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best way to crimp 4 gauge

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=116754
Printed Date: March 29, 2024 at 6:12 AM


Topic: best way to crimp 4 gauge

Posted By: gsrbob
Subject: best way to crimp 4 gauge
Date Posted: October 06, 2009 at 12:33 PM

What's the preferred method most people use here? Suggestions welcome. Thanx in advance.

I usually solder them but I'm tired of that technique. There's a little tool i saw called the hammer crimp that i thought about getting but don't know if it's worth it.



Replies:

Posted By: boogeyman
Date Posted: October 06, 2009 at 2:16 PM
 The hammer crimp works.....but I would still solder in addition to crimping




Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: October 06, 2009 at 4:40 PM
I always liked using a bench mounted vice if I could remember to crimp before I installed the wire in the car.  They make big crimpers for heavier gauge stuff, but they are a little pricey. 

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Kevin Pierson




Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: October 07, 2009 at 1:13 PM

I use this unit.... cheap and effective.

Also the trusty hammer pounder unit!!



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Posted By: bdl666
Date Posted: October 07, 2009 at 2:41 PM
I use this one.

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ieSpell rocks.




Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: October 07, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Those look good.  I have one of these in my toolbox.

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Posted By: tommy...
Date Posted: October 07, 2009 at 5:24 PM
I normally use a vice...I read something on bcae1.com that recommends Not using a vice...Maybe it breaks the wire ...i dont remember...I love the comment about"if i remember to do it before i install wire into car"...My vice has seen many hoods/trunks...!

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M.E.C.P & First-Class
Go slow and drink lots of water...Procrastinators' Unite...Tomorrow!




Posted By: d_rock_81
Date Posted: October 07, 2009 at 7:02 PM
i use a hammer crimper and always solder.

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Dustin Rockney

Rockstar Autosports




Posted By: aznboi3644
Date Posted: October 08, 2009 at 3:02 AM
i just put my thumb on one side and my index finger on the other side and just pinch.

But not everyone is a beast like me

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Custom Enclosure Design




Posted By: doc t
Date Posted: October 08, 2009 at 10:12 AM
SOLDER!... never fails.

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All Bleeding stops.....eventually!




Posted By: slow96z
Date Posted: October 13, 2009 at 1:42 PM

I have a pair of crimpers that got dull so I ground off the blade and have just the crimping tooth left.  I open that wide and crimp down each "side" of the connector seperately.





Posted By: cvsct698
Date Posted: October 13, 2009 at 7:46 PM
I normally solder, but before I started that, or if I'm in a real pinch, I use bolt cutters. I took the cutting edges to a bench grinder and turned them into home made large gauge crimpers. It's crude, but surprisingly effective. Cheaper than the "real" thing, too.




Posted By: nfrank89
Date Posted: October 15, 2009 at 2:55 AM
i use a C-clamp!




Posted By: alp8040
Date Posted: November 20, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Hello, recently I purchased some Xscorpion 4awg wire and some 4awg terminals as well.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to crimp these terminals. Doesn't look like the vise, flathead screwdriver or hammer method works well enough. I would think the crimping method of securing the wire all around the terminal would be best. Where would I find the cheapest 4AWG crimp tool to accomplish this?




Posted By: haemphyst
Date Posted: November 21, 2010 at 12:40 AM
If you are going to use it regularly, the Harbor Freight tool works BEAUTIFULLY. Six-sided crimping dies, evenly crimps around the wire, and securely fastens it, without breaking strands.

Even using that tool, I will still solder and shrink-wrap (the kind with the hot-melting adhesive inside) the termination, ESPECIALLY for underhood applications. It will keep weather out, and the connection will last longer than the car.




Posted By: soundnsecurity
Date Posted: November 21, 2010 at 3:49 PM
i just use regular wire crimpers and wrap the terminal in 3m electrical tape. a vice is nice if i have it available. of course, the best way is to crimp, solder and shrink wrap or tape it up. but sometimes you really need a specialized tool if the terminal isnt split down the middle, its almost impossible to crimp those by hand unless you have gorilla hands.

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Posted By: roadkilll
Date Posted: November 27, 2010 at 4:40 PM
I recently purchased this tool: https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Crimp-Tool-Non-Insulated-Terminals/dp/B0002KR9MU/ref=lh_ni_t_

It works very nicely. I use heat-shrink tubing as well but have been unable to find the adhesive-lined type (at a reasonable price).





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