Let’s talk wire crimpers

[Got4wd]

I will be starting wiring soon on my coyote build. I’ve always used weather pack connectors. Deutsch seems pretty nice and might go this route unless there are draw backs. I’ve done lots of wiring and i enjoy doing it. Alway had good luck with the Delphi connectors so I don’t know if the deutsch is better or worse in ways?

 

[Steve83]

Buy the connectors with the matching crimper.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F3TM6BGH/?tag=classicbroncos-20

...or buy pre-crimped pigtail connectors (which are probably better anyway) and use heat-shrink solder butts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6XKDL63/?tag=classicbroncos-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073RMRCC3/?tag=classicbroncos-20
I'm a big fan of the solder shrinks, but I usually pre-tin the wire ends with a normal soldering iron, or at least use a rosin pen.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YXRCMT2/?tag=classicbroncos-20

But for common crimping, I like Gardner/Benders (which dropped in quality a few years ago).
(click this text)

 

[ntsqd]

Buy the Deutsch specific terminal crimpers, your weatherpack or metripack crimpers aren't going to work that well if they do at all.

I avoid adding unnecessary connections in circuits when at all possible, so I avoid butt-splices unless there's simply no other way.

 

[Got4wd]

Buy the Deutsch specific terminal crimpers, your weatherpack or metripack crimpers aren't going to work that well if they do at all.

I avoid adding unnecessary connections in circuits when at all possible, so I avoid butt-splices unless there's simply no other way.

I realize the weather pack crimper will not work on the deutsch terminals. I was just wondering if going from Weather pack to deutsch is worth it? They are specific to the terminals etc. I won’t use butt splices. I never have unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Broncobowsher]

The Duetsch barrel pins are amazing. But you need the correct tool and only that tool will work. I will be happy if I never do a conventional cromp on a Duetcsh connector.

I mostly have switched to Duetsch connectors now. But will still break out the Weatherpack when the time calls. The Weatherpack is a size up, so I use it with bigger wiring. Sustained higher amp loads. But find them too bulky and crude when dealing with light gauge wiring.

Cooling fan, Weatherpack.
Temp senser, Duetsch.

 

[ntsqd]

If you really want to crimp the Deutsch terminals correctly then DMC tools are the best option. But you're going to need to want it pretty badly. We used DMC crimpers exclusively where I worked previously and in home use they're a life-time tool purchase:

DMC AFM8 Starter Kit

DMC AFM8 Starter Kit Includes DMC AFM8 DMC G125 Go, No-Go Gage DMC K1S Positioner (MIL-Spec Size 20/Deutsch DTM) DMC K40 Positioner (Deutsch Autosport Size 22 Socket) DMC K42 Positioner (Deutsch Autosport Size 22 Pin) DMC K43 Positioner (Deutsch Autosport Size 20) Pelican Case w/ foam insert Due...

racespeconline.com

Can buy them direct from DMC for a little less, but I didn't see this kit in particular.

I've never used these, no idea how well they might work:

https://www.waytekwire.com/catalog/tools/crimpers/closed-barrel-terminal-crimper

https://www.waytekwire.com/catalog/tools/crimpers/closed-barrel-crimp-tool

 

[toddz69]

If you really want to crimp the Deutsch terminals correctly then DMC tools are the best option. But you're going to need to want it pretty badly. We used DMC crimpers exclusively where I worked previously and in home use they're a life-time tool purchase:

http://[URL]https://racespeconline.com/collections/dmc/products/dmc-afm8-starter-kit

[/URL]
Can buy them direct from DMC for a little less, but I didn't see this kit in particular.

I've never used these, no idea how well they might work:

http://[URL]https://www.waytekwire.com/catalog/tools/crimpers/closed-barrel-terminal-crimper

[/URL]

http://[URL]https://www.waytekwire.com/catalog/tools/crimpers/closed-barrel-crimp-tool

[/URL]

We have numerous DMC crimpers/kits here at work as well. Pricey buggers!

Todd Z.

 

[anoblefox]

For a general crimper only tool, hard to beat the Thomas & Betts WT111, been using them for over 50 years professionally.

 

[toddz69]

For a general crimper only tool, hard to beat the Thomas & Betts WT111, been using them for over 50 years professionally.

X2 on this. I just checked the model number on mine and it's the same thing. Klein and others make similar models as well.

Todd Z.

 

[ntsqd]

I looked it up and there appears to be several variants of it sold by different companies. One, the p/n that anoblefox posted, has only uninsulated crimp dies. Add an 'M' suffix to that basic p/n and you get the version that I have with one of each, an insulated die and an uninsulated die, that was sold by Ancor Marine.