Tool Aid Ratcheting Crimper ?

[Crow Horse]

Just received a Tool Aid ratcheting crimper #18900, and one wouldn't think instructions would be required but none are included. Anyone have one? There is an adjustment on the handle and I've crimped a few terminals but there isn't a "ratcheting" action. It locks with every squeeze of the handle. I was under the impression that ratcheting crimpers would squeeze, lock, & release to give you another bite. Am I wrong here?

 

[Treeman]

Crow Horse,

I don't have a ratcheting crimper, but I will take a try at the answer. I believe the tool is designed to release only AFTER you have made a complete crimp of the terminal. This insures that the terminal is squeezed down 100% for a solid crimp.

If it worked your described way, a person could squeeze down half way, get only a 50% good crimp, and then release it to remove a poorly crimped terminal.

Someone else with experience will chime it to verify my answer. If you don't like it, please send it to me! There are numerous threads here that give that crimper good reviews.

 

[sselander]

Crow Horse,

I don't have a ratcheting crimper, but I will take a try at the answer. I believe the tool is designed to release only AFTER you have made a complete crimp of the terminal. This insures that the terminal is squeezed down 100% for a solid crimp.

If it worked your described way, a person could squeeze down half way, get only a 50% good crimp, and then release it to remove a poorly crimped terminal.

Someone else with experience will chime it to verify my answer. If you don't like it, please send it to me! There are numerous threads here that give that crimper good reviews.

That is correct, you need to squeeze it all the way down.
I have the instructions somewhere.
I have the original one that is made in Sweden (Crimpex?)

 

[magova1104]

Some crimpers, (most) have a safety release tab, in case that something goes wrong during the crimping process, that allows release the handle in any position.

 

[sselander]

These are instruction for one similar to mine:
Look here at this manual:

http://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/001a/0900766b8001a976.pdf

 

[Crow Horse]

Thanks guys! Guess I was wrong about how I expected it to work. It produces a very nice, clean and positive crimp. Even though it doesn't work as I thought it would, I'm glad I got it......