crimper tool

[tparker]

Thanks. I'll keep those in mind . If I have to do anymore I'll be getting them.

[crackedback]

I will admit I did not read every post here. That being said - I've had many wanna be crimpers over the years. The best one for factory style clips is the one I use now. Somewhere on this site I did a post on it. I HIGHLY recommend those. Worse come to worse I will snap a few picks and put them up later - I'm at the shop, crimper is in my garage....

Have you used that on both connectors at the bulkhead.  The females it will usually work fine.    The male sides can be a PIA with jaw width.

[Katfish]

I can't justify spending $80-$100 on something I'll use twice,
Would these work?

https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-ratcheting-crimper-58325.html

[Jay Bee]

Would these work?

I'll say it's a crap shoot. Because it says "Compare to Klein Tools 3005CR", and they look similar, I read the one star reviews on Amazon for that tool. Even though the Klein is highly rated that's why I said crap shoot.

[Spikedog08]

Good thread!  I just ordered the one Bigs recommended!   

[70_440-6Cuda]

Great thread!  I have the Accele tools as well, and while $80 is a lot, I always feel.tool.invetment is worthwhile.  I have a LOT of.tools.that I bought for single use, but over the course of 25 years have always been glad I had them when I need s them.  Plus, if you invest in a high quality tool it will last a lifetime.  There is nothing worse than trying to do a quality job with the wrong tools. My son is going to have an amazing start for his tool chest when the time comes!

[tparker]

@Katfish I don't think those will work. The Jaws don't look to have the right pattern. There should be a v like shape on one side that bends the wings/tangs up, then a lower case m type shape that curls the wings/tang over into the middle.

[tparker]

$80 does seem high for something you need only once. Which is why I bought the cheap ones that barely work. If I had 3 or 4 I would probably buy them. Maybe it is one of those things where you can buy and use, then turn around and sell for $50-$60, making their way around to various members. Kinda like a tool rental. LOL

[Katfish]

@Katfish I don't think those will work. The Jaws don't look to have the right pattern. There should be a v like shape on one side that bends the wings/tangs up, then a lower case m type shape that curls the wings/tang over into the middle.

I see what you're saying, will probably try the $18 Amazon mentioned early in this thread.
I actually had to make some connections recently and just used pliers, but that was only because I soldered them and then used heat shrink.  Not pretty, but guaranteed better than crimping

[crackedback]

This one will work.   I have this crimper along with some other ones that are much nicer, easier to use.

http://terminalsupplyco.com/Store/Product.aspx?pc=OBTS-1028S

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/533/Crimper-Tool-for-Metri-Pack-150/

I just did one of the male terminals with 16ga wire.  Came out nice.  Has single jaw, three terminal size openings. 

I know they are on amazon too in case you are price shopping. Don't know the manufacturer of the tool.

Not as nice, should work as it won't do the seal for weather packs.

https://www.amazon.ca/Barrel-Crimper-14-24-Terminal-Crimping/dp/B07G8S1BGF/ref=sr_1_8?crid=8LB84Y7G4TUB&keywords=open+barrel+crimper&qid=1668627135&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0Ljk0IiwicXNhIjoiNC40OCIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzQifQ%3D%3D&s=hi&sprefix=open+barrel+crimper%2Ctools%2C129&sr=1-8

https://www.amazon.ca/Professional-Terminal-Harness-Crimper-Crimping/dp/B06XRLG63V/ref=sr_1_103?keywords=open+barrel+crimper&qid=1668628967&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0Ljk0IiwicXNhIjoiNC40OCIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzQifQ%3D%3D&s=hi&sr=1-103

Spend 9-15 extra dollars ($27-32) and have the correct form crimper.   If the $18 dollar one is the toothed crimper, it's not really the right tool for the job.  Are teh bulhead connectors a spot you want to have issues with connections in the future.  Not me... 

I build hundreds of components every year and don't use any solder except in specific cases.  Ex. for two wires into one connector, only to lock the wires together, not for the physical connection.   Some also where the wire may be a little to big for the connector, (manufacturers sell it for a wire size and that wire doesn't fit as nice as it should!  LOL) only to solidify the wire from pull out, not physical connection.   Solder is a bad conductor as well.  A good physical crimp is superior and doesn't introduce heat or brittle the wire back into the insulation.

The issue with the one step crimper, doing both sets of wings at once, is the jaws are too wide and will fubar the small alignment wings or distort the terminal blade.  The terminal wings are say 3/8" wide and the jaws are 5/8" so the overlap of the jaws get into areas they shouldn't be touching.   Use a single closing crimper,  two steps, wire, then insulation. 

[anlauto]

Good enough for crackedback, good enough for me 

When I saw these ones above were recommended by crackedback I knew they would be good so I Amazoned a pair the other night, showed up today and they work great !!

Thanks for the tip 

[BIGSHCLUNK]

Sorry I'm late to the game ... Yes Male and Female. The interchangeable head is really a plus too !

[Jay Bee]

@anlauto  crackedback has 4 links in his post. Is this the one you bought? it's the first link right after he wrote, " I have this crimper....".

[anlauto]

@anlauto  crackedback has 4 links in his post. Is this the one you bought? it's the first link right after he wrote, " I have this crimper....".

I thought all his links were the same tool ? I bought the Amazon one https://www.amazon.ca/Barrel-Crimper-14-24-Terminal-Crimping/dp/B07G8S1BGF/ref=sr_1_8?crid=8LB84Y7G4TUB&keywords=open+barrel+crimper&qid=1668627135&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0Ljk0IiwicXNhIjoiNC40OCIsInFzcCI6IjMuNzQifQ%3D%3D&s=hi&sprefix=open+barrel+crimper%2Ctools%2C129&sr=1-8

[BIGSHCLUNK]

JayBee, got one like the one pictured..................  ahhh no