Learn More About Purchasing the Wire Crimpers
Wire crimpers are essential tools for anyone working with electrical wiring or cable assemblies. They are used to crimp, or compress, connectors onto the ends of wires, creating a secure and reliable connection. This is important because properly crimped connections are less likely to fail, ensuring the safety and reliability of your electrical systems.
Choosing the Right Wire Crimper
When choosing a wire crimper, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to consider the type of wires and connectors you will be working with. Different wire crimpers are designed for different wire gauges and connector types, so it's important to choose a crimper that is compatible with your specific needs.
Another important factor to consider is the quality of the wire crimper. High-quality wire crimpers are made from durable materials, such as hardened steel, and have precision-machined jaws that provide consistent and accurate crimps. Inferior-quality wire crimpers, on the other hand, may have jaws that are not perfectly aligned, which can result in poor crimps that are prone to failure.
Features to Look for in a Wire Crimper
When shopping for a wire crimper, there are several features to look for that can help ensure you get a high-quality and reliable tool. These include:
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Adjustable crimping jaws: Some wire crimpers have adjustable jaws that allow you to crimp a wide range of wire gauges and connector sizes. This can be especially useful if you work with a variety of wires and connectors and don't want to have to buy multiple crimpers.
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Built-in wire stripper: Some wire crimpers have a built-in wire stripper that allows you to quickly and easily strip the insulation from the ends of your wires. This can save you time and effort, and help ensure that your wires are properly prepared for crimping.
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Ergonomic design: A wire crimper with an ergonomic design can help reduce hand fatigue and make the crimping process more comfortable. This is especially important if you will be using the crimper for long periods of time.
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Durability: As mentioned earlier, high-quality wire crimpers are made from durable materials that can withstand heavy use. Look for crimpers that are made from hardened steel or other high-quality materials, and that have a reputation for durability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wire crimpers are essential tools for anyone working with electrical wiring or cable assemblies. When choosing a wire crimper, it's important to consider the type of wires and connectors you will be working with, the quality of the crimper, and the features it offers. By taking the time to choose the right wire crimper, you can ensure that your electrical connections are secure and reliable, and that your projects are completed safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the two types of crimping?
There are two types of crimping: hexagonal crimping and indent crimping. Hexagonal crimping is used for aluminum and copper, while indent crimping is used for copper and aluminum. The quad-point crimp is specifically used for copper.
2. What can you use instead of wire crimpers?
If you don't have wire crimpers, you can use a small flat-head screwdriver to push down the pins into the wires. However, it's important to ensure that all the individual wires are pushed to the end of the jack before pushing down the pins.
Crimping tools are sized according to the wire gauge they can accept, using American Wire Gauge (AWG). It's also important to consider the type of terminal being crimped, as each type requires a specific crimp profile. Choose the right crimper based on whether you're working with insulated or non-insulated terminals.
If you don't have a crimping tool, you can use a pair of scissors or a utility knife to cut away a section of the sheathing at the end of the cable. Untwist and arrange the small cables in the correct order, insert them into the appropriate connector, and use a small, flathead screwdriver to press down each of the pins.
5. What is stronger, a knot or a crimp?
A properly crimped terminal tackle is stronger than a knot. Crimped terminal tackles retain close to 100% of the lineweight, while a poorly tied knot can reduce the effective lineweight by half. Crimping provides a reliable and durable connection that is less likely to come apart when tested by big fish.
6. Can you crimp with normal pliers?
No, normal pliers cannot be used for crimping. They won't create the proper cold weld connection that a crimping tool can provide. A poor crimp can result in air and moisture getting inside the connection, leading to failure. It is recommended to invest in a specialized crimping tool for proper crimping.
7. Should you twist wires before crimping?
It is advised to lightly twist the wires before crimping, in the same direction as their original twist. However, when crimping multiple wires in a terminal, they should not be twisted together. Tensile testing for certification should only be performed on the smallest wire.
8. Do you crimp once or twice?
When using a long sleeve, it is recommended to crimp it at least twice, once each about 2 to 4 millimeters from the ends of the sleeve. However, with a short sleeve and a thick-jawed crimper, there is usually not enough room for two crimps, so a single crimp in the center is sufficient.
Editor's Notes
During our wire crimper research, we found 24 wire crimper products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 189,539 customer reviews through our big data system to write the wire crimpers list. We found that most customers choose wire crimpers with an average price of $25.99.
The wire crimpers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of wire crimpers, including Klein Tools, IRWIN, NEIKO, Wirefy, Gardner Bender. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.
