Connectors and crimpers

[john61ct]

Some care only about functionality, not marketing

 

[shade]

Some care only about functionality, not marketing

Of course. That's a big reason why I'm happy with this tool.

Otoh, there's nothing wrong with adding your mark in an attempt to identify yours as the genuine product. Like I said, I'm just curious, not being critical of CMI or Rod in any way.

 

[john61ct]

Buying from CMS directly, no chance of buying a counterfeit.

I don't think there are any alternative supply sources.

 

[john61ct]

I had no idea there were so many crimping options, crimper purchase can get expensive.

Yes, my collection has cost over $800 so far.

If I'd have bought new, would have been well over $4000

 

[shade]

Good cable shears work well on fingers & toes.

I mean, should.

 

[shade]

Yes, my collection has cost over $800 so far.

If I'd have bought new, would have been well over $4000

Now that I have a starting set, I'm going to start looking for a few used options. I'd prefer buying new dies through CMI for Rod's crimper, though.

 

[Joe917]

FTZ make nice tools and terminals. As for cable cutters a quality anvil pruner( Felco or similar) will cut 4 ought no trouble.

 

[shade]

FTZ make nice tools and terminals. As for cable cutters a quality anvil pruner( Felco or similar) will cut 4 ought no trouble.

I have some FTZ heavy crimpers on the way. Once I figure out what terminals I need, I'll probably use the same brand.

I lopped off a slice of marine 10/2 with the KNIPEX shears I just picked up. butter

 

[DaveInDenver]

I prefer curved jaw cutters (or I suppose curved bypass pruners if you're shopping in the garden section). It's probably not too critical for battery cables, but they take less effort so the cable stays more round and strands don't get displaced. They are pretty much the only way to cut coax without compressing the dielectric, if you ever start getting in radios.

 

[john61ct]

Greenlee 718, 18" and good for 4/0

snagged one as new, $21 delivered

 

[shade]

Greenlee 718

snagged one as new, $21 deliveredView attachment 525739

Cheap. Returned item?

 

[DaveInDenver]

Cheap. Returned item?

Only used once to cut steel fence wire.

 

[shade]

I prefer curved jaw cutters (or I suppose curved bypass pruners if you're shopping in the garden section). It's probably not too critical for battery cables, but they take less effort so the cable stays more round and strands don't get displaced. They are pretty much the only way to cut coax without compressing the dielectric, if you ever start getting in radios.

View attachment 525738

The K shears should work well for my needs, but I hadn't considered coax. I can see how any straight cutter could damage heavy coax cable.

 

[shade]

Only used once to cut steel fence wire.

The rest of the time, concrete remesh.

 

[shade]

So ... what do you use for stripping heavier wire?

I have a KNIPEX stripper that works well up to 10 AWG, but beyond that, all I have are the straight cable shears and a utility knife.