Buying guide for Best crimp tools
Whether you’re an electrician or you need to tackle some DIY electrical projects around the house, a crimp tool is a necessary item for your tool box. That’s because it’s essential for connecting materials and forming an electrical connection.
A crimp, or crimping, tool is like a pair of pliers: you squeeze the handles to press terminals and connectors together. Most of these connections include a terminal, such as a push-fit or bolt-down connector, with an open end that’s crimped onto the wire to create a secure bond. Electricians use crimping tools to replace cables or connect wires. DIYers might use a crimping tool to connect a light fixture or doorbell or make jewelry.
If you’re hunting for a reliable crimp tool, start by deciding which type best fits your needs. Next, consider the wire gauges you work with most often. You should also pay attention to the handles and the durability of the materials the tool is made of to make sure you wind up with the best crimp tool for all your electrical needs.
How to buy the best crimp tool
Uses and benefits
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you need a crimp tool, it helps to understand the benefits of having one in your tool box. Simply put, it’s an essential tool for anyone who regularly works on electrical or electronic devices and needs to connect wires.
If you work as an electrician, you already know the importance of this tool. It’s the quickest, easiest way to make a cold weld joint, which is especially handy if your project includes several wires that need connecting. Not only can you connect the wires more quickly, but the connections you make are typically stronger and more reliable when made with this tool.
While soldering is another option for connecting electrical components, it requires proper training and the handling of dangerous materials. For homeowners undertaking DIY projects, a crimping tool is a much better option.
Types
There are three types of crimp tool: handheld, hydraulic, and hammer.
Handheld: These crimping tools are the most common and affordable, making them an excellent option for DIYers. They’re manual tools, so they usually work better on thinner wires. However, you can find them in different sizes, including large, heavy-duty tools. Handheld crimp tools are similar to pliers, and you squeeze them in a similar fashion. Some can also be used as pliers, wire cutters, and/or wire strippers for added versatility.
Hydraulic: These crimping tools use liquid to apply greater pressure than handheld tools. As a result, they work better for thicker wires and industrial projects. Hydraulic crimp tools can generally apply between 8 and 16 tons of force per square inch, so they’re extremely powerful. The drawback to these tools is that they require more maintenance than handheld tools.
Hammer: These crimp tools are another affordable option. They work similarly to handheld and hydraulic tools, but you set them on a flat surface and hit a die with a hammer to crimp the wire. These tools can work with thicker wires, but they’re not as convenient to carry around. A hammer crimp tool is a good choice if you don’t need to crimp wires very often.
Materials
Nearly all crimp tools are made of steel. Many are carbon steel, but the most durable models are made of high-carbon or hardened steel. Hardened steel is the best option for hydraulic and hammer crimp tools because it resists pressure. Most handheld crimp tools also have grips made of rubber or plastic to make them more comfortable to hold.
If your crimping tool has a wire gauge chart or cold-coded nests for scoring insulation, always follow those guidelines. That makes it easier to be sure you’re using the right tool for the job.
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What features should I look for in crimp tools?
Wire gauges
An effective crimping tool must have jaws that open wide enough to accommodate your wire and connector. Both of these should be able to fit inside the tool before you crimp to ensure a secure connection. If you use a wire or connector that's too large for your tool, the connection may be faulty, leading to a drop in voltage, overheating, or corrosion. It’s essential that you check the wire gauges that each tool can handle and compare those to the gauges you usually use.
Crimp profile
You should also look at the profile of the crimp that the tool makes. The profile is the shape of the crimp before compression. For common electrical projects, such profiles as indented, hex, B-crimp, and circular are commonly used, so look for a tool with jaws that can create the right crimp to provide a secure connection for your project.
The crimp profile doesn’t vary as much with hydraulic or hammer tools because these tools only support a limited number of profiles. However, they can accommodate even the largest wires. Handheld models typically work with various gauges, but you should always check the crimp profile in the product specifications to be sure it will work for your project.
Connectors
Electrical connectors for crimping come in multiple styles and materials, including PVC, nylon, insulated, uninsulated, and heat shrinkable. In most cases, crimp tools work with the most common connector types.
However, some connectors work better with certain tools than others. Some manufacturers make it easy to choose the right crimp tool by including a color-coded chart on the tool to let you know which wires and connectors it supports.
Handles
If you have to use your crimping tool for long periods, you want it to be comfortable to hold. That’s why it’s important to consider the tool’s handles and grip. Some models have cushioned rubber grips that are comfortable and help you securely hold the tool. Some crimping tools have ergonomically designed handles that help prevent fatigue.
Multi-tool
Some crimp tools also include blades to strip wires and cut wires. That lets you use a single tool to handle all of your crimping steps so that you can work quickly and efficiently.
DID YOU KNOW?
Twist the ends of the exposed wire together before you crimp them. That makes it easier to fit the wire inside the terminal for a strong, secure connection.
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How much do crimp tools cost?
Inexpensive
The most affordable crimp tools are typically handheld tools, but you can also find some hammer tools in this price range. They usually work best for thinner wires, so they’re better suited for DIY projects. These crimping tools generally cost $9 to $60.
Mid-range
Most of these crimp tools are hammer or lower-end hydraulic tools. They can accommodate thicker wires, so they work well for professional use. These crimping tools typically cost $60 to $150.
Expensive
The most expensive crimp tools are high-end hydraulic models. They can handle thicker wires and apply great pressure to ensure the most secure connections. These tools generally cost $150 to $400.
A hammer crimp tool requires a heavy hammer to generate enough pressure to create a successful connection. A lightweight sledgehammer that weighs between 2 and 6 pounds works well.
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Tips
- Prep your wires or cables before crimping. All the wires should be roughly the same length, so you might need to cut or trim them to size. You should also strip a portion of the wire and remove the insulation to create a secure connection.
- Don’t over-crimp. If you apply too much pressure, you can affect the crimp height and compromise your connection. Over-crimping is a particular risk when using a handheld tool, so some models have a locking feature that only lets you press the tool until the right amount of pressure is applied.
- Check finished crimps for any defects. You can save yourself plenty of frustration by examining a crimp right after you finish it to see if you’ve created a successful connection. Some common crimp issues include cut insulation or insulation caught under the crimp.
- Use your tool only for crimping. If you use your crimping tool for other purposes, you risk damaging it.
FAQ
Q. Do I really need a crimping tool?
A. If you do any electrical or electronic projects, you should invest in one. You might be tempted to use a pair of pliers you already have, but they’re not designed for crimping. That means you won’t achieve as stable or secure a connection with pliers. You don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive crimp tool, though. An affordable, handheld tool can work well for occasional DIY projects around the house.
Q. Is a crimp tool better than a soldering iron?
A. Soldering also creates high-quality connections for electrical projects. However, it requires special training that the average homeowner doesn’t have. It also creates permanent connections, while crimped connections can be disassembled if necessary. As a result, soldering is best for professional projects.
Q. How do I take care of my handheld crimp tool?
A. Simple handheld tools are fairly easy to care for. You should inspect your tool regularly for any damage, such as missing screws or springs. Be sure to store your tool where it won’t be exposed to moisture and dust, and use a lubricant to keep its pivot points, bearings, and joints moving well. You should also clean the crimp tool periodically with a non-abrasive cleaner.
