Through Crimp Tool

[Raptor0014]

Anyone got any recommendations on a through crimp tool. A job I have been to look at the client wants the CU moving to a more convenient location, on the same wall but moving 0.5m to facilitate the kitchen design they have in mind.

Tails to the CU is fine its the rest of the wiring as I said I doubt there is 0.5m of play in the wiring. So would need to extend the cables. Largest size is 10mm T&E.

Was looking at this tool on Amazon:

Ratchet Crimp Tool

To use with these through crimps (covered with heat shrink after and placed into some trunking if I can't fish through to the new location.

Through Crimp

So before I go ahead and buy the tool I thought I would ask on here if anyone has any recommendations. I mentioned using adaptable box, din rail and din rail connectors. But the client wants minimal boxes and would rather some 4x2 trunking to the CU than box, trunking and CU.

Thanks

Carl

 

[R-fur]

Crimps don't work well on solid conductors. I would use wagos.

 

[Zerax]

Agreed... wagos would be my choice too.

 

[telectrix]

how about these. L,N.E in 1 unit. once enclosed in trunking, no need for heat shrink.

In Line Spring Lever Connectors

Use these 32A spring lever connectors for an easy, fast-fit connection. The levers are a real time-saver, and the compact design makes them easier to work with in confined spaces.• 3 in 3 out inline lever connectors• Spring levers for easy, fast-fit connections• Colour-coded for live, neutral...

www.toolstation.com

OK for the smaller stuff. (up to 2.5mm)

 

[Raptor0014]

It’s for a 10mm T&E cable on a 50amp circuit. It needs crimping and junction box isn’t wanted as client wants minimum boxing etc. Wago is no good as highest they do in that type connection is 41A for the push fit. 32A for spring loaded.

 

[telectrix]

It’s for a 10mm T&E cable on a 50amp circuit. It needs crimping and junction box isn’t wanted as client wants minimum boxing etc. Wago is no good as highest they do in that type connection is 41A for the push fit. 32A for spring loaded.

so it's uninsulated 10mm crimps with a couple of layers of heat shrink.

 

[Rockingit]

Doesn't anybody own a soldering iron anymore?

 

[timbobelfast]

Steel adaptable box with din rail terminals?

 

[Zerax]

so it's uninsulated 10mm crimps with a couple of layers of heat shrink.

Agreed... with my hydraulic crimpers... perfect !

 

[Raptor0014]

so it's uninsulated 10mm crimps with a couple of layers of heat shrink.

Yes as per the links in the first post. I just wanted to know if there were any recommendations other than the ones I intended to buy.

 

[timhoward]

Steel adaptable box with din rail terminals?

My first thought too, but when I re-read his post he's considered that and customer said no.

 

[timhoward]

Yes as per the links in the first post. I just wanted to know if there were any recommendations other than the ones I intended to buy.

My opinion is that that hand ratchet tool you link to won't deliver nearly enough meat for 10mm crimps. More leverage needed IMHO.
With disclaimer that I don't own either of them, but at the budget end of the market I'd have thought that either this hydraulic set:

Vinteky Hydraulic Crimper Tool Kit Tube Terminals Lugs Battery Cable Wire Crimping Force Wire Tool 4-70mm 8T : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop Vinteky Hydraulic Crimper Tool Kit Tube Terminals Lugs Battery Cable Wire Crimping Force Wire Tool 4-70mm 8T. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

or this set with a lot more leverage:
Amazon.co.uk - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L2S8FWR/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6

would serve you better. Of course others may have better suggestions. I tend to borrow a mates set and really should get a decent crimping tool!

 

[telectrix]

i use this for 10mm and 16mm. needs a bit of force, but crimps OK.

10mm² to 16mm² Hand Ratchet Crimp Tool Kit

Kit comprises of:

www.cef.co.uk

 

[rapparee]

My opinion is that that hand ratchet tool you link to won't deliver nearly enough meat for 10mm crimps. More leverage needed IMHO.
With disclaimer that I don't own either of them, but at the budget end of the market I'd have thought that either this hydraulic set:

Vinteky Hydraulic Crimper Tool Kit Tube Terminals Lugs Battery Cable Wire Crimping Force Wire Tool 4-70mm 8T : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

Shop Vinteky Hydraulic Crimper Tool Kit Tube Terminals Lugs Battery Cable Wire Crimping Force Wire Tool 4-70mm 8T. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

or this set with a lot more leverage:
Amazon.co.uk - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07L2S8FWR/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6

would serve you better. Of course others may have better suggestions. I tend to borrow a mates set and really should get a decent crimping tool!

CEW sell a nice SWA brand of crimps for £30

SWA CT650H Crimping Tool Hand Hexagonal Profile 6 mm-50 mm : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

SWA CT650H Crimping Tool Hand Hexagonal Profile 6 mm-50 mm : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

www.amazon.co.uk

They're similar to the second set

 

[LewisM]

TLC Direct do SWA branded ones 6-25mm works very well, very long so you can get a lot of force onto crimp 6.0mm² - 25mm² Ratchet Crimp Tool - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SWRP625.html

 

[Raptor0014]

Thanks everyone. I bought the SWA ones. ????

 

[Rockingit]

Does anyone else find that you need about three hands to use larger size crimpers? Small single handed 0.5-6mm ones are easy but as soon as you've got two lever arms it's a juggling act to keep the crimp and cable in place.

 

[Zerax]

Does anyone else find that you need about three hands to use larger size crimpers? Small single handed 0.5-6mm ones are easy but as soon as you've got two lever arms it's a juggling act to keep the crimp and cable in place.

It can be a bit tricky.. but wedging the crimp in the crimpers first helps alot, as does proper length of stripping. I also have a small vice that clamps to various things... so clamping the cable in there can also help.

 

[Rockingit]

It can be a bit tricky.. but wedging the crimp in the crimpers first helps alot, as does proper length of stripping. I also have a small vice that clamps to various things... so clamping the cable in there can also help.

Yep - just not so useful for getting a lug onto a cable in a DB!

 

[pc1966]

Does anyone else find that you need about three hands to use larger size crimpers? Small single handed 0.5-6mm ones are easy but as soon as you've got two lever arms it's a juggling act to keep the crimp and cable in place.

That is why I like the SWA-brand lugs as the tube is slightly flared so when you slightly crimp it won't slide down while you make sure the cable is pushed in with your third hand.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Anything approaching 6mm and over I find cant be crimped using a ratchet tool, I use a hydraulic crimper, even on 2.5mm solid it gives a very good connection using inline crips, the one in the yellow box below.

 

[pc1966]

Anything approaching 6mm and over I find cant be crimped using a ratchet tool, I use a hydraulic crimper, even on 2.5mm solid it gives a very good connection using inline crips, the one in the yellow box below.

What make/model is that? The link earlier is for a "Vinteky Hydraulic Crimper Tool Kit" which looks very similar, but only claims to go down to 4mm

 

[Rockingit]

What make/model is that? The link earlier is for a "Vinteky Hydraulic Crimper Tool Kit" which looks very similar, but only claims to go down to 4mm

Anything approaching 6mm and over I find cant be crimped using a ratchet tool, I use a hydraulic crimper, even on 2.5mm solid it gives a very good connection using inline crips, the one in the yellow box below.

I've the same hydraulic set and do the same. I use handheld CK's for >4mm, ratchet CK's for 6-10-16 and then go hydraulic after - you just need that third hand, though!!

 

[Mike Johnson]

What make/model is that? The link earlier is for a "Vinteky Hydraulic Crimper Tool Kit" which looks very similar, but only claims to go down to 4mm

The yellow box helpfully says "Tools" on the outside the tool itself says "Yok70", and indeed it only has a 4mm crimp as its minimum, but that is the mandrel size not the cable, as Rockingit says because the hydraulic stroke is short, it requires a number of movements of the handle to operate, not having a spring return you need two hands to operate it and another to hold whatever you are crimping, I did find with use I could operate it with one hand, but it is awkward.

 

[Rockingit]

We ought to have some clever power tool for this by now - I watch pipe fitters using battery powered solderless compression fittings all the time!

This is what we need - a crimping version of this! Pipe Press - https://www.hilti.co.uk/content/hilti/E1/GB/en/products/homepage-and-new-products/cordless-systems/pipe-press.html

 

[Mike Johnson]

I have seen one somewhere, but discounted it as if I remember it was over £500.00 will see if I can find the link.

EK354MLsetHLUK | Klauke Hydraulic Crimp Tool for Tubular Cable Lugs | RS

uk.rs-online.com

And the dies are extra at just under £100.00

Klauke EK50ML Micro Electro-Mechanical Crimping Tool In Case | Rapid Electronics

Klauke - EK 50 ML - Klauke EK50ML Micro Electro-Mechanical Crimping Tool In Case

www.rapidonline.com

 

[pc1966]

I have seen a video where an American DNO guy (different name for DNO though) used a battery crimper on the incoming overhead "tails". Looked a smart thing to have, but as @Mike Johnson has just posted costs in the £2k+ region!

That sparky had a standard (non insulated) tool, but wore insulating gloves all of the time to compensate as he crimped the supply cables live.