Ratchet crimping set recommendation

[towe0609]

I have one of these (https://www.totaltools.com.au/94211-toledo-220mm-crimping-plier-kit-ratcheting-multi-head-302018)that I've been using for some years and have found the kit to meet most of my auto-elec needs ... except bigger non-insulated lugs for which I have a cheap hydraulic crimper.

I wanted to have a set to carry as part of my toolkit in the vehicle, and discovered you can get the same kit, minus the BNC die (https://www.astrotools.com/product/7pc-professional-quick-interchangeable-ratchet-crimping-tool-set/) (something I'm unlikely to use 'on the side of the road'), for just over $100 delivered on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com.au/Astro-9477-Professional-Interchangeable-Tool/dp/B0045CUMLQ).

[DoubleChevron]

I've never owned a ratchet crimper that works as it should. I think the trick is you must have the right crimper that matches the crimp on connectors you have ..... and the exact sized wire and wire insulation that matches the crimper.

I dont think I've ever crimped a wire that I haven't been able to pull apart [bigwhistle] So I solder them :) A 12volt superscope would be more useful in the car toolkit than a crimper :D

seeya,
shane L

[reefmagnet]

I have just about every crimp tool known to man, but for travelling and odd jobs I use a Channellock 908 crimp/ wire stripper tool. It looks like one of the cheap types you get in kits, but it cuts, strips, twists and crimps very well. Don't think it does non insulated crimps, but that's easy enough to live without.

[350RRC]

I've never owned a ratchet crimper that works as it should. I think the trick is you must have the right crimper that matches the crimp on connectors you have ..... and the exact sized wire and wire insulation that matches the crimper.

I dont think I've ever crimped a wire that I haven't been able to pull apart [bigwhistle] So I solder them :) A 12volt superscope would be more useful in the car toolkit than a crimper :D

seeya,
shane L

When I rewired the engine bay and more, with same colour code and gauge wire from a spare RRC loom, I soldered everything too.

No probs at all after 15+ years.

cheers, DL

[d2dave]

For years and lots of them, I have always been a solder everything man.

However in recent times (last 2to 3 years) a lot of research on the interweb has suggested that crimping done properly is better.

[DoubleChevron]

For years and lots of them, I have always been a solder everything man.

However in recent times (last 2to 3 years) a lot of research on the interweb has suggested that crimping done properly is better.

Yes its much better. Its really a cold welded join as it is compressed so tight. This is if you own a factory where all your wire size is of a known standard, insulation sizing exactly matching the crimp on connectors you are using ..... which are being crimped by the exact crimping pliers that they require ....................................


Yep, lost me right away :). The main thing with a soldered joint is to make sure its tied down. Any flexing allowed will break the wire beside the soldered joint. I've found soldering wires sucks as you need 4 hands to do a nice job. Recently someone pointed these out to me.

100 pcs/lot 0.5 1.5mm Crimping Button Cold Pressing Splice Electric Wire Terminal Connector Cable Lugs Sertir|Terminals| - AliExpress (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32992980445.html'srcSns=sns_Copy&spreadType=socialShare&bizType=ProductDetail&social_params=20248055716&aff_fcid=023fc838815d4d42bafcd2038144d6d3-1634518568219-04155-_mKvzovz&tt=MG&aff_fsk=_mKvzovz&aff_platform=default&sk=_mKvzovz&aff_trace_key=023fc838815d4d42bafcd2038144d6d3-1634518568219-04155-_mKvzovz&shareId=20248055716&businessType=ProductDetail&platform=AE&terminal_id=0a51794eac964251953af67168cc570e)

I don't use them as crimp on connectors, I just use them to hold the wiring for soldering. You get a perfect joint you can put heat shrink over that way. I didn't realise the reason I was sometimes getting "solder spikes" was I wasn't using a eutectic solder. Though I don't tend to get solder spikes whne using the joiners as your not trying to juggle everything.

seeya,
shane L.

[RANDLOVER]

narva solder splice kit - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=narva+solder+splice+kit#kpvalbx=_5XBtYbzU Dtf99QPZ7LzwAg27) solder splice - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24FjjIVpk9U)


What about these? I bought some but haven't had to use them yet, touch wood.

[DoubleChevron]

narva solder splice kit - Google Search (https://www.google.com/search?q=narva+solder+splice+kit#kpvalbx=_5XBtYbzU Dtf99QPZ7LzwAg27) solder splice - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24FjjIVpk9U)


What about these? I bought some but haven't had to use them yet, touch wood.

I'm sure those ones are really good if you buy quality ones (I've never tried them)...... You will need a heat gun though, if I'm going to carry one of them.... why not just carry a soldering iron :D I wonder if a flame from a cigarette lighter would work in a pinch ? .... or would it be to hot for the tube and to cold for the solder.