wire stripper in case clearance is a problem.

I never really liked the ratcheting crimper. I have the same Made in Taiwan ratcheting crimper kit as the astro pneumatic one except under the princess auto pro point brand name. It just feels bulky and cumbersome to use though in theory it crimps better.

 

[Aquamoose]

All of the threads I could find had about 80% recommending this same type. I appreciate the suggestion but it's not quite what I'm looking for. I have the 1005 (the ones supposedly specifically for insulated terminals) and I find them ok, better than combination crimpers, but not outstanding. I can't imagine the 1006 being much different, but I may give them a try in the meantime just so I can say I've tried them.

I'm specifically looking for ratcheting pliers, and preferably ones with the ability to do open barrel crimps. It appears the sargent 4100 or 4200 may be what I'm looking for but maybe it's better to get purpose-built crimpers instead of interchangeable ones? Do you lose something with interchangeable dies?

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My fault. I have multiple types of crimpers. Some with ratcheting crimpers with interchangeable dies and some are straight crimpers, for the same style crimpers for pins. I bought a set with various types of dies and found that sometimes, the fixed non-ratcheting types do a better job speed wise.

I also do own a $10k Tyco production crimpers where each “applicator” (crimping die set) is easily $2k to $3k but I wouldn’t recommend that for you. [emoji6]


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[wornoutoldman]

Some really great crimpers here that won't break the bank: https://www.delcity.net/store/Crimping-Tools/p_229

 

[Fix Until Broke]

Wow, that is quite an article! Took me a while to read but very informative... thank you.

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Link just went to some crimpers for sale - Any chance you could share the article you're referencing?

Interested in some crimpers too .

I currently have this from Waytek - It has a nice selection of dies, however there won't likely be future offerings beyond what's already there (called them and asked...) - https://www.waytekwire.com/item/569/Mobile-Crimping-Tool-Kit/. I like that it's smaller than the Rennsteig R624, can swap dies without tools and the dies are much less expensive (~$50 vs ~$200).

I'd love to see more of these kinds of things...cordless powered crimping tool. This one is too big in my opinion, but one that used the Pressmaster/Waytek dies, was cordless and similar size to the manual crimper would be awesome. A pair of 18650's in one handle, a motor in the other and a worm gear mechanism in the head - Would be awesome!

https://www.rennsteig.us/index.php/...ols/1467-eforce-battery-powered-crimping-tool

 

[sparky 1971]

At one time I had a set of Ideal ratcheting crimpers that worked for the smaller gauge crimps. Absolute junk and I threw them away. I spent more time dinking around trying to get the crimps sleeve in right than I spent actually crimping. About 25% of the time, the crimps would fall off the wire when I was done. I went back to the Channellock 909's that I had for years and decided that is the way to go for up to #10 wire.

I have a set of Ilsco ratcheting crimpers that go from #8 up to #2. Those are awesome. Maybe Ilsco makes a smaller set that would be worth checking out.

 

[signcrafter]

If you want a ratcheting crimper then go with astro 9477, I have them and like them. If you just want a hand crimper I would say the carlyle strippers/crimpers from napa that is on sale for 19.99 this month is a great deal. Looks a lot like snap ons. https://www.napaprolink.com/Detailmi.aspx?R=CHQWSCCP

 

[mikehaugen]

Link just went to some crimpers for sale - Any chance you could share the article you're referencing?

yeah, you have to look around a bit to find it.

https://marinehowto.com/marine-wire-termination/

 

[Fix Until Broke]

yeah, you have to look around a bit to find it.

https://marinehowto.com/marine-wire-termination/

Thanks for the link - Good info there!

 

[ez-duzit]

You will make inferior crimps with the Klein 1005. Use the ratcheting crimpers imported from Taiwan (really).

Will look something like these.

 

[ca90ss]

I'd love to see more of these kinds of things...cordless powered crimping tool. This one is too big in my opinion, but one that used the Pressmaster/Waytek dies, was cordless and similar size to the manual crimper would be awesome. A pair of 18650's in one handle, a motor in the other and a worm gear mechanism in the head - Would be awesome!

https://www.rennsteig.us/index.php/...ols/1467-eforce-battery-powered-crimping-tool

I have the greenlee one and it's a little more manageable size and it works with the Dewalt 12v batteries.
https://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-EK50ML13811-Micro-Crimping-13-8mm/dp/B00M94YZGA

 

[Marctrees]

so you want to red/yellow/blue.

What is the largest gauge wire you will normally do?

What kind of quantities ?

Automotive, aviation, NASA or Nuclear related ?

* You add edited 10 - 24 ga.

Marc

 

[Fix Until Broke]

I have the greenlee one and it's a little more manageable size and it works with the Dewalt 12v batteries.
https://www.amazon.com/Greenlee-EK50ML13811-Micro-Crimping-13-8mm/dp/B00M94YZGA

Thanks for the link! That one is much more compact at the head (where it matters). I'll look into it more, though at almost $600 without any dies, it isn't a cheap date (but neither is carpal tunnel surgery )

 

[ca90ss]

I bought mine as a warehouse deal for around $250 and got most of the dies for $5-10 as warehouse deals as well.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

That's darn near cheap compared to the manual versions! Especially for the dies!

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I have this set and love it. plus it includes all of the most common dies. Was a pout half the cist ordering from Amazon.de https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00203M5YO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mr. T]

Greenlee/Paladin Crimp-Alls. They have an excellent selection of dies, and there's also throw party dies for things like flag quick disconnects.

Greenlee CrimpALL Crimper Frame Only, Series PA8000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VH1OVG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

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For the money, best ratcheting crimp tool I’ve found. There are better, but it will cost you.

Also, the interchangeable die set from automationdirect.com is quite good (AKA a Pressmaster MCT).

 

[racingtadpole]

I use a Pressmaster at work and a Crescent CCT10 at home, although I’m finding I’m going away from insulated lugs in favour of Deutsch connectors for a lot of stuff.

 

[Wamsutta]

AMP Pro-Crimper II

https://www.te.com/usa-en/videos/transportation/pro-crimper-video.html

 

[xman_charl]

use this right crimper now, other is junk

Charl

 

[MattT]

I currently have this from Waytek - It has a nice selection of dies, however there won't likely be future offerings beyond what's already there (called them and asked...) -

That's a rebadged Pressmaster MCT. There are a lot more dies available for that frame. This link shows 21 dies and that isn't a full list.

https://www.pressmaster.se/product/mct_frame

 

[Fix Until Broke]

That's a rebadged Pressmaster MCT. There are a lot more dies available for that frame. This link shows 21 dies and that isn't a full list.

https://www.pressmaster.se/product/mct_frame

Thanks - I actually just found that today. Looks like Allied Electronics has most of the dies available. Interestingly, it looks like Waytek has some dies that are not listed by Pressmaster, specifically for the 280 series terminals.

 

[mikehaugen]

So just an update, I ordered the rebranded pressmaster kit from waytek. Can't wait to get it. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

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[Mr. T]

I think you’ll like them.

The only reason I like the Greenlee/Paladin more is that the ergonomics are a smidge better. That being said they both make excellent crimps and the MCT dies are easier to change.

 

[mikehaugen]

One thing I like is they come with weatherpack dies which is something I'd like to start doing. So that brings me to another question...

In my research many people seem to prefer Deutsch connectors, so I'd maybe like to dabble in those as well. Does anyone know if the open-barrel dies on these will work with open-barrel Deutsch pins? I hope so, because if I like the connectors enough I would be willing to in the future invest in the closed barrel Deutsch crimpers.

...oh and also, are the Deutsche connectors that much better than weatherpack?

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[ca90ss]

...oh and also, are the Deutsche connectors that much better than weatherpack?

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Yes.

 

[Fix Until Broke]

One thing I like is they come with weatherpack dies which is something I'd like to start doing. So that brings me to another question...

In my research many people seem to prefer Deutsch connectors, so I'd maybe like to dabble in those as well. Does anyone know if the open-barrel dies on these will work with open-barrel Deutsch pins? I hope so, because if I like the connectors enough I would be willing to in the future invest in the closed barrel Deutsch crimpers.

...oh and also, are the Deutsche connectors that much better than weatherpack?

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Open barrel Deutsch don't work well with the generic open barrel dies. They'll work, but to get a solid crimp, you'll have flash and sharp edges which will cut the seal on the way in. Two ways to avoid this - put the wire through the seal first, then strip/crimp (a real PITA), or go to the turned pins. It looks like the 4300-3147 and the 4300-3148 pressmaster dies will work with the turned (closed) Deutsch pins. I have not tried them specifically so this is just conjecture on my part.

Once you've used/assembled/disassembled weatherpack, metri-pack and Deutsch, you'll always want to use Deutsch - especially with turned pins. They work so well and are so easy to assemble/disassemble. When I say "assemble/disassemble" I mean putting the wires into the connectors and removing the wires if necessary. You pay a premium for this so if you won't be doing much with it after it's put together, it may not be worth it.

 

[mikehaugen]

Open barrel Deutsch don't work well with the generic open barrel dies.

It looks like the 4300-3147 and the 4300-3148 pressmaster dies will work with the turned (closed) Deutsch pins.

Once you've used/assembled/disassembled weatherpack, metri-pack and Deutsch, you'll always want to use Deutsch - especially with turned pins.

thank you for the feedback about the open barrel crimps. I actually was wondering about those dies... it seems most people seem to think the only way to get a good crimp is with the 4 radially indenting dies.

On the weatherpack vs deutsch... aside from being easier to work with, are they actually better connectors, as in more watertight? I know they claim ip67. In my use, I probably won't be needed to disassemble-reassemble much. Mostly I would like them for adding accessories, such as more lights on my my tractor or truck etc. In the past I've used spade or bullet connectors for things that I want removable but it is far from ideal. Also the higher current capabilities from the dtp line would be appealing for some things.

 

[Marctrees]

" Mostly I would like them for adding accessories, such as more lights on my my tractor or truck etc."

And of course, being GJ, OP "Needs" to spend $500 + for a crimping set.

I never knew all the Farmers in Iowa and Kansas had to buy those when they added a rubber covered $9 backup light.

Marc