[Gary Maker]

Ditto Andrew. The most expensive part is the crimping plyers but the wire and pins can be purchased in bulk at a pretty good savings. I purchase the 22 AWG twisted silicone lead wire in 50' rolls. I have been making all my own leads now for over a year. I figured the crimper paid for itself months ago and now its all "gravy"!

And as Andrew said, you can make leads exactly the length you want. If you want a 27" lead then you make it 27" and don't have to settle for buying a 36" lead from the LHS because that's the closest length you can buy! You really can't beat the cost savings of making up your own leads.

[canadianf1pilot]

just went looking on Thunderbolt's site for crimpers and stuff, thanks for the tip guys, I'm ordering a bunch for myself.

Bill

[AJCoholic]

Originally Posted by canadianf1pilot

just went looking on Thunderbolt's site for crimpers and stuff, thanks for the tip guys, I'm ordering a bunch for myself.

Bill

Bill,
If I may add one comment - dont get frustrated with the crimper if it takes a few tries to get the hang of it.

The tool has a shaped anvil, and MUST be used in a particular orientation.

The way I remember it, is the tool (which I hold in my right hand) has the straight handle part down, and the ratcheting handle up. I hold the wire in my left hand, with the end I want to crimp and place it on the anvil and close the crimping tool.

If you have the end situated opposite, the crimp will not work and distort the end.

I can take a photo of it if it would explain it better.

Some guys who say they cant get a good crimp, probably have the crimper set too loose or tight, or arent oriented the correct way. Because once its set up, you can make them perfect each time and quickly.

AJC

[1_AIR_WOLF]

I also have the crimping tool from Thunderbolt rc, Since I work in a mill I have access to shielded wire that I use. I love the part about making them the right lenght instead of wondering what to do with the extra amount.

[E Smith]

I purchased the crimping equipment from Thuinderbolt. It has turned into a miserable experience. The crimping was not the issue. I soon found it easier to grip the tool in a vise. The anvils in the gripped handle. This made aligning the wire and contact into the tool much easier. There were not two hands waving around in the breeze.

The issue I had was trying to get the plastic covering into the connector case. The crimped contact has to go in the case far enough for the case clip to engage the contact "Stop". The square hole in the case did not allow the wire covering to enter the case.

Did anybody else have this problem?

Ed S

[AJCoholic]

Originally Posted by E Smith

I purchased the crimping equipment from Thuinderbolt. It has turned into a miserable experience. The crimping was not the issue. I soon found it easier to grip the tool in a vise. The anvils in the gripped handle. This made aligning the wire and contact into the tool much easier. There were not two hands waving around in the breeze.

The issue I had was trying to get the plastic covering into the connector case. The crimped contact has to go in the case far enough for the case clip to engage the contact "Stop". The square hole in the case did not allow the wire covering to enter the case.

Did anybody else have this problem?

Ed S

Ed,
The wire is larger than normal stuff, but will fit. I use a small flat jeweler's screwdriver to push the pin & wire into the connector block until it clicks.

Like the crimp, it took me a few tries to get the hang of it but now its fast and easy. Its a pretty small driver, and you have to make sure you push on the right part of the pin as not to wreck it.

AJC

[supercub1974]

Thats the crimping tool? The biomed shop at work use crimps like these for making small jumper cables and connectors. Could it be the same ones?

[E Smith]

Thanks Andrew, I will persevere. So you are up early too eh!

Ed S

[AJCoholic]

Originally Posted by E Smith

Thanks Andrew, I will persevere. So you are up early too eh!

Ed S

Yes, generally up early with my dog...

I made some extensions today. I am really fast now pushing the wire/pins into the connectors. I use a small flat blade jeweler's screwdriver to press against the pin on the back side of the crimp. I feel the slight click and I know its in and move to the next.

I tried a small awl - it didnt work. The flat screwdriver is much better. But I think the oversive handle it has makes it easier as well. All I know is if I can do it, so can you!


AJC

[JimBrown]

I've been making my own custom length extensions for a while now. I usually use the MPI brand connector kits. Looks like I have the same crimper as you guys.

One trick I use... While holding the pin between my left index finger and thumb, and bringing in the wire from the right, I hold the wire in place with my thumbnail and gently squeeze the strain relief tabs together with a needle nose plier in my right hand. Once that's done, I can pick up the crimper with my right hand and manipulate things without the wire falling out. Doesn't take much, just enough to hold the wire in place while you get it and the pin in the crimper.

The pic shows why I like making my own extensions. It just looks better.

...jim