E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Electrical & Audio => Topic started by: tparker on November 05, 2022, 06:11:51 PM

Title: crimper tool
Post by: tparker on November 05, 2022, 06:11:51 PM
one of my wires broke off the bulk head connector and I was trying to replace it with some new connectors and a crimper. I saw one pair for well over a hundred dollars that made me gasp. Some one said you can find them cheaper. I found some on amazon for a lot cheaper but they don't seem to work very well. They don't roll over the connector tangs and don't seem to work on the insulator part, I suspect I got the wrong crimpers. Any one know the name of these types of crimpers or better yet, a relatively cheap source for them.

These are the napa version that look similar to what I got, which doesn't work. Can any one confirm if they work?
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NW_726603
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: mrwfp on November 05, 2022, 06:40:29 PM
 I have never seen or used a crimper tool like the one you show.  Mine is over 60 years old and is similar to this one available at Lowes for about $17. You just have to use it correctly.  On the connector there will be what I call a top and a bottom. The bottom will be the side that the actual connector, either spade or female is on.  The bottom of the connector is where the point of the crimper goes while the top of the connector goes into the round channel of the crimper.  The top of the connector has a split in the center. The round part of the crimper will crush the two haves of the connector where it is split inside the plastic sleeve together.

Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: dodj on November 05, 2022, 07:58:07 PM
I found this one works very well.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01M1YK5FM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: tparker on November 06, 2022, 09:23:37 AM
@mrwfp (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/mrwfp_4913) I have that one. Not sure if it will work for the spade connectors. Have you done it with those connectors? I'll check it out again.

@dodj (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/dodj_816) I bought a very similar one off of amazon. Different company but probably made by the same factory, just labeled differently. That is the one I couldn't get to work. It doesn't roll over the tang and it doesn't have one that fits the part that wraps around the insulator. Were you able to make it work? Maybe I got a crappy one and should try this one.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: mrwfp on November 06, 2022, 09:36:27 AM
I haven't had any issues with my crimpers.  I did notice though that a friend of mine was not able to crimp properly and it was because the connectors were not being placed correctly in the tool. He was placing them upside down so that the tooth of the crimper was crushing the split in the connector rather than the round part of the crimper folding the connector split over and securing the wire inside. The connector was also not centered properly in the tool.  It just takes a little practice to get the connector positioned correctly.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: dodj on November 06, 2022, 09:52:24 AM
Quote from: tparker on November 06, 2022, 09:23:37 AM
@mrwfp (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/mrwfp_4913) I have that one. Not sure if it will work for the spade connectors. Have you done it with those connectors? I'll check it out again.

@dodj (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/dodj_816) I bought a very similar one off of amazon. Different company but probably made by the same factory, just labeled differently. That is the one I couldn't get to work. It doesn't roll over the tang and it doesn't have one that fits the part that wraps around the insulator. Were you able to make it work? Maybe I got a crappy one and should try this one.
Mine worked perfectly every time.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: JonH on November 06, 2022, 10:37:30 AM
Don't bother with the cheap ones...these will do anything you need

Accel 170036
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: dodj on November 06, 2022, 10:51:34 AM
Quote from: tparker on November 06, 2022, 09:23:37 AM
That is the one I couldn't get to work. It doesn't roll over the tang and it doesn't have one that fits the part that wraps around the insulator.
The crimp jaws that crimp wire are the same type that crimps the insulation...just a different size. You crimp the wire, then move to the larger jaw for insulation. 1/2 of the crimper jaws are for the wire...the other half are for the insulation.
I use it for Deutsch connectors as well. So far perfect everytime. But now that I said that...probably screw up the next time.....
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Ns1aar on November 07, 2022, 10:21:12 AM
https://www.ebay.com/itm/374335715103?hash=item572825b71f:g:mooAAOSwQk9jY9X7&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoDWk65qX2fXgIqa59lcTICwLE6FdXt13Bgi1UlguJ2GZNY4byRL3pa0B%2B06j4z6jTo%2FIplO9PM6dlr85dEUvUJY8Wr2PjAB4QxVV5tybKwXfp5BpywPjZyFeiB9CDv6pHQgy6rbH8CN5lhWP95SPDPaKdtbVGZtPKsLQcGcJmPf4kFgLZSrYwqlEkLWvw%2BPoqV8OkyyBNos1StbAzekB4KE%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR-CSjLWKYQ

No they are not cheap even used but they do the job
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: tparker on November 07, 2022, 11:23:58 AM
Thanks all. I was able to get it working with the crimpers I have (similar to dodj's one). It doesn't look nearly as nice as the original. Not sure if it is the tool, the connector, or the user. LOL. The wings don't fold over and bend like the original. There is no way to get them to do it with the set up I have. But I was able to bend it in a way that crimped it fairly securely. Also, none of the sizes are large enough for the insulator. Just doesn't physically fit. I used the tip to bend the tangs around the insulator, which seems to work just fine. I will play around with the crimpers mrwfp suggested as i have a pair. They are really wide so it might be tricky to work with.

Don't get these ones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089LW7MWT?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details


Thanks for the replies.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Dakota on November 07, 2022, 12:35:16 PM
Quote from: JonH on November 06, 2022, 10:37:30 AM
Don't bother with the cheap ones...these will do anything you need

Accel 170036

:iagree:

Maybe a little late to the dance if you've already gone things fixed, but this is an awesome tool.   See photos in the first thread (about half way down - August 1, 2019) and in an earlier post (July 14, 2018) in the same thread (2nd link).

https://forum.e-bodies.org/your-restoration-project-roseville-moparts/10/70-challenger-going-plum-crazy/3743/msg168415#msg168415

https://forum.e-bodies.org/your-restoration-project-roseville-moparts/10/70-challenger-going-plum-crazy/3743/30

Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: crackedback on November 07, 2022, 11:39:59 PM
If the jaws on your crimper try to capture both sets of wings, no go.   Don't install the terminal with a poor crimp, bad news.

Unless the jaws are stepped for the wire being a smaller crimp and the insulation larger.

I use a crimper that does each crimp individually on the packard 56-58 terminals.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: BIGSHCLUNK on November 08, 2022, 06:42:05 AM
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.... 
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Jay Bee on November 08, 2022, 07:18:32 AM
Is it the one in Reply#32

https://forum.e-bodies.org/your-restoration-project-roseville-moparts/10/i-finally-got-out-to-the-garage-kudos-to-glen-ray-waiting-to-fill/6702/msg96754#msg96754
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: BIGSHCLUNK on November 08, 2022, 07:27:45 AM
Thanks to Jay Bee, I figured if anybody could find it, it be you  :bradsthumb:
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: tparker on November 08, 2022, 10:30:21 AM
Thanks. I'll keep those in mind . If I have to do anymore I'll be getting them.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: crackedback on November 13, 2022, 12:11:51 AM
Quote from: BIGSHCLUNK on November 08, 2022, 06:42:05 AM
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.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Katfish on November 13, 2022, 05:02:28 AM
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
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Jay Bee on November 13, 2022, 05:18:22 AM
Quote from: Katfish on November 13, 2022, 05:02:28 AM
Would these work?
:alan2cents: 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.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Spikedog08 on November 13, 2022, 07:35:37 AM
Good thread!  I just ordered the one Bigs recommended!   :yes:
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: 70_440-6Cuda on November 13, 2022, 07:53:09 AM
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!
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: tparker on November 13, 2022, 08:51:20 AM
@Katfish (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/katfish_63) 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.

Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: tparker on November 13, 2022, 09:02:21 AM
$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
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Katfish on November 13, 2022, 11:41:07 AM
Quote from: tparker on November 13, 2022, 08:51:20 AM
@Katfish (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/katfish_63) 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
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: crackedback on November 16, 2022, 11:33:24 AM
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. 
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: anlauto on November 21, 2022, 07:42:31 PM
Good enough for crackedback, good enough for me  :banana:

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  :drinkingbud:
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: BIGSHCLUNK on November 22, 2022, 07:05:42 AM
Sorry I'm late to the game ... Yes Male and Female. The interchangeable head is really a plus too !
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Jay Bee on November 22, 2022, 09:05:04 AM
@anlauto (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/anlauto_19)  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....".
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: anlauto on November 22, 2022, 09:39:29 AM
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 22, 2022, 09:05:04 AM
@anlauto (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/anlauto_19)  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
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: BIGSHCLUNK on November 22, 2022, 01:18:57 PM
JayBee, got one like the one pictured..................  ahhh no  :stop:
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: anlauto on November 22, 2022, 01:49:45 PM
For the amount of crimps I do, it seemed to work just fine  :dunno:
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: crackedback on November 22, 2022, 06:28:55 PM
Quote from: Jay Bee on November 22, 2022, 09:05:04 AM
@anlauto (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/anlauto_19)  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....".

The top two are examples of the one I have because I do weatherpacks which have a round seal held by the terminal.

The bottom two I posted are the same style jaws, BUT, lack the ability to do the weatherpack seals. 

If only doing the bulkhead, no seal required, the bottom two should work fine.  If you bought the top two, no big deal, they have the same jaws for the bulkhead terminals.  No harm in any of the choices, just the top two can do this type of connector efficiently.

(https://www.wiringdepot.com/resize/Shared/Images/Product/2233F-Weather-Pack-Three-Cavity-Project-Kit-14-16GA-1-Set/2233f.jpg?bw=1000&w=1000&bh=1000&h=1000)
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: Jay Bee on November 23, 2022, 06:04:10 AM
Following this because I plan on replacing the ignition switch connector and my current crimper is terrible. I'm debating on just using mine plus soldering, which I still might do even with a new crimper. Of course this all depends on ambition and physical flexibility come next spring.
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: crackedback on November 23, 2022, 01:08:13 PM
The open barrel crimpers will do those terminals.  No need for solder if done correctly.

Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: dodj on November 23, 2022, 04:08:26 PM
Quote from: crackedback on November 23, 2022, 01:08:13 PM
No need for solder if done correctly.
Ya...solder not required.
The crimpers I posted did those style connectors perfectly. At least they did for me. Others apparently have had problems....Don't know how to explain it.  :dunno:
Title: Re: crimper tool
Post by: crackedback on November 23, 2022, 09:06:29 PM
Quote from: dodj on November 23, 2022, 04:08:26 PM
Quote from: crackedback on November 23, 2022, 01:08:13 PM
No need for solder if done correctly.
Ya...solder not required.
The crimpers I posted did those style connectors perfectly. At least they did for me. Others apparently have had problems....Don't know how to explain it.  :dunno:

I agree that set you posted will work and look nice.  I missed it earlier.  Could have saved myself some typing.  LOL   Lots of flavors in the open barrel crimpers out there.

I know someone that does the open barrel crimps with a set like in the second post in this thread.  He did one terminal and I did over 10 crimps using the correct tool by the time he was done.  Then I grabbed his termination and could move it out of the terminal without much force.   Mine, rock solid.   The toothed crimper is really for insulated and non insulated terminals that you fit the wire into a round opening/enclosure.  I use a set like that quite a bit as well on ring terminals and butt connectors. 

I compare this to using vise grips to remove bolts.  It can be done, but, there are better tools to do the job more efficiently and properly without tearing stuff up.