crimping electrical connections after soldering

[bnate]

You know when you get a wire spade terminal from the autoparts store and it is soldered and crimped perfectly......

How do you get the open ended connectors to crimp down so nice? Is there a tool to do this?

I always seem to destroy the connector pieces using needle nose pliers. They're all bent every which way and flattened to a pancake.

How do they get it so nice and rounded edge so it actually "bites" into the wire to hold it that much better?!!

Thanks in advance.

 

[86k5vortec]

there are special crimping tools to make it look all nice. but: never solder before, you should rather solder after crimping, if at all. solder will shrink with time, and if you crimp after soldering, the connection will eventually lose electrical contact.

 

[broc944]

http://www.mytoolstore.com/klein/1005.html

Buy one of these Kliens, you will not be sorry, use it everyday at work they are made to last. Forget the cheap all in one types they are chit.

 

[dontoe]

Yeah, there are several types of crimping tools. Auto parts stores carry them as well as Sears, Lowes etc...

I just got one to do my own battery/winch cables even. Nice custom lengths!

 

[ryoken]

the Kliens rule.. all I'll ever own when it comes to a crimping tool..

 

[dontoe]

Hey, those are mine!!! Put 'em back when you're done!

 

[bnate]

Thanks, guys. Thanks for the added info too.

What is that, a 4 minute turn around on a question answered?! Sweeeet.

Love this board!

 

[bigjbear]

The Klein one is good but if you want to move up a step from that, use an AMP crimper for pre-insulated terminals or a Raychem for uninsulated ones. They are not cheap and really should be used with the quality connectors to get the best results. Your crimps will be perfect every time. The problem with the Klein is it only has one size in it.

There are several styles for the AMP style. here is the only one I could find on e-bay right now
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AMP-AVIONICS-PRO-CRIMPER-CRIMPS-LUGS-AIRCRAFT-TOOL-AVI_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ26436QQitemZ4625994091QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[goldwing2000]

The problem with the Klein is it only has one size in it.

Agreed. I always use a Thomas & Betts. They ain't cheap, though.

Grainger sells them.

 

[bigjbear]

Agreed. I always use a Thomas & Betts. They ain't cheap, though.

Grainger sells them.

Those would be a great choice for the truck