Changed my mind about using a cheap crimper for coax connectors

I always bought the $25 generic crimp tool for BNC ends, thinking it was fine. Then I had a job on a Citation in Denver where three connectors in a row failed continuity tests. My lead handed me his $150 Klein tool and said 'just try it'. The difference in the crimp quality was instant, no more cold joints. Anyone else find a specific tool that made you stop cutting corners?

3 comments

3 Comments

max_cooper211d ago

So you finally learned the hard way that not all crimpers are created equal, huh?

mark_green1d ago

Oh man, I've been there too!

jason_stone591d ago

Honestly, has anyone ever thought about how the crimper you use changes with the wire type? Like max_cooper21 is right about cheap ones being bad, but even a good crimper can mess up if you use it on the wrong insulation. I ruined a whole batch of Teflon wires because my tool was meant for PVC. The jaws were just slightly off and it crushed the core instead of crimping it right.