What's your Crimper

[Phog Allen]

Hey guys. Speaking of automotive crimpers, can someone who has made up GM style Weatherpak and Metripak speak to how it is done and what to use? I really like their weather tight features and they come apart easily. I know they have multiple parts and pin and socket types but I have never seen a tutorial or video on how it's done. Which crimpers are best for this?

 

[BullfrogJohnson]

Why no love for Deutsch?

Imho, The DT series is the is bulletproof. I use the HDT-48 daily at work and there is no second guessing.

 

[nanofrog]

I've gotta try out different systems.
For **** splices. I do like the Permaseals I've been using. Insulate Heatshrink. Not sure what material it is though. Does not feel like Nylon....

If it's what I think it is (heat shrink covered **** splice), it's definitely not nylon (usually polyolefin).

I like those types of connectors, but I find it cheaper to DIY them out of uninsulated **** splice connectors and add heat shrink for small volume work. High volume may work out cheaper, particularly if labor costs are high.

It also reduces the number of dies I need to keep on hand (uses different dies that don't "pinch" the heat shrink where it covers the wire insulation as insulated dies will, or puncture/thin the insulation as the non-insulated dies can). Using the wrong die will cause too much waste and rework.

Example of HS die set. Doesn't have any contact where the HS extends over the wire insulation, eliminating tool damage to this type of connector.

 

[mobiledynamics]

Nanofrog -

Might suggest some *pressman* ones I might scour on Ebay that take that 2 position die ?

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

Hey guys. Speaking of automotive crimpers, can someone who has made up GM style Weatherpak and Metripak speak to how it is done and what to use? I really like their weather tight features and they come apart easily. I know they have multiple parts and pin and socket types but I have never seen a tutorial or video on how it's done. Which crimpers are best for this?

Transittech posted the actual tool that does the crimp and the crimp of that seal in one shot. But it cost more and it's not nessary to terminate weather packs. I personal have this type

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000WUN1O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And does the job, I have a MAC version. I like this one because the jaws stay pretty much parallel. I also bought a metric version that does smaller sizes from Easton beaver wich is much more expensive but terminates a lot of the ones you find on today's automobiles.( I have saved a lot of connectors broken flush at terminal with this tool, very tedious to reopen the wings but can be done. I have also solder them back to wires again very tedious).

It's pretty much straight forward if you really look at how open barrels wings are crimped. The barrel wings face the the m looking side.

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

The eastern beaver open barrel crimpers, are these

They do many Japanese/euro metric type

I use eastern beaver too for those hard to find connectors for motorcycles I work on.

 

[housey]

Nanofrog -

Might suggest some *pressman* ones I might scour on Ebay that take that 2 position die ?

You mean Pressmaster?

I have the Pressmaster portacrimp and I'm very happy with it (this is the model that has interchangeable dies). It makes very good quality crimps, the dies are held together when not in use making it less likely to lose part of it, and they come in a nice modular/stackable plastic cases to hold the dies in when they aren't in use. I thought the price was extremely competitive as well considering its build quality and country of origin (Sweden), I think I paid $48 for the frame and between $30-40 for each die depending on the type, all brand new.

 

[mobiledynamics]

nvmrmidn. Got me a ERG4225 on order.

 

[nanofrog]

Which crimpers are best for this?

It's possible to get good crimps with the simpler plier types, but the ratcheting versions make the crimps more consistent and reliable (less rework, which saves you time and money) as there's a reduced chance of operator error (eliminates over- or under-crimp instances, and in some cases, improves terminal location as well).

Nanofrog -

Might suggest some *pressman* ones I might scour on Ebay that take that 2 position die ?

You mean Pressmaster.

Frames are quite reasonable, particularly for being made in Sweden as mentioned. They can be had at waytekwire.com (here) or labeled as Wiha (here). I usually find waytek to have better prices, particularly on the dies they carry (there are more available, as they focus on those used for wire harness work). Catalog page that lists the tool, dies sets they offer, and kits they put together.

I've no affiliation with waytek, just mention that their prices are far better than any other source I've found so far.

BTW, for Wiha, I'd suggest amazon or kctoolco.com rather than buying directly from wihatools.com (save perhaps the specials page if they're selling stuff that kctool isn't).

You mean Pressmaster?

I have the Pressmaster portacrimp and I'm very happy with it (this is the model that has interchangeable dies). It makes very good quality crimps, the dies are held together when not in use making it less likely to lose part of it, and they come in a nice modular/stackable plastic cases to hold the dies in when they aren't in use. I thought the price was extremely competitive as well considering its build quality and country of origin (Sweden), I think I paid $48 for the frame and between $30-40 for each die depending on the type, all brand new.

I have one as well, and am quite satisfied with it as well. Lots of dies (can't find all of them in the US, such as Flag terminal dies).

As you mention, the fact that the dies are connected together permanently and have the plastic storage housing, is quite nice as well. I tuck them in a sealed plano box along with the Embla wire stripper to keep it all together as a set. Quite convenient for field or bench work (I do both), and doesn't take up a massive amount of storage space in my kit.

 

[Monte]

KNIPEX PreciForce®

 

[AV tinker er]

I have some tyco, amp, paladin, and others at work and none of them are built as well as Daniels. I only have them for a few high quality applications and they are a pleasure to use

Work has spent a lot of money buying Daniels equipment; makes it hard using the HF brand at home

 

[Ncognito]

I should have added. I do have various other crimpers I use daily but this kit lets me do terminals that I may only see once in a while and instead of spending large on each one it does the job. Having the original oem tool for whatever terminals is still the best way to go but it gets expensive fast. I rarely use the torch with it as I have other better torches but it came with it.

I just picked up a set like this off of E-bay. Man it looks nice and should be huge improvement over the junky parts store crimpers I had been using. I can't wait to mash some connectors with it.

 

[Brownsfan]

I use these all day. They look identical to Kleins or the Thomas&betts equivilants. I bet they are even made by one of them at a good price. I actually like the green handles. They do say USA on them and I dont believe SK makes their own pliers or cutters. http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-Hand-Too...s-/190712293008?pt=Pliers&hash=item2c6756a690

 

[bpankratz]

for you guys with the MAC set, do you like them? I am looking for a new crimper and I was looking at them, seems like you get a lot for what you pay.

 

[nanofrog]

I just picked up a set like this off of E-bay. Man it looks nice and should be huge improvement over the junky parts store crimpers I had been using. I can't wait to mash some connectors with it.

I'd be concerned of size of the head causing clearance issues in tight spaces though, such as if you're working under the dash.

As per the unit, it reminds me of a unit branded as Neiko (which appears to be a Rennsteig knock-off without the die locators). As per quality, I've not used it, but there are a few reviews on amazon (here). At least it's adjustable if you have a caliper and the terminal specs with the measurements if it's off (over or under crimped).

Wire strippers are definitely the same as Neiko or other brands such as Irwin (here; 150+ reviews between the Neiko and Irwin).

 

[ishiboo]

My everyday goto crimpers are a pair of $22 Channel Lock 909's.......solid, almost flawless everytime.

The 909's are my favorite for insulated terminals like ring terminals, .25 quick connects, etc. As you said - great every time.

I have a ratcheting crimper as well, but the 909's are my go-to. The problem with the ratcheting crimpers is they are designed for exactly the right wire size and a basic terminal type, or designed exclusively for a single manufacturer's terminal in some cases.

I use the ratcheting crimper for open barrel AMP connectors terminals as well. I believe it'd do a decent job with that die set on the WeatherPak/etc. terminals as well.

RG-* was the other item mentioned... I exclusively use compression seal connectors for these, and have a couple inexpensive compression tools for making the connections.

 

[ishiboo]

PressMaster's are nice, but unfortunately IMO they made a somewhat large tool whose dies only do two terminals at once - you get red and blue or yellow and green(?). I like a die to have all three on one... forget green.

 

[Phog Allen]

Transittech posted the actual tool that does the crimp and the crimp of that seal in one shot. But it cost more and it's not nessary to terminate weather packs. I personal have this type

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000WUN1O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And does the job, I have a MAC version. I like this one because the jaws stay pretty much parallel. I also bought a metric version that does smaller sizes from Easton beaver wich is much more expensive but terminates a lot of the ones you find on today's automobiles.( I have saved a lot of connectors broken flush at terminal with this tool, very tedious to reopen the wings but can be done. I have also solder them back to wires again very tedious).

It's pretty much straight forward if you really look at how open barrels wings are crimped. The barrel wings face the the m looking side.

Thank you for posting that. Makes it look easy! I am not really in the auto industry but learned long ago that better connections and connectors make the difference between a piece of equipment that works reliably and the non-stop headache of chasing bad connections. I am speaking of things like industrial lawn mowers, off road equipment and even things like lights on flat bed trucks. Weather and Metripaks make it virtually waterproof. Thanks again.

 

[air]

I have a few. Accel Ratcheting types that cost more than they are worth, Ideals that I bought at Home Depot, and some cheapies that I stole from my dad years ago. LOL.

They all **** in my opinion...

 

[Ncognito]

I'd be concerned of size of the head causing clearance issues in tight spaces though, such as if you're working under the dash.

As per the unit, it reminds me of a unit branded as Neiko (which appears to be a Rennsteig knock-off without the die locators). As per quality, I've not used it, but there are a few reviews on amazon (here). At least it's adjustable if you have a caliper and the terminal specs with the measurements if it's off (over or under crimped).

Wire strippers are definitely the same as Neiko or other brands such as Irwin (here; 150+ reviews between the Neiko and Irwin).

Yeah, I have the same concerns over the size of the crimpers. It's a handful. But then my old ones have the wire cutter on the end. I was always worried about cutting something while trying to crimp the terminals. Not a big problem when working on knitting machines, but it's cause for concern now that I'll be working on automobiles.

I've got $152.00 ******* in it and to be honest, I probably overpaid for the set. I'm not even sure how much I'll need to use it. My thinking was threefold. It's an improvement over what I was using and I definantly needed a better set of crimpers. Plus, it should crimp any connector that I will need to in the future without chasing down different jaws. I already had a couple of different strippers that I was happy with. It's got a case that will keep everything together and not floating around inside a toolbox drawer. Hopefully, with the Mac Tools name, it will hold some resell value so that I don't take a complete bath on it.

 

[Ncognito]

for you guys with the MAC set, do you like them? I am looking for a new crimper and I was looking at them, seems like you get a lot for what you pay.

I've only crimped a couple of cheap insulated connectors so far, but it's a vast improvement over my old ones. It will double crimp the insulated, non heat shrink, connectors. The kit comes with interchangable jaws and will crimp, insulated, non-insulated, open barrel, coaxial, CATV, and cord end terminals. I couldn't find the set (part number TCT800-MS) on the Mac tools website, so I don't know what they cost. The strippers alone list for $52.99 though. When I started looking for crimpers I found this this web site. It helped me alot.

 

[snowman1981]

i have a ratcheting crimper by burndy that i use for the insulated connectors. really like it but its my first ratcheting crimper so nothing really to compare it to. im looking to get one for home since i always have to bring it home when i need it.

 

[71goldss]

I should have added. I do have various other crimpers I use daily but this kit lets me do terminals that I may only see once in a while and instead of spending large on each one it does the job. Having the original oem tool for whatever terminals is still the best way to go but it gets expensive fast. I rarely use the torch with it as I have other better torches but it came with it.

This may have been mentioned already, but except for the shape and color of the handles, those wire strippers in that MAC set look identical to the Irwin/Vise-Grip (#2078300) strippers I bought at Lowes yesterday for $20.00.

 

[nanofrog]

I've got $152.00 ******* in it and to be honest, I probably overpaid for the set.

Look at it this way: cheapest I've seen for Chinese/Taiwanese dies is $15 per. Add in say $20 for the strippers, $35 for the crimpers (incl. 1 die set), $15 for the torch, and $7 for the case, and you get $152 buying it all separately.

So not actually a bad deal if everything in the kit works properly IMHO.

I am pretty sure I paid a hundred or more than what you paid so up did ok.

Ouch.

 

[TM_Ru22311]

Hello, I apologize for resurrecting an old thread, but I really need some help. I purchased these non-insulated flag terminals for a project but I am not sure what type crimper I need for them. I haven't seen this type before and I don't want to get professional grade crimpers as I won't be using them much. Do any of you know what I would need to properly crimp these terminals?

Link to the specs: https://www.digikey.com/product-det...amp-connectors/1742595-1/A118918CT-ND/4895051