SERIOUS Crimping tool recommendations - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

strelnik · #1 05-02-2009, 05:58 PM

I have several cars that I am going to redo electrically and in at least two cases, I must make the wiring harnesses, because they no longer exist:

a 1949 MB 170 S becoming a 170DS

a 1953 MB 220 4 dr with Webasto

I got a 1971 220D needing work, but engine compression is so good it started without benefit of glow plugs! I know this because the ground wire on the series glow plugs is corroded in pieces!

I could make an emergency glow plug ground out of a small diameter copper pipe where I flatten the two ends with a hammer then drill holes for the screw connections, but since I need to do a lot of wire crimping, I want DEPENDABLE tools and connections.

I'd like some recommendations on SERIOUS (yes, expensive) professional tools and a source for a lot of sizes of crimp connections and wire from 16 gauge to 000 gauge. I'll make my own battery cables too

Thanks,
S

Peter Guenther · #2 05-02-2009, 07:02 PM

I have grown very fond of a ratcheting crimper, you put the lug in and close it, the insert the wire. It wont relase until it is crimped and each crimp is identical.
Of course the weatherpak connectors use a special tool, I have at least seven different crimpers in my tool chest, I dont do battery cables but I have seen great ones that look like bolt cutters

RadioTek · #3 05-02-2009, 07:54 PM

For a source of the tools, see if Graybar has what you're looking for.

http://www.graybar.com/

OldPokey · #4 05-02-2009, 11:22 PM

Professional crimping tools are generally custom manufactured for a particular connector. Figure out what kind of connectors you will use, and then buy the tool to suit.

It seems to me that high grade crimping tools run from $200 to $500 each. Some tools will accept different heads for different connector sizes - but not always, sometimes you have to buy a tool for each size pin and socket you plan to use.

I've been lucky going to Hamfests and perusing eBay for used crimping tools - sometimes I've purchased a perfectly good tool for 1/10 its original price. But you have to be careful - these tools wear out and then you end up with bad crimps.

Strife · #5 05-03-2009, 12:27 AM

Maybe you can find a good hand-held one that uses levers to multiply force with a limited range of dies between a few AWG sizes. For bigger sizes (i.e, battery cables) the serious ones are almost all hydraulic. I just looked into this myself and I like the Brundy hand-held, battery operated hydraulic units. They are around $3500! 6 tons of force, though...pretty good for an 18V battery pack

dieseldiehard · #6 05-03-2009, 01:48 PM

Thomas and Betts aka T&B makes great crimp tools, one model crimps up to 0 gauge with adjustabl;e die on the head, it rotates around and locks on a detent to the particular size you want. They make a larger version that the dies have to be manually removed then reattached and dies for 500 MCM (about a half inch ID wire) are available.
These are less costly than the hydraulic tools made for electricians who do a lot of crimping but you need some armstrong grease if you use them a lot.

mytmousemalibu · #7 05-03-2009, 02:49 PM

X2 on the ratcheting crimpers! There the hot ticket to beautiful, professional wiring. Now it depends on the type of connections your going to use but heres the one i really like.... http://www.jegs.com/p/MSD/747779/10002/-1

Jegs also has there own house brand thats cheaper but not as many dies but i belive the MSD dies fit it? Anyhow, the MSD one is awsome!

Im not sure if you can use crushed copper tube as GP buss bars? IIRC the MBZ wiggle wire bars are of spicific resistance?

strelnik · #8 05-03-2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mytmousemalibu

Im not sure if you can use crushed copper tube as GP buss bars? IIRC the MBZ wiggle wire bars are of spicific resistance?

You are absolutely right but in a pinch, to ground the plugs, versus NO PLUGS, I'd do it to get the engine started, make my getaway and avoid being eaten by the Tyrannosaurus !

Roncallo · #9 05-03-2009, 05:10 PM

I'm in the same boat. Now that I got my car running it's time to shorten some wires and clean things up.

I generally prefer uninsulated terminals with shrink tube. But I have recently found that McMaster Carr supplied nice shrink tube insulated terminals.

So here are two crimpers from Hella. I figure Hella must know how to make a crimp tool but I have no experience with it. the insulated one is $100 and the uninsulated one is $130.

But after seeing that one from JEGS I'm almost sold.

http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=439

TOPGUN · #10 05-03-2009, 10:31 PM

The Thomas and Betts crimpers are high quality. I use a T&B WT-111M for #10 to #22 gage wire and a WT-115A for #8 to #2 gage wire. The T&B terminals are far above any that can be found at the local auto parts store. The barrel where the wire fits into is a closed seem. I like using non-insulated teminals covered with shrink wrap. As previously mentioned Graybar is a good source.Good Luck.

compress ignite · #11 05-04-2009, 01:35 AM

Jamestown Distributors is selling them for about$60.00. (They're pricey)

(I picked one up at my local Marine Chandler's last Summer for $36.00.)
[I'd been lusting after one for years,and it finally went on sale]

Unless you're Six Sheets to the Windward of Sober,Asleep or already
visiting Davy Jones; It's almost impossible to make a bad crimp
with this tool. 'Handles 22 to 10 AWG.

compress ignite · #12 05-04-2009, 01:58 AM

8 to 4/0 AWG
http://www.toolup.com/greenlee/k09-2gl.html

compress ignite · #13 05-04-2009, 02:01 AM

It's a Breeze with this.

mytmousemalibu · #14 05-04-2009, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strelnik

You are absolutely right but in a pinch, to ground the plugs, versus NO PLUGS, I'd do it to get the engine started, make my getaway and avoid being eaten by the Tyrannosaurus !

Ya! The "in a pinch" moments with a T-rex hot on your tail can really save your lunch

I drove a 6.2L Diesel GMC Sierra in high school. On cold bitter winter after class the ole glow controller took a dump on me and she wouldnt start at all, not even a hiccup. So i busted out the McGuyver skills, dug behing the seat and grabbed an cigarette lighter power cord for a radar detector. I clipped the ends off somhow, stripped the ends with my teeth, unclipped a GP connector, jammed the wires in it an clipped it back on the GP. I then procceded to (wearing a glove) touch the wires to the batt. positive post untill the insulation was nearly on fire and ran inside and hit the key! After a few times of this, she fired and i drove my frozen butt home!

I made me a nice push button manual glow control VS. gettin cornholed for a new controller

Sorry for the OT

Hope you find what your after

Glad i could help

tinypanzer · #15 05-04-2009, 05:56 PM

AMP makes great crimp tools, but you will find yourself paying a lot of money for them, and you will be stuck using AMP connectors.

FWIW, I would recommend soldering the wires wherever you can. Even the best crimper is second fiddle to a properly soldered joint.

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