For many decades, I had a pair of Thomas & Betts crimpers I used for Sta-Kon type terminals/splices... then some years ago they vanished. Wanted to replace with with T&B's but all I could find was knock-offs. Finally got a pair of (10") Snap-On 29ACF's; which I like even better than the T&B's. For Sta-Kon applications, I almost always go non-insulated... and finish with heat shrink.
The best snap-on tool I own is a pair of these that were my father's. He got them 30+ years ago when he was a tech. They still work and I use them all the time.
Channellocks pliers have the insulated crimp on top like the snap on pliers....which I like. My favorite pliers are Thomas & Betts. When I first started in the elevator business all the old timers had them and just referred to them as "Sta-kon's"pliers. I was able to find 2 pairs in like new condition on the internet for a great price. That was 6 years ago and I think they are hard to come by now. I've since switched to a ratchet type for a consistent crimp when working on project at home. IMO these plier crimping tools should only be used for emergency field repairs if possible...but we all know that most emergency repairs are permanent.
I use the kleins every day. They don’t cut through insulation when you crimp connectors. Even if you squeeze really hard. Great for cutting zipties off wires. I don’t think I have ever cut a wire under something with them. Other than wearing out the cutters after a few years I have never broken a set
I've got a basic pair of those long ones that I got down at Advance a few years ago. I don't even know what brand they are. They do work, but it's definitely time for an upgrade to some Klein, or maybe Channel Lock.
Do you find much difference in the thickness of the tool? My Gardner Bender set is really thick at the crimp, like 3/8” wide. While it makes for a good crimp for barrel type connectors, when using red and blue spade connectors, it’s a huge pain to line everything up just right and not crimp down a deform the female spade. I was thinking the pair you have, more like 3/16” thick is more ideal.
Sorry Doc, but I hate these kinds of crimpers. Once I got a ratcheting crimper with dies, I never looked back. If you really want a crimp that lasts, you need the right size crimper for each size or type of connector, and there are many common ones. These crimpers only provide one size for insulated, one for non-insulated. They also have the cutter close to the crimper which is a liability. And they crimp at an angle. I feel like they were a great idea decades ago, but no longer.
Was going to mention this as well. Ratchet crimpers with dies are worlds better than this older style. I have a nice pair of Thomas and Betts but still use the ratchet crimpers. I have dies for just about everything including flag terminals used mostly on HVAC.
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For many decades, I had a pair of Thomas & Betts crimpers I used for Sta-Kon type terminals/splices... then some years ago they vanished. Wanted to replace with with T&B's but all I could find was knock-offs. Finally got a pair of (10") Snap-On 29ACF's; which I like even better than the T&B's. For Sta-Kon applications, I almost always go non-insulated... and finish with heat shrink.
Still have my orange and black handles. Those are what everyone copied.
Looks like they still have them on Amazon for more than twice the cost. WT112M
3:46 I agree crimper underneath the handle causes issues in most of the times I need to crimp.
I have the no nonsense Channellock version. I use them all the time, love em.
You should have included the channel lock one. That’s pretty cool and unique. Snap On has one too
I have this brand and I like them
The best snap-on tool I own is a pair of these that were my father's. He got them 30+ years ago when he was a tech. They still work and I use them all the time.
I see the ideal cutters don't close because the blue handles are touching and keeping the cutter surfaces from touching.
I have the Kleins, silky smooth and gets the job done! And the cutters line up perfectly too!
I still have my pair from 48 years ago, still works great. I'm not sure what brand they are. Thanks Doc
Channellocks pliers have the insulated crimp on top like the snap on pliers....which I like. My favorite pliers are Thomas & Betts. When I first started in the elevator business all the old timers had them and just referred to them as "Sta-kon's"pliers. I was able to find 2 pairs in like new condition on the internet for a great price. That was 6 years ago and I think they are hard to come by now. I've since switched to a ratchet type for a consistent crimp when working on project at home. IMO these plier crimping tools should only be used for emergency field repairs if possible...but we all know that most emergency repairs are permanent.
They are invaluable in supermarket refrigeration setting,when you have lots of zip ties to cut and dozens of wire connectors you have to crimp.
Great video Doc
I use the kleins every day. They don’t cut through insulation when you crimp connectors. Even if you squeeze really hard. Great for cutting zipties off wires. I don’t think I have ever cut a wire under something with them. Other than wearing out the cutters after a few years I have never broken a set
Turner and bates crimper is nice too.😊
I've got a basic pair of those long ones that I got down at Advance a few years ago. I don't even know what brand they are. They do work, but it's definitely time for an upgrade to some Klein, or maybe Channel Lock.
I have the Mac version and they are awesome
Do you find much difference in the thickness of the tool? My Gardner Bender set is really thick at the crimp, like 3/8” wide. While it makes for a good crimp for barrel type connectors, when using red and blue spade connectors, it’s a huge pain to line everything up just right and not crimp down a deform the female spade. I was thinking the pair you have, more like 3/16” thick is more ideal.
As a well pump Technician these types of pliers give millions of people water everyday… Knipex where you at ? Why you ask? Because I like knipex.
If the small one had a nipper at the tip like the big one it would be the perfect pliers!
Sorry Doc, but I hate these kinds of crimpers. Once I got a ratcheting crimper with dies, I never looked back. If you really want a crimp that lasts, you need the right size crimper for each size or type of connector, and there are many common ones.
These crimpers only provide one size for insulated, one for non-insulated. They also have the cutter close to the crimper which is a liability. And they crimp at an angle. I feel like they were a great idea decades ago, but no longer.
Was going to mention this as well. Ratchet crimpers with dies are worlds better than this older style. I have a nice pair of Thomas and Betts but still use the ratchet crimpers. I have dies for just about everything including flag terminals used mostly on HVAC.
Just don’t crimp heat shrimp connectors with any of these
I've had a pair of Channellock's for years. They do alright but I have ruined some eyes on a crimp so not the best. I just have to be aware.