Key Points
- Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Wire Crimper Tool is the Qibaok Crimping Tool Set.
- Wire crimper tools play an essential role in establishing safe and secure electrical connections.
- When shopping for a wire crimper tool, keep performance, durability, and comfort in mind.
- Before purchasing a wire crimper tool, you need to know the specific crimping profile of your job.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, the importance of precise and reliable wire crimpers tailored to your specific task cannot be emphasized enough. Using subpar or inappropriate equipment can lead to disastrous outcomes, and in extreme cases, even result in electrical fires.
To safeguard against such detrimental consequences, investing in high-quality crimping tools that consistently deliver precise crimps is essential.
In this article, we’ve meticulously curated the best crimper tools for the most common electrical jobs, helping you make informed decisions to ensure the success of your projects. Here’s a list of our top picks.
- Best Overall: Wirefy Crimping Tool Set
- Best for Insulated Nylon Connectors: Wirefy Crimping Tool
- Best for Non-Insulated Terminals: iCrimp Non-Insulated Terminal Crimper
- Best for Hexagonal Crimping: Knoweasy Hexagonal Ferrule
- Best for Cutting and Crimping: Klein Tools 1005
- Best for Deutsch Connectors: iCrimp Closed Barrel Crimper
#1 Best Overall: Wirefy Crimping Tool Set
- 8 pieces total
- Ratcheting wire crimper
- Heat shrink
- Non-insulated
- Open barrel
- Ferrule connectors
- Flag
The Wirefy Crimping Tool Set comes with 6 pairs of interchangeable dies, allowing you to work with heat shrink, non-insulated, open barrel, flag, and ferrule terminals.
With such versatility, these crimpers could easily become the only ones you’ll ever need. Swapping out the dies takes only seconds. You simply pull them out and slide new ones in until you hear a satisfying click. This design ensures seamless transitions between terminal types, saving you valuable time.
With the dies securely in place, you can efficiently operate the ratcheting mechanism with just one hand. This mechanism automatically releases, leaving no doubt that your crimps are complete.
The inclusion of a wire cutter suitable for 10-22 AWG adds further versatility to your toolset. To keep everything organized and easily accessible, the set comes with a convenient storage case. This case ensures that all the components stay in place and are readily available when needed.
While this tool set received rave reviews from customers, some customers pointed out that the storage case does not include any labels. Consequently, locating the various parts can be more challenging than necessary.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can tackle almost any crimping task using this all-in-one toolset. | The storage case lacks identifying labels, making it more difficult to locate the right parts. |
| Swapping out the dies is quick and easy. | |
| You can efficiently consolidate everything you need for crimping jobs in the storage case. |
Check out Wirefy Crimping Tool Set on Amazon.
Best for Insulated Nylon Connectors: Wirefy Crimping Tool For Insulated Electrical Connectors
- Ratcheting wire crimper
- Efficient ratcheting mechanism and professional grade crimping die for proper rock-solid crimps every time
- Works best with insulated nylon electrical terminals
- Wire connectors are crimped by squeezing the handle through a complete ratcheting cycle until the handle releases automatically
- Adjustable crimping force
The Wirefy Crimping Tool streamlines the crimping process, saving you valuable time and effort.
The Wirefy Crimping Tool features precision-engineered jaws that create completely secure crimps, capable of enduring rigorous strength tests. The finely polished teeth ensure your insulation remains intact, and the color-coded indicator prevents accidental crimping damage.
Applying enough pressure to prevent electrical hazards is vital, but over-clamping can be risky as well. To address this, you can fine-tune using the star wheel for the perfect depth.
Once the crimpers complete the ratcheting cycle, a quick-release trigger empowers you to make rapid progress. This convenient feature proves especially valuable during high-volume projects where time is of the essence.
While the quick-release trigger was designed with speed in mind, some customers noted that it’s difficult to access when the jaws are clamped. However, in the event that you encounter issues, Wirefy offers a lifetime warranty on this crimper.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| These crimpers create secure crimps without damaging the insulation. | Some users noted that the quick-release trigger wasn’t as easy to access as they desired. |
| A color-coded indicator improves accuracy and efficiency. | |
| The quick-release trigger enables rapid progress. | |
| A lifetime warranty provides assurance that the product is reliable. |
Check out Wirefy Crimping Tool on Amazon.
Best for Non-Insulated Terminals: iCrimp Non-Insulated Terminal Crimper
- AWG 22-6 ratchet wire crimper tool
- For battery cable terminals
- Copper butt connector
- Ergonomic grip type
The iCrimp Non-Insulated Terminal Crimper ensures a perfect crimp every time by automatically releasing once the crimping process is complete.
Designed with high-volume crimping in mind, the iCrimp Non-Insulated Terminal Crimper features extra-long grips which increase leverage and reduce the force required by 50%. This ergonomic design reduces hand fatigue, making it a preferred choice for those handling extensive electrical work.
In addition to its user-friendly design, the iCrimp Non-Insulated Terminal Crimper offers versatility by accommodating multiple sizes of wire. While this is advantageous in some scenarios, it also requires the user to open the grip wider to find the correct groove.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The automatic release feature lets you know the crimp is complete. | You may have to open the grip widely to find the correct groove for your wire. |
| Extra-long handles provide more leverage, decreasing hand strain. | |
| It can accommodate 6-22 AWG, making it a versatile tool. |
Check out iCrimp Non-Insulated Terminal Crimper on Amazon.
Best for Hexagonal Crimping: Knoweasy Hexagonal Ferrule Crimping Tool
- 16-6 ferrules crimp tool
- Used for 30-5 AWG/0.6-16mm² cable end sleeves
- Nylon handle
- Six serrated crimp surface
The Knoweasy Hexagonal Ferrule Crimping Tool is a time-saving and efficient option, automatically adjusting itself to the required diameter.
It can handle a wide range of wire sizes, from 5 to 30 AWG, using a serrated surface to achieve the tightest possible crimp. Considering the amount of wire gauges it can handle, it’s incredibly ergonomic and easy to grip. Its small size also makes it convenient to store, fitting easily into a pocket or tool belt.
While its high-precision design eliminates guesswork by automatically adjusting to your specific wire diameter, it’s only suitable for work on ferrule terminals. If you require a tool for crimping other types of terminals, you may need to explore alternative options to suit your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The automatic adjustment feature saves time and energy. | This tool is only useful for work on ferrule terminals. |
| It can accommodate a wide range of wire gauges. | |
| The serrated surfaces ensure tight and secure crimps. | |
| Its small size makes it convenient to use, carry, and store. |
Check out Knoweasy Hexagonal Ferrule on Amazon.
Best for Cutting and Crimping: Klein Tools 1005 Cutting/Crimping Tool
- 10-22 AWG terminals and connectors
- Works with insulated and non-insulated terminals
- Specially hardened wire cutter in nose
- Tapered nose design for working in confined spaces
The Klein Tools 1005 Cutting/Crimping Tool is a highly regarded crimper known for its versatility and ability to get into tight spaces.
Its slim and simple design is particularly advantageous when working in hard-to-reach places because it’s intuitive to use even if you have limited visibility. Since it can cut, strip wires, and crimp, it’s also an efficient choice, saving time by eliminating the need to switch tools.
The steel nose has undergone a specific heat treatment process to increase its hardness, ensuring it can withstand the pressure of repeated crimping without deformation. Additionally, the heat-treated pivot ensures stability and eliminates any wobbling. With such exceptional durability, regular wear and tear won’t damage this tool, making it more likely that you’ll only need to replace it if you lose it.
As an important safety note, it’s crucial to mention that the Klein Tools 1005 Cuttin/Crimping Tool is not an insulated tool. Therefore, it should not be used with live wires since it won’t provide protection against electrocution.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This multifunctional tool allows you to perform various tasks. | Since it is not an insulated tool, it won’t protect you from electrocution. |
| It’s slim and user-friendly, so you can use it in tight places that are difficult to see. | |
| It’s unlikely to deform and wear out from general use, so you may only need to replace it if you lose it. |
Check out Klein Tools 1005 on Amazon.
Best for Deutsch Connectors: iCrimp Closed Barrel Crimper
- 4-way indent
- 8 impression tyoe
- For Deutsch solid contacts
- 14, 16, 18 (IWD-16)
With the iCrimp Closed Barrel Crimper in your hand, you’ll consistently achieve the perfect crimp depth for Deutsch connectors.
Its smooth ratchet and spring-loaded mechanism ensure a solid crimp every time, employing 8 impressions in the ratchet mechanism for uniform indents on the terminal. Moreover, you have the flexibility of 7 levels of crimping force, allowing fine-tuning for different pin hardness and thickness.
Whether you’re tackling 10 terminals or 10,000 terminals, the ergonomic grips provide ample leverage, minimizing hand fatigue. Rest assured, this tool is built to withstand the test of time, as it’s constructed entirely from corrosion and rust-resistant materials.
Customer reviews confirm its outstanding performance, noting that it works just as well as other options at a fraction of the cost. While this tool excels at crimping Deutsch connectors, it’s a specialized tool with limited versatility. If you’re looking for a crimping tool that can handle various terminal types and sizes, you may need to invest in a more general-purpose crimper.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It consistently achieves sturdy, uniform crimps. | Since it’s a specialized tool, it has limited versatility. |
| 7 levels of adjustable crimping force allow for fine-tuning based on pin hardness and thickness. | |
| Ergonomic grips reduce hand fatigue. | |
| It’s cost-effective and can stand the test of time. |
Check out iCrimp Closed Barrel Crimper on Amazon.
©Teerachai Jampanak/Shutterstock.com
How to Pick the Best Wire Crimper Tool: Step-by-Step
When choosing a wire crimper tool, there are three main considerations for most buyers.
- Performance
- Durability
- Comfort
Let’s review each of these criteria in more detail.
Performance
A high-performing crimper ensures durable connections that won’t come apart under pressure. We recommend looking for a crimper tool with a ratcheting mechanism. This will guarantee precise force application, preventing both under-crimping and over-crimping.
Without a ratcheting mechanism, you may find yourself guessing how hard to squeeze, leading to inconsistent crimps or repeatedly performing the same crimp due to uncertainty. Opting for ratcheting crimpers will ensure that your terminals are secure, as they apply the correct amount of pressure to get the job done.
Durability
If you’re investing in wire crimper tools, chances are you’re planning on crimping more than one terminal. Consequently, they’ll need to withstand the pressures of frequent use and continue to deliver consistent crimps over time.
To avoid replacing your crimper down the line, we recommend choosing one that is durable and well-built. Look for a crimper from a reputable brand that is made from high-quality materials such as hardened steel jaws and hot-riveted joints.
Comfort
Since the vast majority of wire crimper tools are designed to be handheld, you’ll want to prioritize comfort so that your strength or endurance doesn’t limit your job. Crimpers with long handles can provide additional leverage, making it easier to exert the necessary force.
Furthermore, well-designed handles should allow for a secure grip. They should feel like a natural extension of your hand, ensuring maximum control.
What to Know Before Buying a Wire Crimper Tool
Wire Gage
Different electrical projects involve wires of different sizes, commonly represented using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. In order to ensure compatibility, you must choose a wire crimper that is custom-built for your chosen wire gauge. If your projects involve a wide range of wire sizes, you have two options: invest in multiple specialized tools or choose a versatile crimper that can handle various wire gauges.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. A versatile tool streamlines your workflow by eliminating the need for tool switching, but it may require wider handle openings to find the correct groove. This could be potentially uncomfortable and may lead to hand fatigue over time.
In contrast, specialized tools provide precise crimps tailored to specific wire sizes, but you might need to switch between them, causing interruptions.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the complexity of your projects as well as your preference for convenience versus specialized performance.
Terminal Material
The material of the terminals you work with can vary, such as insulated, non-insulated, or heat shrink connectors. Among those options, the hardness and thickness can also vary.
In order to get the best results, you must carefully consider the compatibility of your crimper with your materials. Even the best crimper applied incorrectly can cause damage and compromise connections.
To avoid such issues, choose a crimper that is designed to handle the materials you work with. Some crimpers offer the advantage of fine-tuning the crimping pressure, allowing you to adjust based on your materials.
Crimp Profile
Crimp profiles refer to the shapes and configurations of a crimped connection, such as hexagonal, square, circular, and indent. While many crimpers can handle various wire gauges and materials, it’s less common for them to support multiple crimping profiles.
Using an incompatible crimper can result in weak joints, intermittent connectivity, or even complete failure. Therefore, it’s crucial to select one that matches the required crimping profile for your specific terminals.
Using a Wire Crimper Tool: What It’s Like
When you pick up the right crimper tool, its reassuring grip will instill a sense of readiness to tackle your job. Intuitively positioning the terminal within the jaws, you’ll find it effortless to clamp down, thanks to the tool’s ergonomic design and leverage. Even after numerous crimps, your hand won’t fatigue and the crimper will continue to create consistent connections.
In the end, it will be a rewarding process knowing that your electrical connections are strong, safe, and built to last.
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