What is a crimping pliers or pressing pliers?
A press clamp is used to make crimp connections and is an alternative to soldering or soldering. Crimping pliers are used in so-called assembly processes, in which two different components are joined together by forming. The connections made using a crimping tool are difficult to undo and frequently used in the field of electrical engineering. Here, the crimpers can replace welding or brazing. Many pliers of both categories are produced by manufacturers to meet well-defined tasks.
What are the different types of crimping pliers / crimping tools?
Crimping pliers
There are many types of crimping pliers for various uses. There are, for example, crimpers for ferrules, for faston lugs, for tabs, for various insulated connectors, for cable lugs and non-insulated connectors, for optical fiber, for coaxial connectors and many others. In general, all clamps of this type durably and homogeneously connect a conductor to a connecting element which is difficult, if not impossible, to undo. The huge variety of cables and conductors practically does not allow a single device to function universally.
Electric seamers
With electrically operated crimping tool devices, many different contacts can be permanently crimped. Unlike multipurpose pliers, which are easy to transport, electric crimpers are very often found in workshops. The baling process is usually initiated via a foot pedal, so that both the contact and the driver can be inserted into the machine using both hands. The opening can be adapted to the device in several stages and changed to another die in no time at all.
Automatic crimping and stripping machines
These tools can be used for both stripping and crimping. With a partial weight of more than 30 kg, their use is only indicated when stationary. In workshops, automatic crimping and stripping machines save time by working on ferrules as well as turned and free socket and pin contacts. The machines can easily be set to the correct cross section and perform stripping and crimping in one step.
Crimping pliers set
Many manufacturers offer a wide selection of cable lugs that come in handy cases. Other suppliers offer cases with a clamp and various variations of closed and open, insulated and non-insulated end caps. Some sets are delivered with crimping pliers and several interchangeable crimping inserts, significantly expanding the possibilities of using the pliers.
Pressing tongs
The pressing pliers are suitable for many uses, including working with tubular lugs, pipe fittings, crimp cable lugs and spindle cable lugs. Equipped with devices such as wire cutters or a stripping mechanism, the field of application of many pliers is thus broadened. In the field of computing – electronics, pressing pliers are a practical aid for the technique of moving insulation when joining connectors and other connection plugs in a flat channel area. A secure, durable and consistent connection is particularly essential for data transmission, in order to avoid breakdowns and malfunctions.
The sets of pressing pliers
Some sets consist of a complete set of different pressing profiles which can only be used with a pressing clamp. The change of the pressing profile makes it possible to work with many cabling of various sizes based on copper or fiberglass. As for the other sets, they are equipped with a pressing clamp and various end caps and tubular cable lugs. Accompanied by screwdrivers and voltage detectors, the case is often provided to provide complete equipment that will quickly become essential!
Compression tool kits
Compression Tool Kits allow mounting of F-connectors as well as push-on connectors to a coaxial cable, for satellite or cable TV installations. The coaxial cable is cut to the desired length and then the insulation is removed at its end. The inner metal mesh and the inner conductor are detached and the snap connector is then placed on the cable. This loose connection can now be compressed with a crimper by manual pressure, for a durable and secure connection.
What should you pay attention to when buying crimping pliers / pressing pliers?
In addition to choosing crimping pliers or pressing pliers depending on the use, it is also important to ensure that you purchase the appropriate accessories. If you don’t have one yet, you can turn to the practical sets offered by a large number of manufacturers. In addition to clamps, you will often find various cable lugs, ferrules, and cable connectors that will fit together perfectly. The various manufacturers certainly offer identical models from a technical point of view, but whose handling can be very different. To be able to use a precision tool or crimping pliers in good condition and for a long time, the grip of the handle must be easy and pleasant.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about crimping / pressing pliers
What is the difference between crimping pliers and pressing pliers?
Crimpers are used in electrical engineering to create a strong and secure connection between a connecting element (often a connector) and a conductor. Pressure clamps are used in the home automation sector to connect pipes securely to each other. In electrical engineering, the terms crimping and pressing are often used to refer to a press, although specific pliers are not always used for this.
What should I watch out for with crimping pliers?
Crimping pliers are not ordinary objects; this is illustrated in particular by the large choice of various and varied tools available. In order to be able to make long-lasting and secure connections, devices, cables, conductors, and connectors must meet standards and be suitable for each other. The operating process is always the same: cut, strip, and crimp.
Do I need a set or is one plier enough?
Depending on the use that will be made of it, you can immediately, even if you are a beginner, get a kit in which you will find parts adapted to each other. Often times you can even get a screwdriver or phase tester, knife, or wire stripper as a bonus.
