Good stuff. Just went and bought one. Thanks for the demonstration

@OurBlackCatCottage

15 күн бұрын

Cool! Let me know if you like it.

I've been in telecom dc power for 27 years. The first place I worked had a big hydraulic crimper that crimped in that way. Like you mention, it covers a number of sizes with one die set. Ours did up to 750MCML, Common size for us. I don't know how long they were acceptable but they weren't for long while I was doing it. Unless you are on the bleeding edge of the current capacity of your wire, probably ok. You shouldn't be pushing those limits though, voltage drop would be unnecessarily high. Adding wire gauge and parallel conductors is usually cheaper than adding battery capacity. That said: That type of crimp is classified as a hell no in industrial DC systems. Hotspots mostly, and they're generally uneven compression. Only way to inspect is destructive... It's still more expensive than the import hydraulic but a solid, fast and reliable crimper is the Thomas and Betts TBM6, TBM6S if you want the ratchet that has a ratchet to insure the crimper fully closes. I don't think the ratchet is necessary but some customers insist on them. Used ones are often on EBAY. It also has dies but you can also do h-taps and c-taps if you have the dies for that... Also for some extra quality, No-ox-id in the barrel of the lug before crimping. Burndy makes a version but the good stuff is made by sanchem. Heat shrink, not tape on your lug barrels, the kind with hot glue is best, particularly around the batteries. less likely to get corrosion creeping up the wire sheath with no ox and glued heat shrink in use.

I use the same hammer crimper too. I use it to repair and build extension cables for portable and stationary HVAC units. They make the perfect crimp and the tool docent cost an arm and a leg.

@OurBlackCatCottage

6 ай бұрын

I just love mine. I never use my hydraulic crimper anymore.

Thanks I have to work in tight spaces. That’s the only reason why It won’t work for me but I do like that style of crimper. I do not like the dye ones I need to get what you have but something with handles. i’m looking at Kemco products Dieless crimping lug tool it is pricey at $134

@OurBlackCatCottage

12 күн бұрын

Yeah it would be hard to use a hammer crimper in a tight space. LOL

Looks of crimp: Hydraulic Crimper Portability: Hammer Crimper Cost: Hammer Crimper Effectiveness: tie

@OurBlackCatCottage

6 ай бұрын

I would agree with that.

My boss said no one’s aloud to use the hammer crimpers anymore and we have to use the hydraulic ones. Makes no difference to me honestly but I guess the hydraulic crimps will always provide an equal and uniform crimp across all the work being performed. Other than that probably also so the apprentices can’t accidentally F up a job either or accidentally hurt them selves or something but I didn’t ask questions cause they bought me a free tool out of it 🤷🏻‍♂️

@OurBlackCatCottage

6 ай бұрын

That makes sense. It probably to have everyone use it so it is uniformed.

This tool is brilliant for a jobbing DIYer but it would never be acceptable in the industrial (military) environment that I work in due to the fact the pressure exerted is not consistent - it seems to depend on how hard you can twatt a hammer. We cannot use any crimp tool that does not have a ratcheting action either. its all about repetition. You also have to conduct pull off tests at regular intervals to ensure that the tool is working properly. Its all about traceability in my industry - if there is a failure we have to be able to trace back everything to ensure that everything was working to specification to cover our arses - we don't want anything failing in the battle field. Yes the tools are expensive (very) but we cannot operate without them. I echo what Davewood has said. We mostly use ATUM or HTAT to protect the crimps. I apologise for sounding really anal on this but I work with this kind of stuff every day.

@OurBlackCatCottage

2 ай бұрын

That makes sense. Thanks for your perspective on it.

The biggest thing with crimpers whether hydraulic or hammer is making sure there is enough pressure to solidify the copper wiring. Maybe grind a radius on top the striker of your crimper. Anything we strike over time will mushroom on the top and could shrapnel off one day when striking it and could hurt you or someone watching your work. And I agree with your view on crimping with a striker.

@OurBlackCatCottage

6 ай бұрын

Good point

With a Hammer crimp you don't achieve spec consistently. Proper crimp has to be done to spec to prevent corrosion and heating. With a mechanical or hydraulic you crimp till the dies are closed 100% (Spec). Hammer crimp is a gamble. Commercial has a spec for everything. Because of liabilities (thank the Insurance Lawyers).

Find a way to bolt a big as$ magnet to the bottom and it might be a perfect tool.

@OurBlackCatCottage

6 ай бұрын

It can be mounted if you wanted to.