Crimping Tool/Pliers for Ferrules and Terminals, 6-16mm with Ratchet Function

Product Information

While mechanized hydraulic wire-crimping tools are available for production lines, most of this type are still manually operated. They use an oil-filled cylinder actuated by a lever, thus dramatically increasing output pressure. Hydraulic crimpers are usually rated by the force they can apply. This is measured in tons per square inch (anywhere from 8 to 16), underlining the terrific power they can generate.

Crimp Tool for Insulated Terminals RS PRO Hand Ratcheting Crimp Tool for Insulated Terminals

We had to break out some serious cable to test the TemCo TH0006 hydraulic cable lug crimper. We found that its dies were very easy to change and that it had plenty of power for crimping down on heavy-duty terminals. It was a little heavy in hand, which did make wire and terminal alignment a little awkward, but the resulting connections were extremely strong. We even used it for lighter wires, like 10 wire gauge, and found the same results. Also, it comes with 18 different dies, and the dies themselves are very easy to swap. The TemCo Hammer Lug Crimping Tool was truly one of our favorites. We used it for battery lugs and heavy-gauge wire. Although it’s specifically designed for use with larger wires, we tested it with terminals much smaller than suggested, and it actually did great. It was the fastest method for securing a terminal in the test, but it does need a solid work surface to operate, so it’s definitely better for a shop than a tool belt. However, it made excellent crimp connections, and it’s also fun to use as a battery cable crimper. Modern automotive circuitry allows for little intervention by mechanics or engineers—mostly it’s a question of identifying the fault and replacing the board. However, battery terminals still get damaged or frayed. The TemCo hammer crimper mounts to a workbench and provides an easy-to-use, highly durable solution and a straightforward, cost-effective method for low-volume situations.

We’re not huge fans of the jaws being made of multiple plates, as they’re far more likely to bend than solid jaws, but it did produce solid connections regardless. Although it’s a good policy to buy a crimping tool that’s as closely matched as possible to the specification of the cable size and crimps being used, these tools are not without versatility. Even basic models will handle a variety of cable and connector diameters. Better-quality tools may offer replaceable jaw sets, which allow the user to handle three or four times as many sizes and potentially different types of connectors as well. For example, a hammer crimping tool is often found in auto shops for refitting battery cables. If it’s only needed as occasionally as once a month, an inexpensive tool may offer adequate performance and good value. If the same task had to be undertaken several times a day, a hydraulic crimping tool would make more sense. These cost more, but they’re faster and require less effort.

The Best Crimping Tools Tested in 2023 - Top Picks from Bob Vila The Best Crimping Tools Tested in 2023 - Top Picks from Bob Vila

Similarly, a basic handheld crimping tool might suffice for folks who tinker with electrical devices as a hobby. A pro who does the same types of repairs on a daily basis would choose a ratcheting model so every crimp had the same pressure applied, every time. These also release automatically, increasing productivity. Wire Gauge and Crimp Profile With more general electrical projects, such as repairing household appliances or electronics, there are a number of different profiles. These include hex, indented, circular, B crimp, and others. The profile defines how the crimp closes around the cable, so choosing the right type of jaw is vital in providing safe and secure electrical connections. It isn’t often that we’d use a cable crimper like the Iwiss single cable lug crimping tool, but we found that it made crimping heavy lugs a breeze. It has long handles that apply plenty of force to the jaws, ensuring strong connections. And despite the weight and front heaviness, the textured grips make controlling the crimper easy.Many electrical connections rely on a terminal (a bolt-down or push-fit connector) with an open end crimped onto the bare end of a wire or cable. The terminals, often simply called crimps, are made of metal and are usually shrouded in PVC or nylon. A crimping tool squeezes the crimp shut, forming a secure join between the terminal and cable to protect any electrical connection. Most crimping tools are squeezed like a pair of pliers, though they are larger and their mechanisms and jaws vary considerably.

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The Klein Tools 3005CR is another reliable crimping option that shoppers will want to consider. This tool features steel construction, solid double-crimp jaws, and a ratcheting function that allows users to hold the terminal in place, apply pressure, readjust their hands, and continue crimping. It has three terminal bays, including 22-16 AWG, 16-14 AWG, and 12-10 AWG, which are easy to identify with the color-coded jaws. Wire stripping is a necessary part of any crimping operation, and some tools incorporate blades for this purpose. Cutters for trimming cable to length may also be included. Crimping tool kits may extend this further with the addition of cable testers or the terminals themselves. FAQs Matched tooling and terminals are required to achieve quality results that can be relied on, which is why all of our tools and terminals have been matched and tested to help you achieve exactly that. If you're not sure which tools or terminals are right for your project, get in touch with our experts at [email protected], we're here to help. Calibration Service When it comes to installing wire crimps, it doesn’t get much easier than a hydraulic model like this one from TemCo. This hydraulic cable lug crimper installs a range of terminal types on wires ranging from 12 AWG all the way to 2/0 AWG. This kit even comes with dies in half sizes for terminals that are difficult to fit.Use this guide to understand the types available and the factors and features to keep in mind when shopping. We spent 8 hours testing all of the following models on six different sizes of wire with a variety of terminals to make the shopping process even easier. This versatile and reliable terminal crimper can be used to crimp all kids of insulated terminals onto wires, and as such has a wide range of uses in electrical applications. With interchangeable die head and a ratchet mechanism, the crimping pliers are suitable even for heavy-duty applications. These RS PRO ratcheting terminal crimpers can be used in: Hydraulic and hammer crimpers are heavy-duty tools that can handle the largest of wire gauges. The former is limited by the die sizes available, and the latter by how much physical force can be applied. Crimp profile—the shape of the crimp before it’s compressed, which varies according to connector type—is unimportant with these tools because a limited variety is used. Folks looking for a light-duty crimper they can easily keep in their tool belt while on the job will want to consider Irwin’s wire-stripping tool. This good crimping tool has several built-in capabilities, including stripping wires between 22 AWG and 10 AWG, wire cutters, pliers, bolt cutters, and crimping tools for terminals between 22 AWG and 10 AWG.