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If you would ask any professional what tools they use, you will get different opinions of what they use in their jobs. As a professional, you have to ensure that you have the right tools that will get the job perfectly done. With the wrong tools, you will cause delays, be frustrated, and have botched work that will need to be fixed at a later date. In IT, work is commonly split between hardware and software. As an addition to your digital toolbox, you will also need a physical toolbox. This is where a crimping tool comes in. for an IT professional, a crimping tool is as important as a hammer is to a carpenter.
The purpose of a wire crimping tool is rather straightforward. They are used in crimping connectors and terminals on electrical wires. Crimping tools can also be used to connect 2 pieces of materials together for an electrical connection. The market offers different kinds of crimping tools with some being better suited for the application than others. At the end of the day, you want to have a tool that gets the job done easily and fast. In this article, we have the information that will help you choose the best crimping tool for your job.
Types of Wire Crimping Tools
Pneumatic: This type of crimping tool might not be familiar to most people. A pneumatic crimping tool operates on compressed air and creates crimps on connectors and wires. This kind of crimping tool is good for those heavy-duty applications. This is where high-pressure levels will be needed in creating that crimp.
Hydraulic: These ones use a cylinder filled with oil and actuated by a lever. Hydraulic wire crimping tools can apply more pressure compared to other crimpers since it uses a hydraulic fluid. This crimper is best suited for thicker wires in industrial applications. The one downside of a hydraulic crimping tool is the fact that you will need the hydraulic fluid. Additionally, regular oil maintenance is mandatory with this kind of crimping tool.
Handheld: This is the common type of crimping tool that you will find in the market. Their popularity can be attributed to their ease of use. These are manually-operated crimping tools that are used for small wires. They are portable and they closely resemble conventional pliers. You will learn that some handheld crimping tools are multi-purpose whereby they can serve as wire strippers or wire cutters. Some also serve as pliers and help to pull, grip, and loop wires together.
Why Should You Buy Crimping Tools?
Crimp termination offers a robust and reliable electrical connection for all applications. All the same, it is good to keep in mind that crimp terminals are simply a small part of a whole system. It, therefore, means that without the right crimping tool, the system will be compromised and cable termination left to chance.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Supported Wire Sizes: Of the many things that you are needed to consider when choosing a wire crimping tool, you should ensure to check the supported wire sizes. This is a simple indication of the wire sizes that your crimping tool can attend to. Remember that wires have different sizes in terms of wire thickness. Wires will generally have a thickness rating which is given as AWG. In a similar case, wire crimping tools have an AWG rating. Most models of crimping tools have a rating ranging from AWG 10 to AWG 22. However, it is still possible to get versatile options that support AWG 2 to AWG 20 wires. With such a tool, you will be able to crimp all types of wires effortlessly.
Number of Crimping Cavities: With an aim to assist you to crimp differently-sized wires, a wire crimper will have several crimping cavities. Each one of these cavities has a different size or thickness rating. Simply put, a crimping tool with several crimping cavities allows you to use the same wire crimping tool with different wire sizes. Consequently, all wire crimping tools come with not less than 3 wire crimping cavities to support different sizes of wires. However, if you feel that you want a versatile tool in terms of the supported sizes, you can get a tool with more options. For instance, there are tools with up to 20 crimping cavities.
Build Quality: Another important factor that you need to consider when buying a wire crimper is the construction quality. A sturdy and strong build is very important for any wire crimping tool. At the end of the day, no one would love to keep replacing their flimsy crimping tools which break after a single use. High-end crimping tools feature hardened steel and are coated with a substance that seals out moisture. This is what protects the tool from corrosion and rust. If you are therefore looking for a quality crimping tool, do your due diligence to learn the type of material used in its construction.
Ergonomic Handles: As we started by discussing, there are different types of crimping tools but the most common type is the handheld crimping tool. If you will be using this, you will want your crimper to be very comfortable for you to use. In this regard, you will need to look at a model that has padded grips. Apart from that, the handles should be well-spaced to make sure that the tool fits your hands so comfortably. Again, longer handles can be of benefit to you as they will allow for more leverage. With that, they are going to reduce the crimping force that you will need to apply.
Easy operation: This is also something that you will not want to overlook whenever you will be out there choosing a crimping tool. As an example, the crimping tool should easily open the jaws to whatever opening suits our project requirements. Quality crimping tools also have the crimping cavities marked with the colors blue, red, and yellow which allows you to know what wire goes where. Most importantly, these crimping tools will have well-padded and non-slippery handles which give you the best grip. With that, you will be able to crimp your wires as accurately as possible. a good crimping tool should also allow you to adjust the crimping force depending on the application.
What are the best Crimping Tools?
If you are still scratching your head wondering what the best crimping tool is, check the round-up below. It comprises the best wire crimping tools according to feedback from users. By comparing these selections, we believe that you will be able to make an informed decision.
TICONN Wire Crimp Tool (Combo Kit)
One of the features that you will like about this crimping tool is the upgraded and cushioned handles. These handles and non-slip and generally optimized for strong grips in whichever condition. You will also appreciate that the handles have adequate leverage to crimp AWG 22-10 splice connectors with no issue at all. This is a crimper combo kit that comes with a 2-in-1 wire stripper and a cutter which helps you to complete your projects effortlessly. It works on every heat shrink or non-heat shrink connector. The tool has been recommended for electricians, mechanics, and DIYers.
This crimping tool features an efficient ratcheting mechanism with a professional-grade crimping die. For that reason, you can rest assured of rock-solid crimp every time. The crimping tool has been ascertained to work flawlessly with TICONN connectors. Another feature that you will appreciate about this crimping tool is the fact that it has a star wheel which allows you to easily adjust the crimping height based on your crimping project. The designated quick-release lever allows for the opening of the tool’s jaws into any position.
Features
- It features cushioned and non-slippery handles
- This is an all-in-one kit for your connectors and terminals
- Features a precise ratcheting mechanism
- A quick release lever to open the jaws in any position
- The handles have good leverage to crimp connectors comfortably
- A well-designed handle for ultimate comfort
- Its crimping force can be easily adjusted
- The all-in-one kit is good for mechanics, electricians, and DIYers
- Does not crimp tightly enough
Haisstronica Crimping Tool HS-8327
If you wish to crimp your heat shrink connectors, this one is absolutely the right choice. The crimping tool has professional jaws that can easily and quickly crimp different types of heat shrink connectors. The good thing is that the indentation will never damage the shell when crimping. This crimping tool will firmly grasp the wires to give off the best crimping results. You will also appreciate that the crimper tool has been marked with red, yellow, and blue colors for simple identification. It means that you will know what wire goes where.
The other feature that you will appreciate about this crimping tool is the precise ratchet structure. It has an in-built ratchet that will automatically adjust the right position depending on the size of the wire. You will enjoy a safe completion of crimping with a simple release of the handle. Additionally, the crimp height for the star wheel is simply adjustable to guarantee that the right crimping force is being applied. The nylon and non-slip handle will guarantee a comfortable and swift operation.
Features
- A precise ratchet structure
- Every crimper has been marked with colors for simple identification
- This crimping tool features a comfortable ergonomic design
- It is a general purpose tool in wiring projects
- This is a durable crimping tool
- Automatic adjustment according to the pressure needed
- Every crimper is marked with yellow, blue, and red colors for easy identification
- Non-slip handles for comfort and swift operation
- Not ideal for small terminals
Wirefy Crimping Tool, 22-10 AWG
Like other quality crimping tools, this one features an efficient ratcheting mechanism. It also combines that with professional-grade crimping die for rock-solid crimps all the time. According to o users, the crimping tool is best suited for heat shrink connectors. It is very easy to use this crimping tool. You will crimp your wire connectors by simply squeezing the handle in a complete ratcheting cycle. You ought to do that until the handle releases automatically.
One of the unique features of this crimping tool is that it allows you to adjust the crimping force. The tool comes with a star wheel which allows you to easily adjust the crimping height. This way, you are sure to apply the correct crimping force based on your project. The designated quick-release lever will allow for the opening of the tool’s jaws in whatever position. In terms of comfort, you will learn that this tool comes with ergonomic and well-cushioned handles. This gives out the best grip in whatever condition.
Features
- It features an efficient ratcheting mechanism for rock-solid crimps
- Adjustable crimping force functionality
- Features ergonomic and comfortable handles
- Offers enough leverage for AWG 22-10 wires
- Gives off uniform and consistent crimps
- There will be no sharp edges on your crimping die
- Easy to use with your one hand
- Automatically opens up once the job has been done
- Jaws keep slipping out
NMAZA Industrial Hydraulic Cable Crimper
This is a hydraulic crimper that offers hexagonal confining pressure with its 13 pairs of hexagon crimping dies. It has a wide range of applications as seen in its AWG rating. The tool has also been equipped with an oil return valve and a quick pressure relief feature. This is what allows the piston to reset so fast. This crimper tool is a great choice for battery, welding, and electrical wires. You will appreciate the fact that the crimping tool can be easily rotated 180 degrees in case your working space is too narrow.
You will find this crimping tool very easy to work with especially for the fact that the mold could be easily replaced by a one-way fixed latch. Additionally, the handles have been dipped in vinyl to bring out the best grip. It, therefore, means that the tool will be very comfortable to work without slipping, whatsoever. When you are done crimping the wires, you will be able to store the tool in the storage case that has been provided.
Features
- Quick pressure relief for labor-saving operations
- Features a vinyl-dipped grip which is so comfortable
- A wide range of applications including power wires and welding cables
- Comes with a convenient storage case
- Labor-saving operation
- It has a wide range of applications
- Features a comfortable grip on the handles
- Easy to operate the tool
- The dies have an improper crimping size
Mophorn Pneumatic Crimping Tool
Comparing his crimper to the single-acting cylinders, this one has double-acting cylinders that are more economical. You will therefore enjoy fast crimping speeds and a wide range of applications not to mention the long service life. This tool also prides itself on a solid construction whereby it features quality steel materials that have superior mechanical properties. The tool has a high level of hardness, remains wear-resistant, and will serve you for the longest period of time. Operating this tool is rather simple. The reason behind that is the fact that it comes with clear instructions which makes everything easy for you.
This crimping machine has so many goodies for the user. For instance, it features high-precision jaws that will crimp more accurately without damaging your terminals. Apart from that, the package comes with 15 sets of dies that will meet different needs for terminal interfaces. The tool features a foot-operated air valve design which makes the crimping task so effortless. This air valve is also capable of controlling the crimping pressure and crimping the terminals more accurately.
Features
- The applicable pressure is 04-1 Mpa
- It has an output force of 13.5KN
- Comes with 15 sets of dies
- Driven by a dual-action normal cylinder
- High efficiency and quality crimping
- The tool has a wide range of applications
- It is very easy to use this crimping tool
- Features a high-precision jaw for quality crimping
- The pressure has to be right for it to work
Feedback from Users
According to users, crimping tools are the real game changers in your electrical and IT projects. They are good tools for mechanics, electricians, and DIYers. Quality crimps will translate to better wire connections and the whole system will work flawlessly. Users love the fact that some of the crimping tools have a multi-purpose design. This simply means that they can be sued as wire strippers, wire cutters, and wire crimpers at the same time.
Operating these tools is very simple for several reasons. One, most of these crimping tools feature ergonomic handles that are non-slip. You, therefore, get the best grip at all times. Apart from that, quality crimping tools come are color-coded to help you easily understand what wire goes where. Better still, quality wire crimping tools allow you to adjust the crimping force depending on the project.
Safety Tips When Using Crimping Tool
Even though wire crimping tools are simple and basic tools that last long with minimal maintenance, caring for your tools is paramount. You also have to follow the laid-out safety precautions to guarantee that the tool remains in perfect working condition. You ought to know that the lifespan of your crimping tool largely depends on different factors. Some of them include the frequency of use, the type of application, and the working environment.
It’s a good idea to inspect your wire crimping tool regularly for any damages. This should be the case especially when the quality of your crimps is degrading. When doing your inspection, make sure that no screw, spring, or moving part is missing. You also have to ascertain that every lever, if any, is working right. Here are more tips on how to use your crimping tool safely:
- Use the crimping tool for the intended purpose
- Keep the tool away from moisture and dust as much as you can
- The bearings, pivot points, and joints of your tool should be well lubricated all the time
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners on your tool.
Benefits of a Wire Crimping Tool
Precisely, there are so many benefits of having a crimping tool in your electronic projects. At the end of the day, such projects will need one or more wires being conjoined. If you are therefore an electrician and wire connections become a regular occurrence, a crimping tool will be a necessity in your toolbox. These are some of the benefits of a wire crimping tool:
- It is a fast way to make cold weld joints between wires.
- Wire connections that have been done with good crimping tools remain secure and reliable.
- As opposed to soldering, crimping won’t need training and the use of dangerous materials.
Conclusion
Whether you are an expert or basically a DIYer, you will require a crimping tool for your electrical projects. With these tools, it becomes very easy to bind 2 wire pieces together. This is very important when you are looking to establish electrical connections. However, we all know that getting a reliable crimping tool is not usually a walk in the park. Part of the reason for that is the fact that there are so many options in the market. In this case, some are better than others. As such, there are certain specifics that you will have to pay attention to if you wish to get the best tool for the job. Hopefully, this article has given you insights on how to go about choosing the best crimping tool for your project.
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