Burned a Saturday morning on a bad crimp tool

I wasted $40 and three hours trying to fix a D-sub connector with a cheap tool that mangled every pin. What's your go-to crimper for those tiny contacts?

3 comments

3 Comments

jason_stone5913h agoMost Upvoted

Get a proper ratcheting crimper, not the cheap squeeze type. Those things are garbage for small pins. I use an IWISS SN-28B for DB9 and DB25 connectors. It has the right die for the tiny contacts and actually crimps them instead of crushing the insulation. Saves so much frustration.

kelly.patricia12h ago

That IWISS tool is a lifesaver. My own collection of mangled pins from a bargain bin crimper could fill a small jar.

the_robin8h ago

Jason's spot on about the ratcheting action. The SN-28B's die is key because it folds the crimp wings over the wire and insulation separately, not just smashing it flat. That separate crimp is what gives you a solid electrical connection that won't pull out. Total game changer for those fiddly little pins.