Are you scratching your head, wondering about what wire crimping is? Then, read this guide that discusses a lot about wire crimping.
In fact, you will rarely find an area where wire crimping is not used. The wire crimping process is used everywhere, From the internet to the electrical connection of your office and home.
We looked into an in-depth discussion about wire crimping in this guide so that you can pick the right wire crimping tool according to your purpose.
Let’s begin.
What is Wire Crimping?
The straightforward answer to the headlined question is that wire crimping is used to join pieces of metal. It is when a crimping tool supports a connector to join a cable or wire.
Crimping is a widely used process for squeezing a terminal into a wire conductor without soldering. A crimp creates a significant connection with the proper crimping process that withstands corrosion, liquids, and gas.
What Are the Types of Wire Crimping Tools?
A wide range of wire crimping tools is available in the market. Each type is used for specific purposes and comes with PROS and CONS.
Crimping thicker wires is challenging because they require heavy force to crimp, while thinner wires don’t require much pressure. Let’s look at the different types of wire crimping tools below.
Handheld
Handheld wire crimping tools are the most commonly used and popular in the market. Also, they possess the simplest design. These are operated manually and are ideal for small and thin wires. They are lightweight and easy to carry.
Some handheld wire crimping tools are multi-purpose features; you can use them for wire cutters and strippers. A few models can pull, loop, or grip wires together.
Hydraulic
When you require more pressure on a thick wire, choose a hydraulic wire crimping tool to get the best result. They provide more pressure compared to handheld wire crimping tools.
These tools are ideal for accomplishing industrial projects. Providing more pressure is not challenging for hydraulic wire crimping tools Since they use hydraulic fluid to provide pressure.
These tools have a downward. They can get clogged if oil maintenance doesn’t happen periodically because they run with hydraulic fluid. With proper care, they are the best wire crimping tools among the other 2 types.
Hammer
Hammer crimping tools are wallet-friendly, and the working process is similar to its other elder brothers. The only difference is that it requires being placed on a flat surface and using a hammer.
Ideally, the wire end is placed between an anvil and a dye and is hit by a hammer to make the crimp. These crimpers are efficient in terms of their responsibility and can crimp thicker wire than handheld crimpers. They are bulky, and carrying them to the job site is impractical.
What are the Advantages of Wire Crimping?
Undoubtedly, crimping offers numerous benefits. You may need to co-joint several wires in electrical projects, internet cable connection projects, etc.
At this point, wire crimping is the best solution. Wire crimping offers a reliable result when you need a highly reliable connection between 2 wires.
The truth is, if you are an internet service provider or electrician, then you know that without wire crimping, you can’t run your business efficiently.
- Wire crimping is a simple process that can be done manually or by an automated machine.
- Once you make a crimp connection, a tight seal is created between the cable and connector; finally, you get a long-lasting connection.
- It offers a reliable connection that withstands environmental conditions such as dust, dirt, moisture, and sand.
- The connection becomes a highly durable “cold weld” when a skilled technician supervises a crimping process.
What are the disadvantages of Wire Crimping?
Wire crimping also has a few disadvantages that can be overturned easily.
- Reliable wire crimping is only possible when an experienced technician does it.
- Wire crimping tools are highly sensitive.
Things Do I Need to Follow in Wire Crimping?
Following the following things is essential to get an effective outcome from the wire crimping process.
1# Selecting the correct wire gauge is crucial in crimping. Wire gauge diameter follows the standard system of AWG (American Wire Gauge).
2# Crimp terminal is another critical factor that needs to be followed. Get the answer to the below 3 questions.
- Will wire crimping in the terminal be necessary for low contact resistance, preventing corrosion, or both?
- Does pre-insulation require a terminal?
- What is the ideal turn pin for the terminal?
3# A wide range of crimping tools is available, and each varies in terms of purposes. Select the right one according to your wire crimping requirement.
4# Follow the proper wire crimping process After determining the wire gauge, terminal, and tool.
5# Heat-shrinking is an essential process of wire crimping, and for this, you will require a heat gun. During heat-shrinking, make sure the sleeve covers the wire and crimps perfectly. Avoid covering the terminal end of this process.
More FAQ
Is wire crimping better than soldering?
Answer: Wire crimping offers an effective outcome than soldering when you need to co-join wires. Wire crimping provides an airtight seal that protects the connection from moisture, dust, and dirt.
What is the alternative to a wire crimping tool?
Answer: You can continue your wire crimping project without an RJ45 crimper or specialized wire crimping tool. Using pliers, you can complete wire crimping.
What is the purpose of wire crimping?
Wire crimping aims to create a strong mechanical bond and electrical connection between a wire and a connector terminal. Properly crimped wires are vital for ensuring reliability and safety in electrical systems.
What is crimped wire?
A crimped wire refers to an electrical wire that has been affixed to a connector terminal by deforming the terminal around the wire through compression. This compression forms a tight connection that is both mechanically strong and electrically conductive.
What is used for crimping?
Standard crimping tools include pliers-style, ratchet, and hydraulic crimping tools. The type used depends on the wire size, terminal type, and application.
What is an example of crimping?
A common example of wire crimping is connecting wire leads to the terminals of electrical connectors or splices. An uninsulated terminal is crimped around an exposed wire end, forming a gas-tight connection.
Other examples include crimping wire terminals to automotive wiring harnesses and coaxial cable connectors.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you got a clear idea about “what is wire crimping” by reading this article. With a complete set of materials and tools, wire crimping is the best way to join 2 metal pieces. It is a durable, efficient, reliable, and long-lasting process for joining different gauge wires.
Hopefully, after reading this guide, you will never look for the definition of wire crimping.