APP crimp tool

[w7go]

I have read where the first two or three crimps made by a new user using
a high-quality tool may be throw aways.
Why is this and what does the user learn after the initial attempts?
If the instructions are closely followed, can't the first crimp be as
good as any?


73,

Tony W7GO
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[Stephen W. Kercel]

Tony and all:

There is a bit of skill involved in using even the Anderson crimper.
You must simultaneously squeeze the handles very hard while keeping
the crimping jaw steady. It takes practically everyone two or three
tries to get a feel for it.

73,

Steve Kercel
AA4AK

At 08:59 PM 4/1/2008, Tony Morgan wrote:

>I have read where the first two or three crimps made by a new user
>using a high-quality tool may be throw aways.
>Why is this and what does the user learn after the initial attempts?
>If the instructions are closely followed, can't the first crimp be
>as good as any?
>
>
>73,
>
>Tony W7GO
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: [hidden email]
>You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

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[KBG Luxford]

I started off with the inexpensive tool.  Eventually I got the hang of
it, but found that after crimping, the connector would often be bent out
of shape.  The tongue would be bent at an unnatural angle while the
contact body would be pressed out of round.  After both problems (if
they occurred) were corrected, the crimp seemed OK.

I then purchased the $50 West Mountain Radio ratchet crimper and it is
so much easier to use.  I found that if the connector is inserted into
the slot (tongue lowermost) and the handles are squeezed to the first
click of the ratchet, the connector is held tight enough so that it
won't fall out or rotate.  Then insert the conductor, and keeping a
thrust on the conductor with the left hand, squeeze several more clicks
with the right.  This nips up the conductor so that you can safely let
go of the conductor with the left hand and use both hands to squeeze the
handles all the way.  (I don't have the strength in the right hand
anymore to use just one hand).

As far as I can tell, I get good crimps every time.  I use a cyanate
glue to ensure the housings do not come apart, and also on the little
locking pin.  A bit of hot melt glue at the back of the housing, between
and around the conductors reduces flexing at the housing entry, and may
reduce the possibility of fracture with time.  With this crimper, I have
not felt the need to use solder.

73
Kevin
VK3DAP / ZL2DAP
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[M0XDF]

Yes, if you have used crimp toools before or are reasonable adapt.  
Just follow the instructions and start slow.
--
When work is a pleasure, life is a joy! When work is a duty, life is
slavery. -Maxim Gorky, author (1868-1936)

On 2 Apr 2008, at 01:59, Tony Morgan wrote:
> I have read where the first two or three crimps made by a new user  
> using a high-quality tool may be throw aways.
> Why is this and what does the user learn after the initial attempts?
> If the instructions are closely followed, can't the first crimp be  
> as good as any?

_______________________________________________
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Post to: [hidden email]
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