AMP crimpers

[sha_ba_do_bang]

Anyone got any info on them? I've seen some high end builders use them for wiring, they seem to be the bling bling of wire crimpers. I guess they are for airplane wiring?

I just bought some on ebay for cheap, and am looking for more. But i don't really know anything about them and the listing descriptions are pretty vague

[GMGuy]

A place I worked at (telecom equipment manufacturer) back in the late 80's used AMP crimpers. Very easy to use even though they looked clunky, made a nice solid crimp. Wish I had a set.

Alex.

[Joe_88k5]

What kind of AMP crimpers? Are they for standard butt connectors and terminals, or are they specifically for AMP connectors?

[Murph]

http://www.specialized.net/ecommerce/shop/images/194X105_PMI.JPG

I have a set with RJ45 dies, used them a lot back in the day when I made my own patch cables. Took a little getting used to, but once they were figured out, it was a breeze.

I'm trying to remember how much they were, and for some reason $85 comes to mind. And this was ~16 years ago.

Andy

[mondtster]

What kind of AMP crimpers? Are they for standard butt connectors and terminals, or are they specifically for AMP connectors?

x2. I've seen a lot of different styles of "AMP" crimpers and terminals.

I'm assuming that you're probably referring to the AMP style crimpers for normal insulated butt splices, ring terminals, etc. If so, yes, my buddy who is an aircraft mechanic uses them and I believe he is required to use that style crimper because they actually need to be calibrated. He said that they cost ~$35 new for the ones he had. I'd imagine that ebay would be filled with them or similar knock offs of them if you look hard enough.

[FoghornLeghorn]

http://www.specialized.net/ecommerce/shop/images/194X105_PMI.JPG

I have a set with RJ45 dies, used them a lot back in the day when I made my own patch cables. Took a little getting used to, but once they were figured out, it was a breeze.

I'm trying to remember how much they were, and for some reason $85 comes to mind. And this was ~16 years ago.

Andy

I have that same set of crimpers for 13 years now. Updated the die set a couple years back to change to the newer type of terminating plugs that AMP uses for later Copper Ethernet. Overall in terms of tool quality they're light years better than other crimpers from cheaper sources such as Ideal Paladin, etc.

If for some other use, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase as they will pay for themselves over the long run.

[dantheman27]

I build inspection machines for aircraft engine parts and if I need to crimp a connection the AMPs are the only crimper I reach for. IMHO I will solder a connection before I would crimp one but the AMP does make a positive crimp that even a perfectionist would appreciate. $35 sounds pretty cheap for a pair of true AMPs, possibly a knock-off, I haven't priced any recently but I would have to say that they are closer to one bill. If one was going to wire their own wire harnesses they are well worth it, especially for peace of mind of solid connections; provided the correct dies for the gage are used.

[fj40guy]

The Crimpers are "part of the team".

Wire size, wire insulation size, terminal...... then the crimper. So think in terms of a set. i.e. using a nice AMP crimper on cheap import terminal is a nightmare (cheap terminal is thinner, so end result is the terminal to wire connection isn't correct), crimper will release without proper pressure on the wire, etc.

For a lot of my 'off road' stuff I use WEATHER PACK terminals. Speciality crimpers ($$), connectors, etc.

Dan... which series crimpers? For sub-D pins some of those tools are $$$.
(Daniels)

For years I would not solder any connector in high vibration environments, finally learned GM approved soldering! I was scratching my head on that one, but they show the solder repair being to a large harness with a splice (harness supports the solder joint, no vibration induced breakage). Occasionally I see home-built aircraft with a ton of solder joints and no strain relief that scare me to death. :(

So do buy the high end tools, but be aware of the limitation. I still make students do a gallon water jug test (safety wire looped from a terminal to an one gallon jug of drinking water). If the terminal can not hold that 8# weight, something is wrong.

I noticed SteinAir www.steinair.com has this crimper for $31. Not amp, but Stein sells good items (they sell a nice d-pin crimper for $31 also, but point out for sub-D you need the $300 Daniels crimper - ouch!)

http://www.steinair.com/images/store/panels/sat001.jpg