non-insulated terminal crimpers?

[Czechsix]

Anyone found a good set of the ratchet style for uninsulated terminals?

I'm trying to do multiple Hella relays, and I'm working with a relay block that uses the uninsulated terminals. I can do them with the insulated crimpers I've got, but it's a pain...there's got to be a ratchet style crimper that does the uninsulated terminals properly.

Any ideas?

 

[Antichrist]

I think I got one of my crimpers at NAPA, and it does insulated and non-insulated fine. I have another pair of Klein that does them well also. I generally prefer non-insulated terminals anyway, and use heat shrink tubing with them.

 

[Bodo]

The only ratcheting type I've seen in a while is a monster, for doing large 2/0 cable and the like. Klein makes a nice crimper.

 

[spencyg]

I usually solder my non-insulated terminals, then heat shrink. I know there has been some discussion within the marine industry regarding the use of solder in an electrical connection (dissimilar metals causing galvanic corrosion), but I have never had a problem with either interior and exterior applications in both automotive and marine applications.

Spence

 

[off-roader]

I usually solder my non-insulated terminals, then heat shrink. I know there has been some discussion within the marine industry regarding the use of solder in an electrical connection (dissimilar metals causing galvanic corrosion), but I have never had a problem with either interior and exterior applications in both automotive and marine applications.

Spence

I do the same... crimp non-insulated terminals on the wire, then insulate them.. if possible with the marine grade shrink tubing that has the heat activated epoxy on the inside.

Also it was suggested by a friend who does a lot of wiring both on boats and is also a former Lockheed missile engineer that if the connection is in a high vibration application like a vehicle, it's probably better to avoid using solder because they will fatigue and fail over time due to the harsh vibrations especially in an engine compartment.

Sounded good to me so now I simply crimp on connectors and then insulate them w/ heat activated epoxy lined shrink tubing.
:smiley_drive:

 

[ntsqd]

On my glass buggy I crimped & soldered every terminal on the complete loom that I built for it. One of the main power wires fatigue failed at a terminal strip leaving me stranded in the desert for a short while. I had just implemented a work-around when my friends found me.

Since then I only crimp. For the smaller wires the crimper for the Weatherpack terminals will work. My Greenlee cable lug hex crimper works down to 8 gauge. It is the medium gauges that I don't yet have a top-notch answer for. I'm currently using my Anchor sourced crimper for those, but it does not make quite as nice of a crimp as the Weatherpack crimper does.

 

[Curmudgeon]

Check with Aircraft Tool Supply. I believe they have ratcheting crimpers.

http://www.aircraft-tool.com/default.htm

JP

 

[THATSALEXUS?]

I think what you are looking for is a "W" or an "M" crimper. It doesn't have to be ratcheting. If so, this is a good one (although I'm sure you can find a cheaper version)

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=15632&group_ID=797&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Did you ever find the wire you were looking for?

 

[Czechsix]

Good leads all, folks. I'm checking on them now. Thanks!

The snap-on actually looks decent. I was trying to find the ratcheting style since I really like the repeatability, and the amount of crimp has already been figured out. I want to do this right the first time, and not have to worry about it.

 

[ShoxX]

Scroll to the heavy duty crimpers. Tessco.comI recommend the The Brundy brand. I have purchased 4+ with no issues.

 

[Grizzlybait]

Here you go, $35.75 US. I think they're made in Asia. I use the insulated version of these in my toolpouch at work, and they seem pretty good. Crimps are very consistent, and tightness is adjustable. I believe they also sell a kit with a number of interchangeable crimp dies. I found the quality to be at least as good as much more expensive "name brand" crimpers (which could possibly come from the exact same factory?).

http://www.rpelectronics.com/English/Content/Items/CT-315.asp

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Thomas and Betts makes some of the best crimping tools you can buy. I have used T&B WT111M Crimping Plier over 10K times without ever a problem.