Amp Power Cable Terminal Crimping Tips

Hi,

I was in the process of fitting an amp to my system and found that it is extremely difficult to 'squash' the spade terminals to the ground and battery cable. The terminals that came with my wiring kit seem to be made with the most ridiculously strong metal. Being a novice, I don't have access to specialist tools, I tried to fit them using standard terminal crimps but the crimps bent. The only thing I could think to do is whack it with a hammer! Any tips for a newbie?  

Thanks

JayEm

Crimping is the force applied by leverage.  Look in your toolshed...or your neighbor's or Dad's....

What device can you find that has long handles that will apply an extreme force when you pull them together?

A:  A bolt cutter.  Preferably an old, worn out bolt cutter (because the jaws are pitted and gnarled).  Most bolt cutters have adjustable jaws, just in case all you can find are new ones.  I have one from 1898 that probably couldn't cut through a lock anymore but makes a great 1/0 gauge crimping tool.

(I was just a wee lad in 1898, just in case you're wondering...)

Vey curious indeed. Unfortuantely not every body was around to get bolt cutters back then

I am a fan of the old vise, except they always look funny, sort of flat looking, like a car ran them over.

I use a vice, but I do it a bit differently.  under some circumstances

If the crimp terminal wraps around and isnt fused together then i like to do it this way:

crimp one side of the terminal down, just enough to where it is lower than the other side.  Then crimp the sides together.  then crimp from the top down like a sandwich.

This way the crimp isnt as flat and goofy lookin, and you get better contact too!