Bootlace ferrule crimps.

[Cato]

I'm admitting defeat on finding my ferrule crimps.

Anyone recommend a good quality crimp tool for small (0:5 - 4 mm) uninsulated ferrules? There are a lot of brands out there, but it's so long since I bought any I'd prefer to buy off of a recommendation.

I don't mind brand specific to go with a particular make of ferrule as I'm running low on the ferrules too so I don't mind buying as a kit/set as long as they're good quality.

 

[hotponyshoes]

The ferrules themselves have some sort of standard so you shouldn't need to buy anything brand specific.
In fact I'd avoid anything that is brand specific in case of difficulties getting tools/ferrules in the future.

I've got a crimper that covers 0.5-6mm, ferrules go in from the end. Works very well.
Puts a nice indented flat on the ferrules.
Don't remember the brand, wieldmuller(sp?) possibly?
I'll have a look when I get home.

Although I know a few guys who just put the cable into the ferrule without crimping and then just crimp it up using the screw of whatever it is going into.
I've questioned this process before and been told that if you crimp it first the screw then deforms the original crimp. If you crimp with the screw then the ferrule moulds to fit the screw/housing properly.
This kind of makes sense. I still crimp first but I suppose it depends on what you are doing. Most of my stuff is getting prepped rather than installed on the fly. If there was a production run to do then maybe I'd do a couple of test pieces and remove them afterwards to see what they looked like.

 

[James1979]

@8ob did a write up on them a while back I think?

 

[Agroshield]

I have these ones:

Crimp Tool, Bootlace Ferrules, LY8-060, 0.25-6mm², (UK Stock)

Bootlace Ferrules, Cord End, Crimp Tool, LY8-060, Crimping, 0.25mm-0.75mm, 1.0mm-1.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.0mm, 6.0mm, RoHS

hitekasia.co.uk

They work well over the range you describe. I think they are copies of the Knipex ones.

 

[Robotstar5]

I've got these surplus to requirements if they're of any use? CK 30029

 

[6ply]

Get yourself a cheap pair on eBay/AliExpress/Amazon. Mine have done hundreds of crimps.

 

[Cato]

I've got these surplus to requirements if they're of any use? CK 30029

View attachment 396895

Good of you to offer, thanks. I have a set like that for the 'normal' crimp terminals, but they don't work as well on the small ferrules. Ferrule crimps have a 'V' shape on one jaw so that when you crimp them they keep their diameter nicely. You can see what I mean on the pic of the Weidmuller crimps @hotponyshoes recommended.

 

[Cato]

Get yourself a cheap pair on eBay/AliExpress/Amazon. Mine have done hundreds of crimps.

I find stuff from the usual suspects to be a bit hit and miss and you only find out which once you have them. That's find for consumables etc but I prefer to have known quantities with tools.

 

[Robotstar5]

Good of you to offer, thanks. I have a set like that for the 'normal' crimp terminals, but they don't work as well on the small ferrules. Ferrule crimps have a 'V' shape on one jaw so that when you crimp them they keep their diameter nicely. You can see what I mean on the pic of the Weidmuller crimps @hotponyshoes recommended.

They are proper bootlace ferrule crimps, the anvil keeps the shape while the "teeth" indent the ferrule to retain the wire.

 

[DAPPH]

Simple Lucar style crimp pliers that have numerous set cut outs are perfect for most jobs unless you want a hexagonal swage along the crushable length . My Lucar pliers are 40 years old so a slightly different style ( such crimps of the right size make good shock leader line stops for sea fishing terminal tackle rigs too ).
Screw Fix has similar includes a wire stripper too , check this out .

MAGNUSSON CRIMPING TOOL 9" (220MM) (7553V) Under a tenner /​

 

[8ob]

I bought a basic kit and crimp tool off the bay of thieves, not had any issues with the tool or crimps.

 

[daleyd]

They are proper bootlace ferrule crimps, the anvil keeps the shape while the "teeth" indent the ferrule to retain the wire.

View attachment 396920

Yes they are similar jaw pattern to my facom set.

 

[Smouser]

Get yourself a cheap pair on eBay/AliExpress/Amazon. Mine have done hundreds of crimps.

View attachment 396897

I have the same one I think, no complaints.

*Edit* Here is the exact ones I have got.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073TZ5BBG?ref_=cm_sw_r_apann_dp_ZEK0V52AFP5CB9N8QM3W

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Yes they are similar jaw pattern to my facom set.

View attachment 396980

I have the same set.
They don't let you over crimp them It allowas you to get good crimps each time.

 

[sparkysy]

I have the CK ones too, had them many years and they always give a perfect crimp.

Having said that I have a few mates with the bay special sets like Bob has that are also excellent for the money and seem to be a copy of the very expensive Knipex ones!
Sy

 

[Robotstar5]

My "go to" crimpers are Weidmuller, probably done tens of thousands of ferrules over the years of panel building, although I have found the .25 crimp to be hit and miss depending on the ferrule brand so I use a different set for those and .34 sizes.

 

[brewdexta]

I use these knipex crimpers, I bought them last year when they were £22, now £36.

 

[sparkysy]

I bought a set of those Knipex ones, they were very good for tight spaces where the ratchet type wouldn't fit!

 

[Robotstar5]

I bought a set of those Knipex ones, they were very good for tight spaces where the ratchet type wouldn't fit!

I have a small set for confined spaces, also found they do .25 & .34 ferrules more consistently than the Weidmuller ratchet type.

 

[Cato]

Thank you all for the ideas, suggestions and info. Sadly it was wasted as it turns out I was just having a senior moment.

Guess the one place I didn't look for my crimps? That's right, the electrical bag in the electrical section I'd created on the rack in the container. What a ****!

I swear tidying up and getting organised causes more trouble than it's worth.