Let's talk crimp tools!

[alxdgr8]

I got a generic harness from Marc for VEMS and want to start finishing it. I've already got a good supply of junior power time connectors but don't have a proper crimper.
Anyone have any advice for a quality ratcheting crimper without breaking the bank? Possibly one with interchangeable dies for future expansion.

Thanks!

[loxxrider]

I use an Apmphenol 357-561 crimp tool. It did an entire ABZ harness without every missing a crimp or making my hands tired. They are really expensive, but you might be able to find one used somewhere... I found mine in a random toolbox my Dad had. He's never had a use for one of these in his life, and I don't think he even knew what they were. Imagine my joy when I realized I had those when it came time to do the harness That's a $450 crimper!

I will be using them to do a Megasquirt soon, but maybe we could work something out if you want to borrow them.

This is about the closest to that one I can find:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMP-Crimping-Tool-357-578-for-3-ranges-12-16-14-18-16-22-/150958246710?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2325d00b36

[alxdgr8]

Thanks Chris, I'll keep an eye out on Ebay for one. I should also check to see if we have one at work, but I kinda doubt it. I'm sure we have every aviation crimper known to man, but probably not the automotive side of things.

[Mcstiff]

I used a cheap single crimp set for my harness. Slower but worked fine.

[Marc]

this is the one we use at the shop. I like it because its very flexible on the gauge size:

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_304928_-1



it makes the nice 'w' on econoseal and junior power timer connectors, which is what we have to deal with most often.

[SEStone]

I use the one 034 sells and think it's the bee's knees: http://store.034motorsport.com/wire-pin ... 20639.html. It's ratcheting, so you can lightly hold a pin in place without dropping it while you position the wire. The arc radii of the crimper is a bit smaller than the single-action crimpers as well, so the pins don't rotate in the jaws as easily when clamping down.

Sam

[WOMBAT]

And they're half price on amazon

[Marc]

And they're half price on amazon

and this surprises you....... how?

[WOMBAT]

It was a PSA 8)

[85oceanic]

this is the one we use at the shop. I like it because its very flexible on the gauge size:

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_304928_-1



it makes the nice 'w' on econoseal and junior power timer connectors, which is what we have to deal with most often.

Me thinks I am going to have to pick this one up for work. I am just rocking a snap-on one which covers most everything I do, but this one most definately beats what I'm rocking now. I will say this too, I hate ratcheting crimpers. I think they are a PITA especially when dealing with underdash work, which I do a lot of because we install breathalyzers here.