[quote=”DragonSung” post=108132]McWicked, would you mind giving us some good pointers on how to make good crimps and what tools/ crimps are preferred in the aerospace field . also anyone in aviation care to chime in?
I know some are far better than others. hoping for a good source for crimps and tools.[/quote]
I really can’t offer advice on specific brands of crimpers. The crimpers I use at work span many brands and are routinely calibrated by our in house metrology lab. As such, they are are prohibitively expensive and provide levels of adjustment that are not required for automotive work. The most important thing you can do is buy the correct crimping tool for the type of splice you are making, and make sure the tool is set to the correct gauge of wire. You don’t want to go the hack route, and smash them on using the crappy “crimper” found on many pliers and wire strippers.
As for the crimps and splices themselves, I strongly recommend purchasing the transparent polyethylene style crimps and lugs. Unlike the cheapo plastic ones from the auto parts store, these allow you to visually inspect your connection after you’re done. There are plenty of good websites and videos demonstrating good crimping practices, so google is your friend.
One thing I forgot to mention is that there is also a “middle ground” you can consider. They’re called heat shrink solder sleeves. They’re great. All you need is a good strong heat gun. Zero soldering skill required. Slide ’em over your connection, heat ’em up until the solder melts and the tubing shrinks, and you’re done. Nice clean moisture-proof connections done easy. But like I said, you need a good heat gun, or else you’ll end up with a cold solder joint.
Good Luck