Crimping Tool Alternatives?

[Yooper74]

anyone know if any local parts stores carry a version of these crimping tools that work well?

I'd like to buy them but will likely not use them ever again. Hate to pay nearly 20% the cost the entire wiring kit just for a couple crimpers.

https://www.americanautowire.com/shop/crimper-splice-clip-6744

 

[BUCKWILD]

you can find them on Amazon ect... look for weather pack crimpers should be able to fine off shore stuff cheap and will work for your needs
https://www.amazon.com/Delphi-Packa...611628765&sprefix=weatherpack+,aps,249&sr=8-5

 

[anoblefox]

I have been using a Thomas & Betts WT111 manual hand crimper for 45 years as a Union electrician, it only cuts and crimps. I have not found anything better, just fancier ones.

 

[RM70]

you can find them on Amazon ect... look for weather pack crimpers should be able to fine off shore stuff cheap and will work for your needs
https://www.amazon.com/Delphi-Packa...611628765&sprefix=weatherpack+,aps,249&sr=8-5

This is what I bought, works well.

 

[Jedeka]

MSD makes a ratcheting crimper that has replaceable jaws. There are several styles of jaws available.

 

[yakelys69]

I use that one from amazon also, happy with it. Also use this one and am happy with it for other connectors
https://www.amazon.com/Pertronix-T3001-Change-6-Piece-Ratchet/dp/B00GA6Z69I/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=pertronix+crimp&qid=1611643107&s=automotive&sr=1-1-catcorr

 

[DirtDonk]

I have the Pertronix one (paid about that same price directly from them!) and am very happy with it too.
I'd have to say that it's not quite as precise as my friend's kit (that I "borrowed" for three or four years before finally giving it back and buying my own) but it's put a lot of Weatherpacks together and I have no complaints.

Paul

 

[DirtDonk]

I will add that I've bought the $20 specials from the local parts stores that are on their Weatherpack connector racks, and they ABSOLUTELY SUCK!
Not worth the money and don't crimp anything well. I bought a second one just in case the first was defective (didn't look it, but after all, it couldn't have been ME!%) ) and returned them both.

Totally understand not wanting to pay $100-$200 for something you won't use again, but unless you can find one to rent, they're worth it. But you could try looking for one to rent, or look on Craigslist for a used set being sold by someone like you who has no more use for them.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[ransil]

I have this one
https://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-189...chet+Crimping+Tool+Set&qid=1611653432&sr=8-55
the pertronix looks like the Astro one on Amazon but cheaper

https://www.amazon.com/Astro-9477-P...l/dp/B0045CUMLQ/ref=psdc_553392_t1_B00GA6Z69I

 

[Yooper74]

Thanks guys. Great options.

 

[omureebe]

you can find them on Amazon ect... look for weather pack crimpers should be able to fine off shore stuff cheap and will work for your needs
https://www.amazon.com/Delphi-Packa...611628765&sprefix=weatherpack+,aps,249&sr=8-5

I used those installing my Centech. Work great.

 

[billh1289]

anyone know if any local parts stores carry a version of these crimping tools that work well?

I'd like to buy them but will likely not use them ever again. Hate to pay nearly 20% the cost the entire wiring kit just for a couple crimpers.

https://www.americanautowire.com/shop/crimper-splice-clip-6744

I thought the same thing when I did my harness so I bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/IWISS-Weathe...pack+crimper&qid=1611671318&sr=8-6&th=1&psc=1

They have worked great for me (maybe I got lucky) and would buy again. That being said I’ve gone back and changed things and moved things where I needed the crimpers again. So having the need to use them more than once I could have justified buying the better ones to begin with.

 

[GreMac]

I am in the process of installing an American Autowire harness using this one. Each terminal takes some finesse, bending the tabs over with one of the round openings before switching over to the correct size crimp opening with several steps of crimping and checking before switching to the other set of tabs on the terminal. Most have come out looking like a factory crimps and several have come out looking a little jacked but are still very functional. I think I have one or two double wire terminals done that weren't great but again they passed the pull test and clipped into the connector as they should. If I were to do it again I'd probably rent the high dollar tools from Autowire or see if someone wants to sell or rent out theirs just to see if its any easier or better.

https://www.amazon.com/GM-Delphi-Weatherpack-Crimper-Tool/dp/B005K006QS/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/132-8865767-3707107?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005K006QS&pd_rd_r=bb1a490f-2e73-4808-9ae6-251f88d70c7a&pd_rd_w=yBOes&pd_rd_wg=h3GQA&pf_rd_p=f325d01c-4658-4593-be83-3e12ca663f0e&pf_rd_r=HC5FPQPZ3XN51WWW79GN&psc=1&refRID=HC5FPQPZ3XN51WWW79GN

 

[904Bronco]

anyone know if any local parts stores carry a version of these crimping tools that work well?

I'd like to buy them but will likely not use them ever again. Hate to pay nearly 20% the cost the entire wiring kit just for a couple crimpers.

https://www.americanautowire.com/shop/crimper-splice-clip-6744

I have felt your pain, as have a few others. Looks like the price has gone up since I bought mine.
We joked on the Norcal Bronco site about buying one pair and then circulating them through everyone on the site to make it cost effective.

The cheap blue handled crimper did not work for me on the AAW harness, but worked great for the GM Weatherpack connectors.

I agree with the others, Amazon should have something less expensive that will work.

 

[pbwcr]

Not for specialized connectors, but just about any ratchet crimper is good for general wiring tasks. Don't have one - IMO always required.
They come with dies for yellow, blue, and red terminals. Cost is in the 20-30 range. The best ones are the used pro versions sold on the web.

 

[75MIKE]

WTB ad in the sales forum. I'm sure there are crimp tools gathering dust somewhere on here.

 

[jmhend]

anyone know if any local parts stores carry a version of these crimping tools that work well?

I'd like to buy them but will likely not use them ever again. Hate to pay nearly 20% the cost the entire wiring kit just for a couple crimpers.

https://www.americanautowire.com/shop/crimper-splice-clip-6744

A lot of great suggestions here. Where are you located? I know there are a few places that carry them locally but depending on where you are the vendors may or may not have them. Like Eastwood

 

[Steve83]

I have a few of the older version of this, before the thick rubber grips, and they're outstanding.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00079LN1Y
Note that in addition to the cutting surfaces, there are 4 separate crimping surfaces.

 

[Yooper74]

I like the looks of some of these. Cheaper option. Enough to get me through the install.

 

[tirewater]

I bought the Accel crimpers due to the fact I couldn't get the cheaper crimpers to work with spark plugs wires. They come with additional die for non spark plug purposes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GBIEIM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1