lug crimper needed

nimrod · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 8:33 pm Post subject: lug crimper needed

my wiring project is going to require me to crimp several 2-6 AWG lugs. I'm wondering if anyone in the north Puget Sound area has a crimper they wouldn't mind lending or renting for a weekend?

jd

thataway · Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 9:41 pm Post subject:

Most West Marine stores have a good crimper set, which you can use when you buy your supplies there. I find the lever type is better than the vise/hammer type. You can also use a nicopress dye, but you have to be sure of a good fit.

jkidd · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:17 am Post subject:

I've used a center punch and a hammer at times. Works very good.

Nunya · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 11:48 am Post subject:

You can also get the solder on type lugs. That's what I use on #6 wire and larger.

JGrider · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 2:50 pm Post subject:

For a few large wires solder is the way to go and is by far the best connection.

Chris · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:52 pm Post subject:

Solder is an inferior method for marine connections...and is not an approved method. Crimp connections properly done are far superior. Lots of reference available from your friend Google.

potter water · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 4:14 pm Post subject: Solder bad...crimp good

The aviation world found out long ago that a soldered terminal on any size wire is much more subject to breaking due to the vibration factor cold working the soldered and therefore "stiffer" joint.

I bought a "double lever" lug crimper from Lowes for only about 30 bucks. It also includes a wire cutter. The thing is big and has handles about 18" long. Harbor freight may also have them. They look like a padlock cutter. They wouldn't be aviation legal, but for the boat wiring they do a very good job on those huge wires.

JGrider · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 4:24 pm Post subject:

I guess I have always believed solder connections made a solid metal on metal connection and had to be the best. Looks like you learn something everyday!

Just read about twenty different views on crimping vs soldering. Looks like the consensus is crimping wins out hands down. Now if I can only remember what I learn long enough to put good use.

thataway · Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:21 pm Post subject:

I have used a combination of solder and crimp on some large cables--but the solder did not wick up to a point where it was "hard", above where the crimp is. National Standard Parts Associates, makes remeasured pellets of solder and adhesive shrink for combination (crimp and solder) connectors.

For the most part I rely mostly on just high quality crimps.