A crimping tool also known as a crimper, wire crimper, or cable crimper is a hand tool used to crimp connectors onto wires or cables to create a secure and reliable electrical connection. Crimping tools consist of a pair of handles that operate the tool when squeezed together and jaws or dies with dedicated crimping profiles to hold the connector in place. Some tools have a ratchet crimping mechanism to maintain consistent crimping pressure and ensure the connector is fully crimped before the handles are released.
Benefits of Crimping Tools
Here are the key benefits of using crimping tools:
- Reliable Connections: Crimping creates strong, secure wire-to-connector bonds, minimising the risk of loose connections and electrical failures.
- Ease of Use: Designed for simplicity, crimping tools are user-friendly, making them accessible even to beginners.
- Versatility: Equipped with various dies or interchangeable heads, crimping tools adapt to a range of applications.
- Cost-Effective: As an economical choice, crimping tools provide durable connections without the need for soldering, enhancing their long-term value.
Types of Crimping Tool
Crimping tools are essential for creating strong, reliable connections in various electrical and networking applications. These tools come in several designs to accommodate different tasks and materials:
Hand-held Crimping Tools
- These manual tools are compact, resembling traditional pliers, making them highly portable.
- Ideal for precision tasks in military, aerospace, and aviation applications due to their ease of use and lower cost.
- Recommended for less frequent, delicate crimping operations.
Electrical Crimping Tools
- Battery-powered tools that require less manual effort and provide greater force, suitable for tougher materials like aluminium.
- More expensive than hand-held models but offer increased durability and frequency of use.
- Variants are tailored for specific footings and material requirements.
Hydraulic Crimping Tools
- Utilise hydraulic fluid to generate compression power, ideal for heavy-duty jobs in maintenance, repairs, and industrial applications.
- Available in hand-hydraulic and remote-hydraulic models, accommodating over 200 crimps per day.
- Offer versatility and substantial power for demanding tasks.
Pneumatic Crimping Tools
- Operate using compressed air to enhance ease of use and efficiency.
- Suitable for high-volume, heavy-duty applications, particularly in the automotive industry.
- Provide quick and powerful crimping capabilities at the push of a button.
Benchtop Crimping Tools
- Stationary units mounted on workbenches, designed for regular use in industrial settings.
- Provide stability and precision for more demanding crimping tasks.
- Bulkier and more powerful, these tools are essential for continuous, high-strength crimping needs.
Learn more in our guide to crimp tools.
Applications of Crimping Tools
Crimping tools are essential for electricians, mechanics, and engineers who frequently work with cables and wires in various installations and repairs. These crimpers are crucial for securely attaching wiring heads to connectors or terminals, ensuring a precise and robust electrical connection. Unlike soldering, crimped connections rely on mechanical strength and must be gas-tight to prevent oxygen or moisture from causing corrosion.
Additionally, crimping tools are used to attach ferrite beads to wiring, which helps manage current flow and prevent electromagnetic interference. Ferrite, a combination of ceramic and iron alloy, along with pure ceramic beads, also aids in enhancing electrical insulation, further securing and optimising electrical systems across multiple applications.
Ordering and Delivery Information
Browse our range of crimping tools from renowned brands online to quickly add items for next-day delivery, or opt to pick them up at your nearest RS branch. For those who prefer personal interaction, our orders can be made over the phone at +65 6865 3400.
For detailed information about all our delivery options, please visit our delivery information page.