I found myself needing to upgrade from the wire crimpers found on my all-in-one wire stripper tool. During a stroll through the local home improvement store, I found a few affordable options and ultimately chose Channellock’s 909 crimpers.
I’ve been working with terminals and butt connectors more often, but not enough to justify the purchase of a costly crimper. The Channellocks ended up being about $22, and they seem to be very well made.
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What do you think, was this a good choice?
Channellock Wire Crimper Tool via Amazon
Product Info via Channellock
uthscsaedu
I don’t think channellocks are ever a bad choice.
lametec
I got an Ideal Crimpmaster ratcheting crimper for my insulated terminals, and I picked up a crimper similar to the Channellocks from Harbor Freight for my uninsulated needs (very rarely).
The Channel Lock crimpers only have one die for uninsulated terminals, so I’d think it gets less than ideal (unintentional pun) crimp on some terminal sizes.
JeffD
One sized crimper? I’m not sure about this concept. I would think this crimper would actually crimp through the smaller 22ga. connectors. A proper review is needed.
Dan Richards
You can’t go wrong with Channellock. There’s a crimper-equipped version of the 369 linesman plier too, but it costs a bit more.
Okay I suppose you can go wrong with Chinese licensed Channellock… I did. But that’s a story I’m trying to get thru the last chapter on.
Jason
Should have gone with the Klein 1006 instead. They have a similar design and price, but with two different stake sizes. Plus I feel their machining was a little better quality than the Channelocks I looked over. Oh, and the kleins have mixed colored handles so you always know which end is up when you grab them.
Stuart
I don’t often work with smaller gauge connectors, but that did cross my mind as I considered the purchase. I often work with more insulated connectors than non-insulated ones and finally decided that the one-size fits most jaws should be sufficient for my current and foreseeable needs.
Steve
The Klein 1006 mentioned have two different crimp sizes, but both are only for uninsulated terminals. I have the Channellock crimpers and am happy.
JeffD
I just realized that these crimpers look almost exactly like my terminal crimper used for fishing rigs.
george
i’ve used a pair very similar to this for over 20 years. insulated pliers always gave me nothing but heartache. after getting the pair i never had connector caused issues. insulated are not really anyway so i crimped right through everything and then used tape or shrink tubing. i say they are about the best out there. anyone ever hear of grip control ? take it easy on the smaller stuff and it workes great.
Jason
I use the kliens for insulated connectors as well. Work just fine. 80% of the time Im head shrinking the connectors as well anyway. But if you are careful, they don’t tear the insulation.
Tom
“The Klein 1006 mentioned have two different crimp sizes, but both are only for uninsulated terminals.”
That’s the Model 1006. Wrong model. The Klein MODEL 1005 has both insulated and uninsulated crimp cavities, just like the Channellock 909.
For a real treat, try a dedicated single action ratcheting crimper like the Klein T1715 using waterproof heatshrink splice connectors as used on boats and high-vibration equipment. The very best connection available.