Crimpers

About Crimpers

Crimpers are essential hand tools used to create secure, permanent connections between electrical terminals, ferrules, and connectors onto cables and wires. By mechanically deforming and compressing components together, crimping tools ensure reliable joints that withstand vibration, load, and environmental conditions. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of crimping tools from trusted brands including Sealey, Draper, Knipex, and Wiha, covering applications from basic automotive wiring through to professional electrical installations and data cabling.

The collection includes everything from manual crimpers for occasional use to professional ratchet action models that guarantee consistent, high-quality crimps every time. Specialist options cover insulated and non-insulated terminals, cable ferrules for control panels, RJ45 network connectors, coaxial cables, and automotive battery terminals. Complete kits bundling crimpers with terminal assortments provide excellent value for tradespeople equipping new vans, whilst quick-change systems with interchangeable dies allow experienced electricians to handle multiple terminal types with a single tool.

Applications

• Electricians and Electrical Contractors: Terminating cables in consumer units, control panels, and industrial installations
• Automotive Electricians: Vehicle wiring repairs, accessory fitting, and battery terminal connections
• Data and Telecoms Engineers: Network cable termination with RJ45 connectors and structured cabling
• Control Panel Builders: Fitting cable ferrules in industrial automation and control systems
• Marine Electricians: Creating corrosion-resistant connections using heat-shrink insulated terminals
• Sound and Lighting Technicians: Custom cable assemblies for PA systems and stage equipment
• Plant Maintenance Engineers: Machinery wiring repairs and electrical component maintenance
• DIY Enthusiasts: Automotive projects, home wiring repairs, and hobby electronics

Choosing The Right Crimpers

Identify Terminal Types: Different terminals require specific crimp profiles. Insulated terminals need tools that crimp both conductor and insulation sleeve, whilst non-insulated terminals require open barrel crimpers. Specialist applications like RJ45 connectors or ScotchLok terminals each need dedicated tools.

Wire Gauge Capacity: Match the crimper to your typical wire sizes. Professional electricians generally need coverage from 0.5mm² to 6mm², whilst automotive work often requires larger capacity for battery cables. Multi-way crimpers offer multiple positions for different gauges in one tool.

Ratchet Mechanism: Ratchet action crimpers are essential for professional work, physically preventing release until sufficient pressure creates a complete crimp. This guarantees consistent quality regardless of hand strength or working position. Basic non-ratchet models suffice for occasional DIY use on low-voltage applications.

Brand Quality: Knipex and Wiha represent premium options with precision-ground dies for daily professional use. Draper and Sealey offer excellent mid-range tools with proper ratchet mechanisms at accessible prices. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks options across all quality tiers to match your requirements and budget.

Safety Information

Always disconnect and verify isolation before crimping terminals in existing installations. For mains 240v work, ensure compliance with BS 7671 wiring regulations and Part P Building Regulations—notifiable work requires certification by registered electricians. Select terminals and crimpers rated for your application's current and voltage; inadequate crimps create high-resistance connections that can overheat and cause fire hazards.

Complete the full ratchet cycle on ratchet-action crimpers—forcing early release produces weak crimps prone to failure. Wear safety glasses when cutting and stripping cables. Regularly inspect crimping dies for wear or damage; worn dies produce inconsistent crimps that may not meet performance requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same crimper for insulated and non-insulated terminals?

Most crimpers are designed for either insulated or non-insulated terminals, not both. Insulated terminals require a double crimp—one on the conductor and one on the insulation sleeve—so you need a crimper with the appropriate profile. Some specialist tools feature separate positions for both, but always check specifications and match the tool to your terminal type for reliable connections.

What does 4-way, 5-way, or 9-way mean on a crimper?

The number refers to how many different crimp positions are available in the tool's jaws, each sized for different wire gauges. A 4-way crimper typically covers common cable sizes (0.5mm², 1.0mm², 1.5mm², 2.5mm²), whilst 5-way models add 4.0mm² or 6.0mm² capacity. A 9-way cable ferrule crimper covers comprehensive ranges from 0.25mm² through 10mm², allowing one tool to handle most applications without changing dies.

Do I need a ratchet action crimper?

For professional work, absolutely. Ratchet crimpers mechanically guarantee sufficient pressure for proper crimps and won't release until the cycle completes. This ensures consistent quality crucial for safety-critical electrical connections. For occasional DIY use on low-voltage automotive accessories, basic non-ratchet crimpers may suffice, but the modest investment in a ratchet tool from MyToolShed.co.uk delivers significantly better reliability.