Hammer style crimper

[96Pirate]

Anyone use a hammer style crimper to crimp their battery cables? Do they make a successful crimp? Cant justify spending $200+ on a better crimping tool. But if these do not work I will be ordering custom cables.

Had this kind in mind.
http://www.amazon.com/E-Z-Red-B790C-Hammer-Crimper/dp/B000M7LFKK

Thanks

 

[Julian]

Not used one like that, I bought my cable at west marine, and they had a cable crimper there that they allowed you to use.

 

[Bruce]

I bought cheap premade cables off the shelf from tractor supply. Two years of heavy use and 17 days in salt water and they are fine. Some frowned on my choice of cable but if they fail I will go get another set for less than $50.

 

[96Pirate]

Just watched this video. Thought it was pretty good and the 10-ton crimper he used looks to make a very good compression.

Harbor Freight has one for $55. I wonder how well they hold up.

 

[Pinhacker71]

Bought the exact one last month to crimp 0 and 4 gauge ring connectors on amp install. Worked really well. I'm referring to the hammer crimp tool.

 

[tdonoughue]

Ditto. I didn't get exactly this one, but the one I have is a very similar hammer crimp tool. Worked just fine. Only regret is that I think I used it for about 2 crimps, maybe 4, and I probably will never use it again...

 

[GTBRMC]

I bought one like that, OP, when I did my major stereo upgrade. Worked like a charm and reasonable cost vs other options. Recommended.

 

[swatski]

I will probably get a lot of grief for saying it here, but... For my stereo install I used a large vise to make 4 and 6 AWG battery cables. Not pretty, but about as tight as one can crimp.

 

[Noko]

I've used one of those red handled tile cutters. They don't close completely. It works fine. I think I soldered mine for my amp.

 

[jet-r-done]

Being a diesel mechanic, I have one of those crimpers in my box and use it regularly. They work great, if used correctly. I may be stating the obvious, but if you want a solid crimp from it, you have to knock the piss out of it. And, you better come at it with more than your standard carpenters claw hammer. I have a little 3lb sledge I use with it. Also make sure you have it on a firm surface when you knock it. A metal work table or even a concrete floor is what I usually use. Obviously don't plan on doing it in the floor of the boat, or you will be asking how to patch holes in fiberglass .

 

[tdonoughue]

Yes, I used a small sledge when I used mine (and on concrete, of course). Happy to report when I finished there was no piss remaining in the tool. And the crimp was just fine.

 

[mb300sd]

I prefer soldering. Combined with marine heat shrink (the kind with hot glue in it) it completely seals off the cable and prevents corrosion. With large cables you'll need extra flux.

 

[tdonoughue]

Actually, in truth, I did both. I crimped the snot out of it, then soldered after that.

 

[swatski]

Same here, actually. I also tin the cables (it keeps the piss out, too ).

 

[96Pirate]

I am considering just using a center punch if I can rig up a jig for it. Anyone try that method? Maybe if I can create a jig and get it in the vise horizontally I can compress the crimp instead of wacking it. I only have about 14 crimps to make and hoping to get to it Friday.

 

[Jebinok]

I prefer soldering. Combined with marine heat shrink (the kind with hot glue in it) it completely seals off the cable and prevents corrosion. With large cables you'll need extra flux.

x2
this is what i do also