Weatherpack Crimper

[Straversi]

Not all Weather Pack crimper tools are created equal. You can find them online for anywhere between $20 and $140. I bought the tool on the right (red handle) for $37. Looked decent and I knew I was only going to make a couple dozen crimps so the $140 pro model was not required, right?

I bought a bunch of extra terminals so I could practice, watched a couple of u-tube instructional videos... then proceeded to ruin about 15 pins before I gave up.

I ordered the tool on the left (blue handle) from Mike at Replica Parts (sponsored vendor). He charges $120 and when you return it he credits you $100 back. $20 rental and it works perfectly. Or keep it for $120 if you see more weatherpacking in your future.

The blue handle tool has a block attached to the lower jaw that secures and aligns the terminal. Perfect crimp, first time, every time. The only way to go!

66934


-Steve

[rich grsc]

I have a really cheap crimper. Out of the dozens I have done, maybe three screwed up, my fault, was in a hurry used the wrong jaw.

[ThickCobra]

Not all Weather Pack crimper tools are created equal. You can find them online for anywhere between $20 and $140. I bought the tool on the right (red handle) for $37. Looked decent and I knew I was only going to make a couple dozen crimps so the $140 pro model was not required, right?

I bought a bunch of extra terminals so I could practice, watched a couple of u-tube instructional videos... then proceeded to ruin about 15 pins before I gave up.

I ordered the tool on the left (blue handle) from Mike at Replica Parts (sponsored vendor). He charges $120 and when you return it he credits you $100 back. $20 rental and it works perfectly. Or keep it for $120 if you see more weatherpacking in your future.

The blue handle tool has a block attached to the lower jaw that secures and aligns the terminal. Perfect crimp, first time, every time. The only way to go!

66934


-Steve

Steve,

I also have the blue - handled one. It works fantastic every time.

Jay

[Straversi]

I have a really cheap crimper. Out of the dozens I have done, maybe three screwed up, my fault, was in a hurry used the wrong jaw.

Ha, I'll be the first to admit to "operator error" but I tried everything with that particular tool. I'm sure that there are some lower priced tools that will do the job. I have more Harbor Freight than Snap-on in my shop.

My only reason for posting the public service announcement is for those who are not experienced. Since this is not a tool you use around the house, either go for the rental or at least look for a less expensive tool that has an alignment aid. Or, just be better than me. That might be the answer.

[erlihemi]

I picked up an S&G tool with interchangeable heads from Summit. So far it has worked well on a variety of terminations. I never seem to find one tool that I'm happy with for all the terminals. It has blue handles also. Maybe its the handle color that makes the difference.

[phileas_fogg]

I love my Tool Aid crimper with interchangeable jaws https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002STTTI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . I find I get best results by bending the "keeper" tabs of the pin out from the body so that they're at at least a 60-75 degree angle; that keeps the crimper jaws from crushing the tabs. Also, note that the jaws are directional; keep the wide part of the jaw towards the base of the pin or you'll ruin the pin.

And like Rich, I've ruined a handful of pins using the wrong size jaw.


John

[AC Bill]

The tube type, weather pack pin remover tools, can vary in quality as well.
I bought one in particular, because it had multiple sizes of tubes to be able to use on the different connectors. That seemed like a nice feature over the ones that would only do one size pin. It wasn't expensive, and worked great the first few times I needed it. There needs to be firm pressure applied to release the pin from the connector. The last time I used it, most of the tube broke off, and the remainder of it inserted itself into the hand holding the connector..:eek:

This is the one that broke on me.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61leSG8yekL._SX355_.jpg

This is the type I would buy now..
https://www.waytekwire.com/images/items/Weather-Pack-Terminal-Remover-421_f.png