Crimper and crimping

[JamisonWorkshop]

Start this off with crimping.

I am probably like most shadetree mechanics that used to use the 10 dollar crimper you see everywhere.

Took me needing a few weatherpack connectors before I figured out what I was missing.

If you are still using the red blue yellow connectors from the parts store. Do yourself a favor and pick up a set of ratcheting crimpers.



They are needed for weatherpacks but also work wonderfully on the standard connectors. Just take the colored insulated section off and crimp away.

Go from this



To this with just a few bucks.



easy way to improve your game and take faulty connections out of the loop.

[s14sh3r]

How good are the handles on those? I hate handles that keep slipping off.

[Fleetwood]

Originally Posted by s14sh3r

How good are the handles on those? I hate handles that keep slipping off.

Yeah i got a cornwell set that pisses me off

[supersize75k5]

Any links to a good set or part number, I'd hate to buy a junk pair that is a look a like to a good one or brand.

[Sterling B.]

Originally Posted by supersize75k5

Any links to a good set or part number, I'd hate to buy a junk pair that is a look a like to a good one or brand.

x2

[CronusTRD]

Channel Lock Crimpers have always worked well for me.

[JamisonWorkshop]

That is what I was using until I got the ratcheting set.

I just got a set off of Amazon that looks like the pic, but orange handle.
http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-18930.../dp/B000K1CFXO


I have only done ~75 crimps so I can't say whether they will last or not.

[usmcdoc14]

Do you just crimp and seal or do you crimp, solder and then seal?

I have gotten in the habit of soldering every crimp connector just in case. takes a few sec to heat with a mini-torch and wick some solder in there but makes a world of diffrence in the long run.

[Txchevy18]

I've got the same set. I've been using them for the past few years with no trouble. I used to solder everything but, my job @ a refinery forced me to find a good alternative that lacks a heat source. Haven't had a crimp fail yet. Once a piece of equipment is out of a unit I will pull the connections and slide some heat shrink on if accessible.

[Paul Gagnon]

Originally Posted by JamisonWorkshop

That is what I was using until I got the ratcheting set.

I just got a set off of Amazon that looks like the pic, but orange handle.
http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-18930.../dp/B000K1CFXO


I have only done ~75 crimps so I can't say whether they will last or not.

I use that type of crimper at work. Nothing works better.

[s14sh3r]

Originally Posted by usmcdoc14

Do you just crimp and seal or do you crimp, solder and then seal?

I have gotten in the habit of soldering every crimp connector just in case. takes a few sec to heat with a mini-torch and wick some solder in there but makes a world of diffrence in the long run.

I have the same mindset. I solder everything.

[offroadmatt]

They make a crimper that can crimp insulated connectors.
Amp and DMC make very high quality crimpers.

[247pia]

Originally Posted by s14sh3r

How good are the handles on those? I hate handles that keep slipping off.

Originally Posted by Fleetwood

Yeah i got a cornwell set that pisses me off

Spray paint inside the grips then slide on while still wet. Works like glue.

[Joe V]

Originally Posted by 247pia

Spray paint inside the grips then slide on while still wet. Works like glue.

This stuff works really good too but not nearly as fast and cheap as spray paint.

[chris demartini]

I use the Channel Lock crimpers for most stuff.

For weatherpacks I use the Casper's blue crimpers. They were about $30 at Summit. They work really well!

[billy bones]

Originally Posted by JamisonWorkshop

That is what I was using until I got the ratcheting set.

I just got a set off of Amazon that looks like the pic, but orange handle.
http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-18930.../dp/B000K1CFXO


I have only done ~75 crimps so I can't say whether they will last or not.

I have the same crimper, with the extra dies. Used them on thousands of crimps over the years. Never had an issue. They can be used on nearly any type of automotive terminal out there.

If you are using the "red, blue, yellow" connectors, buy the uninsulated type. Crimp, and add a touch of solder. Then cover with adhesive lined heat shrink tubing for a water tight seal.

[cruiser_moby]

While the crimps in the first picture look marginal (can't tell for sure without a pull test or cutting them apart) the terminals themselves actually look like Amp PIDG terminals (Pre Insulated Diamond Grip). The second barrel under the insulation is the tip off. Properly crimped these things are bomber: http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles/terminal.pdf. I've used them for years with a matching crimper. Without a proper crimper for them your wasting money on the terminals. The only thing I don't like about them is that they are a little bulkier than a tinned, crimped, soldered, heat shrunk covered terminal. Oh, and I don't like the colors. But the ease of use, repeatability, and reliability is hard to beat.

But these are NOT the same as the auto parts store terminals. Regardless of what tool you use those are crap.

For anything that requires a connector I like Deutsch. Much nicer than Weatherpack. Summit offers a good combo box of terminals and housings. I crimp them with MSD's crimper and Deutsch jaws.

For all ratcheting crimpers a little trick is to put the terminal in the crimper, align it and close the jaws just to the first click. Then insert the wire, align it and finish the crimp. This means you don't have to juggle three things at once. This is particularly useful for Deutsch and Weatherpack where you need to position the wire just so to get the bare wire and insulation lined up just right with the terminal. I ruined a lot of Deutsch connectors before I learned this. Now they are perfect every time.

[Hotpeper]

still my favorite "crimper"

[unimogken]

I picked up one of these crimpers last week that does 8 gauge down to 4/0.
I bought it so I could make a bunch of replacement battery cables for my truck.

[cruiser_moby]

Originally Posted by unimogken

I picked up one of these crimpers last week that does 8 gauge down to 4/0.
I bought it so I could make a bunch of replacement battery cables for my truck.

Source?

[unimogken]

I picked it up at the local Interstate Batteries shop and they gave me a deal on it because I bought a bunch of batteries and a bunch of assorted battery cable lugs. I'll have to dig out the receipt for the price but I think it was in the $150-$165 range.

[beyondhelp]

If you are using the "red, blue, yellow" connectors, buy the uninsulated type. Crimp, and add a touch of solder. Then cover with adhesive lined heat shrink tubing for a water tight seal.

Most of the wiring I am working on is on boats and this is the only way it has held up in saltwater. The Harbor Freight marine heat shrink is great. I get most of my wire and connectors from a marine surplus place and you can definitely tell a difference in quality.

[Travis Waldher]

Originally Posted by unimogken

I picked up one of these crimpers last week that does 8 gauge down to 4/0.
I bought it so I could make a bunch of replacement battery cables for my truck.

I solder my battery cables now, then chase it with adhesive lined heat shrink with lugs and welding cable.

EDIT: Reason being that until I did that I would eventually have a problem with corrosion wicking up the wire regardless of how the cables were terminated.

[massxj]

bigger lugs I use kopr-shield in the socket, crimp with a hammer indent crimper and cover with adhesive lined shrink tube. Never have a problem

[Brimmstone]

Been using one of those ratcheting crimpers since I found them at AZ back in 96. They have been with me through every shop I was at and always had more show up after they saw mine. They are getting a little long in the tooth at the present i.e. they used to be stiff to open now they pretty much fall open after a crimp is finished. I like the channel lock set with the cutter tip and insulted and uninsulated crimping area. I have several sets of them. I have a new set of snapons but can't find a pic of them online.