Crimpers

[Billyo]

Evening all,

I've had a wander round the internet to try and answer this question, but had no luck.

So, I'm currently working on a pv installation on the boat, and have discovered that mc4 connectors require a specific crimper (this is probably common knowledge, but I'm
Learning as I go.....). I've inherited a ratchet crimper for standard cable connections that does the trick but is probably not long for this world and was wondering, before I buy an mc4 crimper or replace the ratchet, if there was one tool that does all crimping jobs?

 

[Daverw]

There are multi crimp tools but they are very expensive, some are £200-300 for a set. Most people don't need that many types and budget ratchet crimpers are good for most. If you are using them all day every day it's different but as they if used outside a workshop they will get lost often before they wear out.

 

[David2452]

Evening all,

I've had a wander round the internet to try and answer this question, but had no luck.

So, I'm currently working on a pv installation on the boat, and have discovered that mc4 connectors require a specific crimper (this is probably common knowledge, but I'm
Learning as I go.....). I've inherited a ratchet crimper for standard cable connections that does the trick but is probably not long for this world and was wondering, before I buy an mc4 crimper or replace the ratchet, if there was one tool that does all crimping jobs?

MC4 crimpers are very specific, they are of the "ass cheek" type but there is no strain relief crimp as that is provided by the terminal, the best are mostly linear rather than scisor action but a decent set of DIY grade reatchet ones can be had for around £25, example. http://www.tomtop.com/maintenance-tools-212/p-e2083.html?currency=GBP&aid=bpagb2&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TT_GB_PA_ZSW&utm_term=4575892517490572&utm_content=GB_Catalog The ones designed for those mickey mouse pre insulated red, blue and yellow things will not do the job properly.

 

[Yngmar]

I've crimped all of my MC4 crimpers by gently bending the ears inward with a needle nose pliers and then using one of inserts of my Klauke K507 to crimp the thing shut properly. None of them pulled out after a good tug and all have a good contact area. The solar system is delivering 450W over those, so I think they're ok. Mostly I did this because I had absolutely no room for yet another single-purpose tool on the boat

 

[Billyo]

Thanks for the responses, I was also hoping to avoid another single purpose tool to lug about, but looks like I'll have to bite the bullet, albeit at the budget range of the selection! Amazon is my friend.

 

[down...2 greens]

Or what about these from Screwfix:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/ratchet-crimping-tool-1-0-10mm/96561

I was thInking of trying a pair myself...