wire strippers crimpers

[nuclearlemon]

it appears two of my three pairs of cheap wire strippers/crimpers have wandered away. before i go buy a couple more cheap pairs, is there a brand/style that is preferred? the cheap pair work acceptably, but i'm getting to a point in my life where i'd rather have something that works great.

 

[zebrabeefj40]

I have a set of Harbor Freight crimpers that work very well.

Ratcheting Crimping Tool

For wire stripers most any of them with the name Greenlee, Ideal or Klein work great. As my brother is an IT/electronics geek there are multiple wire stripers floating around the house. Given a choice I reach for wire stripers that are similar to these:

Shop Greenlee 1955 Pro Plus Wire Stripper at Lowes.com


Nick

 

[george_tlc]

For wire strippers, something like: One Step Wire Stripper, 10-22AWG - Wire Strippers, Crimpers, Cable Slitters - Cutting Tools - 5LJ02 : Grainger Industrial Supply

works very well. I've been using one for several years and they do a great job without nicking the wires when stripping off the insulation.

For teflon insulation I use a teflon specific set of strippers - but for your use the Ideal unit linked above would be a good choice for common wire gauges.

For crimpers there's many types, all depends on "what" are you crimping??

cheers,
george.

 

[porten1134]

having spent 15 years stripping and crimping...i'd say go get yourself a stripper and a crimper seperatly. i've found the combination ones are equaly bad at both. get some Klien or Ideal or Greenly ones.

i have a tendency to lose sunglasses. for that reason i never buy really expensive ones. on that note maybe its not worth your money to buy 2 tools @ $20 or so each.

 

[fj40charles]

Iggy,

I use a few Klein wire strippers. This one will do 18 gauge to 10 gauge. Around $10 at Lowes.

Klein Tools -Wire Stripper/Cutter

I have the automatic wire strippers, but generally don't use them due to size. Also, I feel I have more control with the one above.

For crimping small wires, I use this:
Klein Tools -Crimping/Cutting Tool — Non-Insulated/Insulated Connectors


For larger crimping, I use a Thomas & Betts TBM 25S and Brundy crimper like this one below, except mine is not a knockoff.

Mechanical lug crimper forged steel #8 - 250 MCM | eBay

 

[nuclearlemon]

thanks guys, i will check them out. crimping will just be the standard automotive heat shrink connectors.

i already have crimpers for weatherpack (damn good investment if you use those connectors) and for deutsch, i can't afford the tool, so i just borrow the one from work

 

[george_tlc]

For crimping 'generic' heatshrink connectors I presume you mean the standard bullet/blade/etc (like in this picture -> CONNECTORS). For those, a ratcheting crimper as per the 2nd post do a good consistent job.

A stripper like I posted in the 3rd post work great for consistent results - assuming you have the room for it to be used. Since they 'grip' the wire to strip off the end, you aren't tugging on the wire or slipping with the stripper when it finally removes the insulation and smashing you hand/stripper against things.

Anyhow, like most tools, get something decent that will last AND often you'll need 2 or more styles of the same tool - for when there isn't room to swing one style in a cramped location...

Given the critical nature of electrical connections - especially in a vehicle when miles off the beaten track in dust/wet/vibration, I prefer to use tools that perform consistently versus trusting to 'touch' with non-clamping or non-ratcheting tools. That said, with lots of experience even a pair of side cutters and pliers can deal with stripping & crimping...

cheers,
george.

 

[Tapage]

I have one of those and love it ..

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/IR...cm_sp=IO-_-IDP-_-RR_VTV70300505&cm_vc=IDPRRZ1

 

[-Spike-]

I have one of those and love it ..

Wire Stripper/Cutter, 10 To 24 AWG, 8 In L - Wire Strippers, Crimpers, Cable Slitters - Cutting Tools - 1XFZ6 : Grainger Industrial Supply

link time-out fail.

 

[SHREDwagon]

PWCS7, Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter, 7"

 

[nuclearlemon]

PWCS7, Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter, 7"

i like that since it's all in one...less tools. shred, do you feel it is worth the $40? are you pretty dang happy with it?

 

[Devilmans Hand]

i like to use lineman pliers with the insulated and uninsulated wedges for crimping.
the harbor freight ratcheting crimpers work fairly well

wire cutters like these work pretty well for removing the insulation, but require more careful attention when using.
http://www.allproducts.com/manufacture97/hongyi/product3.jpg

 

[Tapage]

link time-out fail.

 

[Joe_E]

PWCS7, Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter, 7"

I have a couple real nice AMP ratchet crimpers that i got for cheap, but i think you will have a hard time beating the heavy dutiness of that Snap On combination in that size.
That's a nice tool, but very small. Like 7"

 

[SHREDwagon]

Other all-in-one tools are pretty useless (even Knipex) for tight spots as the crimper is in the handle part (back end). The Snappy has the crimper in front with the cutters..... Well worth it for this feature unless you're carrying 2 tools, which costs more than $40 and takes more space in the tool roll......

 

[nuclearlemon]

small size doesn't bother me, it's actually a benefit as i have small hands. guess i'll have to talk to the strap on guy next week. i like the idea of both tools in one, but if there wasn't a good option would have probably done a cheap dual tool and a set of good crimpers with a set of good strippers.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I prefer Klein's. Can get them at Home Depot or any electrical supply house.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Crimpers Klein #1006