Crimper for electrical diy

[2mAn]

So, Im about to do this... Why am I so paranoid that Im going to screw something up???

Tips, warnings, advice?

[Navarone]

That crimper does both wire and insulation at once, which is great if you have the correct connectors and correct wire size, with the correct insulation thickness, it's a whole system really. The insulation on that connection doesn't look crimped enough and the wire looks over crimped. Most people just grab whatever combo pack of connectors and a cheap combo crimper stripper is handy since the store only sells a few sizes and they don't know what awg the wire is.

We use probably 6 different crimpers depending if we're using amp, molex, weird Japanese connectors, butt connectors, etc. but they're mostly single crimp style so you can get the right size on the wire then move to the insulation and crimp that to the right size. We also have some ratcheting, and some dual crimp tools and they make great connections if you have everything else matching, but in pinball and arcade games there are so many different scenarios you run in to you could never use a one size fits most.

If you're going to get new crimpers I would suggest getting a few different styles and practice with whatever pins you have, unless you can commit to using a whole system. Single crimp molex, single crimp amp, and a butt connector crimper that does both insl and non, with the cutters at the tip. That would be bare minimum for anything more than one job.

[328ijunkie]

Vintage one works well. We have a few AMP/Tyco ones that are 175/each to do harness stuff :(

[2mAn]

cool, just wanted to check first. buying it from vintage connections :up:

and because Im retarded when given options, do I need any of the other dies to do this particular crimping? I plan on (at a later date) buying the trio pack, but not now if I dont need to

[pantelones]

I agree with Nando, get a good crimping tool. I have a non-ratcheting one that I have had for years and years, still works great and makes perfect folded crimps, unlike those that make flat crimps.

:stupid:

Is this the same kind?? Theres a few on ebay that are $20shipped...

Nope... The dies are really generic looking on that crimper. Don't get a cheap crimping tool; one tool can fit many dies, and that is what makes the more expensive tools worth it. Interchangeable, quality, dies...

For the time being I work for a company that makes wiring harnesses, and use these tools daily. See how this one has the "M" shape up top, and the slight concave bottom?




This tool makes...

[2mAn]

Is this the same kind?? Theres a few on ebay that are $20shipped...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty-R...ht_4551wt_1124

[arch4ngel]

I think I just google searched for uninsulated butt connectors when I was looking.
You can find them on amazon or any electrical supply house.

This site has connectors and clear heat shrink tubing, I"ll probaby order from them next time I need something.

http://www.wiringproducts.com/22-10-gauge-non-insulated-butt-splice-wire-terminal-connectors

[Northern]

Could you use this with splices as well? Any ideas on where to buy uninsulated splices in useful sizes for E30 harnesses?

I currently solder everything, but it makes me feel bad inside. I've been looking around locally for a half decent crimping tool mostly for splices, and for uninsulated splices and had no luck.

[arch4ngel]

Buy the VC crimper, it's worth every penny.
I bought it for wiring my c101, but with the add-on dies it's the only crimper you'll need in the garage. Perfect crimps every time on every insulated, non-insulated and oem style connector.

[M3PO]

I bought one on ebay for slightly cheaper than vintage connections sells it. Pretty sure it's the exact same one.

[Gregs///M]

The vintage tool and HF are two different crimp types. I would not trust the HF tool to crimp the connectors you are using.

Only $32 for the vintage tool? That's super cheap. I have seen AMP brand crimpers, same thing, sell for over $200 each.

[2mAn]

Im buying the vintage connections one. I might only use it once, but when I need it later, I will be glad I have one of the best ones out there

[ForcedFirebird]

I agree with Nando, get a good crimping tool. I have a non-ratcheting one that I have had for years and years, still works great and makes perfect folded crimps, unlike those that make flat crimps.

[nando]

it can be used all over the E30 and other BMWs, it's not just good for swaps.

[amcink]

I'm just doing it for 1 swap - not sure if I'm going to use it again