Lets Talk Open Barrel Crimpers - Reviews and Discussion
Third and maybe last from me? IDK TMM has me tempted with the one he posted for carrying in the car and underdash work...
Molex 63811-1000
This one doesn't really fit in with the others because it's really made for smaller terminals. But since it works the same way, and Molex sells other versions (different dash number) it seems worthy of a post.
Background. I had a brainstorm to replace the trailer wiring connector on my tachometer with something much smaller. Maybe even small enough to go through a 3/8 hole in the dash. Molex's Micro-fit 3.0 series seemed like it would do the trick and would be easier to install (wrong). None of the crimpers I already owned were doing a good job with the tiny terminals and 20 ga wires. Time to support the American economy. Well I half succeeded. The desktop magnifier with lamp was made you know where. :( But this Molex crimper is made in the USA :)
First thing in its favor is that each crimp position is clearly marked in contrasting numbers.
While perhaps in someone's theory the crimp positions behind the fulcrum are for the insulation crimps, in reality, go by the size.
Upon opening the clamshell we can see the jaws themselves are very cleanly cut, and the tool has a little oil on it.
Speaking of opening the clamshell, it didn't require a chainsaw or even a utility knife. Its just snapped together.
Finally, the packaging reverse has a easy to read conversion chart to guide us users as to which position to use for which wire.
With the magnifying glass and a little experimentation, this worked well for its intended purpose.
Here's some micro-fit terminals next to a Packard 56.
Here's the 18 and 20 ga TXL test wires installed in the housings.
And here's the pull to failure test results.
And the real thing.
How 'bout on a bigger terminal?
I tried it out on a AMP Faston-male terminal and wasn't too happy with the result. The chart guidance doesn't work well because its based on a terminal made of thinner metal and with shorter wings. Maybe it will work OK with a some Packard type terminals. I didn't have time to further experiment this morning.
Here's how that terminal looked after recrimping using the smaller American Autowire crimper.
Bottom Line: Good crimper but the -1000 may be best for smaller terminals than we typically work with.
Third and maybe last from me? IDK TMM has me tempted with the one he posted for carrying in the car and underdash work...
Molex 63811-1000
This one doesn't really fit in with the others because it's really made for smaller terminals. But since it works the same way, and Molex sells other versions (different dash number) it seems worthy of a post.
Background. I had a brainstorm to replace the trailer wiring connector on my tachometer with something much smaller. Maybe even small enough to go through a 3/8 hole in the dash. Molex's Micro-fit 3.0 series seemed like it would do the trick and would be easier to install (wrong). None of the crimpers I already owned were doing a good job with the tiny terminals and 20 ga wires. Time to support the American economy. Well I half succeeded. The desktop magnifier with lamp was made you know where. :( But this Molex crimper is made in the USA :)
First thing in its favor is that each crimp position is clearly marked in contrasting numbers.
While perhaps in someone's theory the crimp positions behind the fulcrum are for the insulation crimps, in reality, go by the size.
Upon opening the clamshell we can see the jaws themselves are very cleanly cut, and the tool has a little oil on it.
Speaking of opening the clamshell, it didn't require a chainsaw or even a utility knife. Its just snapped together.
Finally, the packaging reverse has a easy to read conversion chart to guide us users as to which position to use for which wire.
With the magnifying glass and a little experimentation, this worked well for its intended purpose.
Here's some micro-fit terminals next to a Packard 56.
Here's the 18 and 20 ga TXL test wires installed in the housings.
And here's the pull to failure test results.
And the real thing.
How 'bout on a bigger terminal?
I tried it out on a AMP Faston-male terminal and wasn't too happy with the result. The chart guidance doesn't work well because its based on a terminal made of thinner metal and with shorter wings. Maybe it will work OK with a some Packard type terminals. I didn't have time to further experiment this morning.
Here's how that terminal looked after recrimping using the smaller American Autowire crimper.
Bottom Line: Good crimper but the -1000 may be best for smaller terminals than we typically work with.