CRIMPING TOOLS

A crimping tool firmly attaches a terminal or a contact onto an electrical conductor by compressing a connector barrel around the wire or cable. Since the electrical conductivity of the connection cannot be compromised, a successful crimp requires the correct combination of wire, terminal and tool. Following the manufacturer's recommendation for the appropriate tool will help ensure good electrical and mechanical characteristics and reliable repeatability. Most terminals and contacts are designed for a specific application; using an improper tool can lead to termination failure. Manual or pneumatic hand crimping tools attach loose piece contacts in lower production environments. Bench-mountable, air-powered tools can accommodate higher production rates. A range of crimping tools is available to handle different wiring sizes and provide standard and special indent configurations. The crimp die of the tool determines the crimp configuration; interchangeable dies offer versatility and reduce costs. Some crimping tools are dieless, requiring no manual die or conductor size matching. To reduce the risk of cumulative trauma disorders, the tool also should be ergonomically designed. Pressure from the handle should be distributed across the palm of the hand while the proper grip span should alleviate fingertip exertion. For more information on a specific crimping tool, mark the appropriate number on the Reader Service Card.