I want to use this male and female connector in a project but upon receiving some for a prototype I realized I don't have the crimp tool neccessary to accomplish this. Does anyone know how to crimp these? Or is there a better connector I could be using?

Any advice is much appreciated.

 

Does anyone know how to crimp these?

Connector in question:

This is the crimper they recommend in the datasheet:

Since the connectors in question use #18-22 wire, you might be able to use this crimper ($15-20 on Ali Express):

I use the largest opening for Molex 0.093" connectors:

 

Ahhh, for some reason it didn't even occur to me to look at the datasheet for the type of crimper it uses.

I assume I'll need the crimp contacts also if I go this route.

Thank you so much!

 

Inexpensive crimpers:

https://www.taydaelectronics.com/ha...mping-tool-plier-0-25-1-mm-for-awg-28-18.html
https://www.taydaelectronics.com/sn-48b-crimping-tool-plier-0-5-1-5-mm-for-awg-26-16.html

 

Inexpensive crimpers:

https://www.taydaelectronics.com/ha...mping-tool-plier-0-25-1-mm-for-awg-28-18.html
https://www.taydaelectronics.com/sn-48b-crimping-tool-plier-0-5-1-5-mm-for-awg-26-16.html

Thanks, I was going to say at $670 a crimper I cannot afford the one they suggest for protyping only.

 

They are ~15-17USD on AliX if you can wait a month to get them. I would think the pins would come with the connector. There are also pin insertion and removal tools...

 

They are ~15-17USD on AliX if you can wait a month to get them. I would think the pins would come with the connector. There are also pin insertion and removal tools...

Is AliX a website? What pin insertion tool would you recommend?

 

They are ~15-17USD on AliX if you can wait a month to get them. I would think the pins would come with the connector. There are also pin insertion and removal tools...

I'm guessing you are referring to Ali Express... something like this?

 

DuPont – D SUB crimp clamp terminals, hand tools, sturdy crimping die set with canvas bag for PH2.0 VH3.96 JST1.25 | AliExpress
You need to check the exact model number for the pins and make sure the crimp die matches. Also search for the insertion and removal tools using the pin model number.

 

For small runs or prototypes with a little practice I could crimp and insert those connectors with small needle nose pliers.

That might you buy a little time before the proper tools can be ordered.

 

I'm guessing you are referring to Ali Express... something like this?

Yep, but those are just the dies. Once you have the tool you may wish to also get dies for other model pins. Or, splurge and get a tool with complete die set. Should be cheaper than individual dies but may never use some.

 

I've done it with needlenosers but also messed a few up that had to be redone. But it can be done in a pinch.

 

I've done it with needlenosers but also messed a few up that had to be redone. But it can be done in a pinch.

I ordered the pins for these particular sockets; should be here in 2 days. I am going to see if I can make the prototype with a cheap crimper at the hardware store. The $670 version is just to do them in parallel so might take me a little longer but I don't have to make ten thousand of these so I'm not gonna splurge on it.

 

I have two crimpers and cannot get consistent results with either. Maybe 1/3 of my crimps seem to be okay. If I use too little pressure, the wire pulls out. If I use too much it severs the wire somehow inside the crimp which is not visible but leaves no connection. If anyone knows what I am doing wrong, please inform me.

Perhaps expensive crimpers apply the correct amount of pressure by using a spring and a stop.

Bob

 

@BobTPH We just had another thread on this. My crimper has a ratchet and release system. The amount of pressure (release point of the ratchet assembly) is adjustable by a toothed cog on one of the pivot points that has a "fixing" screw between the teeth. There is also on the toothed cog an arced double arrow marked with + & - to indicate more or less release tension. Mine has not been adjusted and is on the last - stop. So all I can do is increase the compression pressure. I think it was a post started by Yaakov about crimpers a week or so ago.

EDIT: Also, note that the jaw dies are one sided, not bidirectional! Plus be sure you have the correct jaw dies installed for what you are crimping.

 

I also have a couple of long handle ratchet crimpers for larger AWG (up to 6 or 8) crimps and small round crimps. A pair of hex crimpers for coax and a RJ45 crimper for data cables. They are worth the money when you need them.

 

You could look for inexpensive PA-09, PA-20 or PA-21 crimpers. Each one does different sizes, the PA-09 is the smallest.
That tool does one crimp out of 2 per connector at a time. That is ok if doing a few connectors. You crimp the bare wire first, then crimp the insulation on the second crimp (may be different size). Jaws are very narrow, allowing you to see where the wire is placed before crimping.
If crimping larger pins, then the PA-20 may be a better choice.

 

Discussion of crimp connectors and tools:
http://tech.mattmillman.com/info/crimpconnectors/
(says the IWS-2820M is a clone of Engineer PAD-11)
Big Clive reviewed some crimp tools:

Based on that, I bought an Iwiss IWS-2820M, but can't comment on how good it is since I haven't needed to crimp anything yet.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000860002242.html

 

It is possible with many of those crimp terminals to do a fair crimp on the conductors using thin-nosed pliers, and then solder the connection before crimping the tabs down on the insulation. It takes a LOT LONGER and you must be good enough to only get solder into the joint where it is needed. That method can work,but it certainly is slow.

 

Discussion of crimp connectors and tools:
http://tech.mattmillman.com/info/crimpconnectors/

This was a very informative link thank you. The author brings up a good point that a lot of his connections start failing after 3-5 years which is one reason to get the right tools the first time. I think going with a popular manufacturer might be beneficial for the integrity of this specific product. I think Molex might be sufficient for my needs.

Molex Housing Receptacle Black
Molex Housing Plug Black
Female Contact
Male Contact
Molex Datasheet

My problem once again comes down to the cost of the tool - $370. This is not as expensive as my previous choice but still a tad bit on the high side (40 cents per crimp).

Any specific recomendations for an (almost) equivalent tool for cheaper cost (author used the Engineer PA-09 with some success)?