Consumer electronics require wire connections to function effectively and that is the need for a crimp tool. Modern devices tend to thrive on excellent wire connection and making this connection can sometimes be deemed “technical” because of the processes involved.
However, more and more consumer electronics manufacturers have turned to using a hand crimp tool to make these connections. Wondering why they do that and the benefits of using the tool? Find out in this article!
First of All: What is a Hand Crimp Tool?
We have two terms here – “hand” and “crimp tool.” From the surface meaning, we can regard it as a tool used with the hand. However, there is a deeper meaning to a hand crimp tool and that is what we want to let you know.
A hand crimp tool is a dedicated tool used for “crimping” or conjoining two pieces of metal. Thus, it could be a better way to create a connection between two or more ductile materials – including metals.
How the Connection is Made
Doesn’t it make sense to just use your hands to bend these metals or ductile materials? Of what need is it to use a hand crimp tool?
The major need to using the tool is that it deforms or “bends over” one piece of the metal or ductile material. In the process, the bended or deformed piece of metal is used to create a connection with the other by conjoining it to the other metal.
It is this process of making the connection that is called “crimping” and the tool used for this purpose is called the “hand crimp tool.”
M22520/2-01’s Manual Crimping Process
Most hand crimper tools are manually-operated and that of M22520/2-01 is not an exception. However, it comes with one feature missing – the positioner. From the datasheet, M22520/2-01 is designed to be a hand crimp tool working without a positioner.
Having a positioner on the tool is a cool feature, as it allows the crimping process to be timed and accurate.
Notwithstanding the absence of the positioner, the M22520/2-01 can still work perfectly. Here are some of the processes involved with crimping metals and wires with the device:
1. Place the Wire in the Specified Range
The wire to be crimped needs to be positioned, within the specified range. The specified range typically involves the following:
- The minimum pull-off force
- The crimp types
- The crimp tool (M22520/2-01)’s setting
- The wire gauge (AWG)
- Stranding (in mm)
The specified range has to align with the contact and keeping this in mind would potentially reduce the chances of possible tool damage or even poor crimping.
2. Make a Clean Cut
The next thing you want to do is to make a clean cut of the wire to be crimped. By cutting the end of the cable/wire the right way, you pave the way for the crimp tool to make an excellent connection.
Note that this process can sometimes be tricky, given the fact that the crimp tool may not cut all the wires. In that case, you will likely have some strands of wires lying about. If that happens to be the case, you want to make a slight twist to put the strands back in place. For better crimping results, consider using the PTFE wire stripper to prevent strand slippage.
The next thing you want to do is to prevent insulation slippage. This happens when the crimping process is not done the right way. To make it right, ensure that the wire, upon stripping, is positioned, supported or clamped close to the stripping area.
3. Load the Terminated End of the Cable
The next step could have been to position the crimp contact closely to the positioner. But since M22520/2-01 doesn’t use one, we are going to skip that part.
Now, you are to load the terminated end of the cable into the crimp barrel of the contact. The strands of wire should also be fully positioned inside to prevent insulation slippage.
4. Make the Crimping
It is now the time to make the crimping. You are to squeeze the handles of the crimp together. Keep at it until the ratchet releases – which means that the wire conjoining has been done.
You can then remove both the wire and the crimped contact. But look around to be sure that the insulation is within the crimp barrel’s end and that there is no stray or exposed wire lying about.
M22520/2-01 Product Attributes
If you are looking to buy M22520/2-01, here are some of the major attributes of its crimping capabilities:
| Attributes | Description |
| Tool/operating Method | Manual |
| Wire Entry Location | Side Entry |
| Tool Type | Hand Crimper |
| Ratcheting | Yes |
| Base Product Number | M22520 |
| Tool Type Feature | Works without a positioner |
Choosing a Crimping Tool
If you are looking to buy the M22520/2-01 or any other crimping tool, we recommend looking at some factors.
Here is a short buying guide for hand crimping tools like M22520/2-01:
Check the Category
There are several categories of crimping tools but the hand crimping category is the most popular – and that is the category where M22520/2-01 falls under.
However, there are other categories you want to look at. Some of them are:
Hydraulic Crimping Tools
If you are not buying a manual or handheld crimping tool like M22520/2-01, the other option to explore is the hydraulic crimping tool.
It works with hydraulic fluid/method that forces more pressure than a hand crimping tool would. The hydraulic crimping tool also comes in handy when conjoining two (or more) thicker wires.
Electrical Crimping Tool
This tool works very much like the hand crimping tool – but the only difference is the pressure application process. While handheld crimping tools like M22520/2-01 require manual pressure application, the electrical crimping tool uses batteries.
Benchtop Crimping Tools
The benchtop crimpers are usually heavier and that is the major reason they are not held by the hand, but rather mounted on a benchtop.
They also come in different variants, such as the manual and the electric. The manual benchtop crimping tool is manually operated, while the electric benchtop variant is powered by an electric motor.
Consider the Cost Factor
The cost or amount to be spent getting a crimping tool may vary by factors like uses and the design. Therefore, you want to correlate the typical usage of the tool with the amount it is sold to get the best deal.
Conclusion
Using a hand crimping tool makes the efforts of establishing a connection between two (or more) wires easier. Despite taking more efforts (due to the manual operation), the M22520/2-01 offers a better metal and wire connection than a plier would have.
