Proper use of old style hand crimpers

Cuda Al said
Not sure anyone is overthinking it, there is a proper tool for each terminal and a proper way to use each tool.

Although the tool in the original post is the common tool it isn’t the proper tool for insulated terminals.

That tool is designed for uninsulated terminals without the strain relief. When used on uninsulated terminals the male peg part goes on the bottom (opposite the seam).

Insulated terminals require a tool that compresses the terminal uniformly on both sides without damage to the insulation.

Terminals with the strain relief typically require a specific tool that is designed to both crimp the terminal on the wire and press the strain relief into the insulation.

Can you use that tool on insulated terminals, yes, I wouldn’t.

Alan

Case in point. Just finished replacing elec fans on my Shelby Dakota. Had to pull radiator. Wouldn't start afterward. Seemed to be an ignition issue with MSD box. Power showed on LED but no spark. After a lot of head scratching and fussing I tracked the problem to the master ground wire from the MSD. It terminated on a marine ground strip behind the battery. The wire routed across the core support had pulled out of the terminal when I pulled the radiator, but the bare end of the wire was still resting on the terminal end. Carried enough current to show power on the MSD but not to start. Using a better connector with a strain relief or soldering the terminal would have saved a lot of aggravation. Live and learn.