[RE-wrenches] Cable crimper question

[Ray Walters]

I haven't used that type, because that type of die doesn't work well 
with the thin battery lugs we use for off grid battery cables.  Seems 
better for the heavy cast lugs.
I currently have a type that makes a crimp similar to the hammer type 
crimpers: an indentation on one side and V on the other.
I've been quite happy with it, but I don't use their settings, I usually 
crimp it tighter by a size or two till I'm happy with the compression.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Burndy-MY29-3-Dieless-Crimping-Tool-Aluminum-And-Copper-Cable-/111578027435 
Nick Stallard had the Greenlee version and it also worked very well.
I've cut apart quite a few lugs on my band saw, and the hex (die) crimps 
were not as good.  The V and indent type looked like fused metal, the 
strands were squished so tight there was no air space between them.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 2/6/2015 4:35 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:
> Wrenches,
> Has anyone used the cheap Chinese hydraulic cable crimpers? Any field 
> reports? Dies appear to be metric; do they correspond to AWG? All of 
> these kits run about $45, which is absurd, as a Klein manual crimper 
> for up to 4/0 runs $200+, and that's what I expected to buy before I 
> came across lots of these on Ebay.
>
> An example: 
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-Ton-Hydraulic-Wire-Crimper-Crimping-Tool-11-Dies-Battery-Cable-Lug-Terminal-/310896486645?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4862dfe8f5
>
> I'm hesitant without good reviews, but it's tempting. No lectures, please.
>
> Thank you,
> Allan
>
> -- 
>
> *Allan Sindelar*
> allan at sindelarsolar.com <mailto:allan at sindelarsolar.com>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
> *505 780-2738 cell*
>
> **
>
>
>
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