[Skerr]

I have always crimped wire connectors with a lot of force. It flattens them out, spreads the plastic shielding, and sometimes makes it difficult to slide the heat-shrink over the top. I also, usually, crimp more than once. Too afraid that my connection will come apart later. What is the proper way to crimp wire?

 

[Skerr]

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[80cj]

I use a crimping tool that stakes the connector in place. More secure, I feel.

 

[jeepwhore]

I actually pull the insulation of the terminal if using heat shrink. Makes for a more solid crimp without the plastic between the pliers and terminal and makes it easier to slide the heat shrink over.

 

[Skerr]

Bob... are talking about what I consider a normal, regular 'ol set of wire strippers, with the teeth on the end?

JW- That seems like kind of an obvious thing to do. Plumb evaded me! I would do that and solder, but my soldering skills are waaay below average!


I have actually crimped so hard that it cut the wire in two.

 

[80cj]

Bob... are talking about what I consider a normal, regular 'ol set of wire strippers, with the teeth on the end?

JW- That seems like kind of an obvious thing to do. Plumb evaded me! I would do that and solder, but my soldering skills are waaay below average!

I have actually crimped so hard that it cut the wire in two.

I'm on my way out now. I'll post a pic later.

 

[chucker2]

Solder.

Chucker2

 

[HackFabrication]

I actually pull the insulation of the terminal if using heat shrink.

I do the same, or use terminals without insulation, and then heat shrink. Use the shrink tube with adhesive if you can find it.

 

[gmakra1]

Here is my two cents worth Skipper.
First of all there are several flavors of crimpers.
Calibrated crimpers such as https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Betts...89923685&sr=1-4&keywords=thomas+betts+crimper.
Regular crimpers such as this https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Betts...9923685&sr=1-12&keywords=thomas+betts+crimper

Now here is the caveat Skipper and listen well young grasshopper.
The tool or the force DON'T MEAN ANYTHING if you are using cheap big box or Vato Zone crimp on terminals.
Look up Thomas Betts ,Panduit or 3M crimp terminals they actually make terminals that are the real deal.
See the OD of the barrel of the terminal is what compresses the wire so if you have cheap thin sheet metal folded over for a crimple barrel, (which is predominantly out there) will it supply as much force as copper ferule?
So don't send big money on a fancy crimp tool spend money on good terminals and you will be happy.
BTW I have used both Panduit and Thomas Betts and if installed correctly, the wire will break before any failure at the terminal.

Then we can get back to important discussions like what ever happened to your DA pad?

 

[OrangeCJ-5]

I use the wire crimper part of my cheap wire stripper.

The only specialized crimper I have is for weatherpack connectors.

 

[bob4703]

A commercial electrician friend recommended these when I installed a new wiring harness:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-100-Pack-Plastic-Standard-Wire-Connector/50101796

I used a small wire tie behind these to keep the pressure off the connector although the connection is very secure, and sealed with clear RTV sealant. They also come in 3 and 4 hole which are great for daisy chaining. They don't work well with wire smaller than 16 gauge.

 

[80cj]

I use a crimping tool that stakes the connector in place. More secure, I feel.

This is the crimping plier I use. It's made by GB.

 

[Skerr]

Here is my two cents worth Skipper.
First of all there are several flavors of crimpers.
Calibrated crimpers such as https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Betts...89923685&sr=1-4&keywords=thomas+betts+crimper.
Regular crimpers such as this https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Betts...9923685&sr=1-12&keywords=thomas+betts+crimper

Now here is the caveat Skipper and listen well young grasshopper.
The tool or the force DON'T MEAN ANYTHING if you are using cheap big box or Vato Zone crimp on terminals.
Look up Thomas Betts ,Panduit or 3M crimp terminals they actually make terminals that are the real deal.
See the OD of the barrel of the terminal is what compresses the wire so if you have cheap thin sheet metal folded over for a crimple barrel, (which is predominantly out there) will it supply as much force as copper ferule?
So don't send big money on a fancy crimp tool spend money on good terminals and you will be happy.
BTW I have used both Panduit and Thomas Betts and if installed correctly, the wire will break before any failure at the terminal.

Then we can get back to important discussions like what ever happened to your DA pad?

Good Grief, Professor! My wife only has so much money! How am I supposed to buy either of these tools?

I do the same, or use terminals without insulation, and then heat shrink. Use the shrink tube with adhesive if you can find it.

Haven't seen heat shrink with adhesive. I will look for that. I usually spread a bit of Oxgard on the wire so it squeezes when it shrinks. Thanks, Hack.

Solder.

Chucker2

I bought a small solder gun. One that I thought would make me a better solderer. But it was only an illusion! I do not have the knack. I end up melting the insulation!

I use the wire crimper part of my cheap wire stripper.

View attachment 3255033

The only specialized crimper I have is for weatherpack connectors.

This is the crimping plier I use. It's made by GB.

My crimper looks like Orange CJs, but has crimping teeth more pronounced than Bob's... sort of a hybrid between the two.

A commercial electrician friend recommended these when I installed a new wiring harness:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-100-Pack-Plastic-Standard-Wire-Connector/50101796

I used a small wire tie behind these to keep the pressure off the connector although the connection is very secure, and sealed with clear RTV sealant. They also come in 3 and 4 hole which are great for daisy chaining. They don't work well with wire smaller than 16 gauge.

Since I am wiring triple fans this would have worked well. I haven't seen them before. It's a little "after the fact" at this point, but I'll check these out for the next project.

Thanks, All.

 

[Skerr]

Today I have been removing the plastic from the butt connectors, only the "sleeve" portion though. I discovered it it important to grind the sharp edges smooth before you apply the heat shrink, or the heat shrink will cut itself apart, as it tightens up, on the remaining sharp edge of the plastic.

 

[Jim1611]

Good Grief, Professor! My wife only has so much money! How am I supposed to buy either of these tools?

I think George was under the impression now that you got that new hip you might be able to make a little extra money on the side selling your body :laugh: He also asked about your DA...does he mean the sander you launched across the shop?

 

[gmakra1]

[DA...does he mean the sander you launched across the shop? /QUOTE]

Jimmy thats exactly what I meant and its been years since that thread I never did find out what happened.
Be nice to see the thread again.

Skipper buy good quality crimps and it wont crimp you style ........................ oh wait need to develope style!

 

[WSS]

This is the crimping plier I use. It's made by GB.

These rock because the crimp area is wide,not just a crimp but more of a swage.

 

[Skerr]

[DA...does he mean the sander you launched across the shop? /QUOTE]

Jimmy thats exactly what I meant and its been years since that thread I never did find out what happened.
Be nice to see the thread again.

Skipper buy good quality crimps and it wont crimp you style ........................ oh wait need to develope style!

It wasn't my DA. It was my air file. And I still have it.

These rock because the crimp area is wide,not just a crimp but more of a swage.

Thanks, Tommy. I have something like those, but I always used them on coax in the past. I should revisit them.

 

[Skerr]

This is what I'm working on. Done now...

 

[WSS]

This is what I'm working on. Done now...

WOW....:surprise:

Professional results. Looks good. Post back a review on the workings of those. I would like to go that route soon.

The fact that you care about your work is probably the no.1 factor in the success.

WSS