There is a dizzying array of crimping tools available on digi-key, mouser, and other distributors. But they nearly always just say they're for specific wire gauges, without reference to what type of connector they're meant for–and just today I came up against a problem where a crimping die I'd paid $50 for turned out to not work at all for the terminal I was trying to crimp onto the wire; even using the 6 AWG hole didn't fit (it's 8 AWG wire with an ordinary uninsulated brazed-seam lug). How are you supposed to know which tool to use for which type of crimp?
I'm aware that manufacturers usually list a specific tool to use, but I can't afford to pay $3000 and wait out a ten-week lead time just to get a few terminals crimped onto some wire.
It'd be greatly appreciated–and hopefully of use to others as well–if someone could give a run-down of different types of common crimp connectors and what sort of tool they're intended to be used with.
Best Answer
This is not for professional use cases, but I use pliers in the DIY situation. Either tiny little ones, or the really big 10" ones. I form the metal onto the wire just sufficiently enough to retain it. I then flux and solder it on with an appropriately sized iron.
Whilst perhaps not approved for aeronautical/military use, and slow, the advantage is that I can 'crimp' a large range of terminals with common general purpose tools.