For the purpose of this discussion we will define crimping tools as tools used to attach an electrical terminal to a wire or conductor. Crimping tools are also used for various other applications but we will limit our discussion to crimping tools used for electrical applications.
An electrical crimping tool will use various means to attach a terminal or connector to a conductor by crushing or deforming the terminal so that it attaches to the wire.
What types of Crimping Tools are available?
Crimping tools come in a variety of types and styles. For high-speed automated processes pneumatic, hydraulic or electric tools will be employed. Most of these tools are automated using terminals that are fed into the machine on strips or belts and wire fed in from spools and cut automatically to length. These tools can either be fully automated or manually controlled by an operator.
Most crimping of electrical connectors is done manually with hand tools. There are two main types of hand crimping tools. The simplest is a pliers type of crimp tool. Pliers are made by a set of handles joined at a pivot point. Above the pivot point is the crimp heads. These are designed to mate exactly as the handles are pulled together creating the crimping action. Within these head units are cavities designed to a specific configuration to create the correct crimp for specific types and sizes of terminals.
The second type of hand crimping tools is known as Ratchet crimping tools. They work on the same principal as pliers type tools but have the added mechanical function of a ratchet mechanism. This ratchet is a one-way function insuring the tool has been fully closed on each crimp. The ratchet works to insure an exact and proper crimp each time it is used. The ratchet mechanism will not release until the tool has made a full close cycle.
What types of connectors are Crimping Tools used on?
There are many types of terminals or connectors that crimping tools are used on. These include open and closed barrel connectors, coax connectors, ferrules, pins and sockets, cable lugs and battery terminals.
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