Connector and Crimping Tools

Used to create a firm and reliable bond, crimp tools are small handheld tools that join materials and components together. Often used to attach connectors to cables, they are an essential item in any electrician's toolkit.

At RS, we stock a vast range of industry-leading crimp and connector tools. Whether you're looking for a Harting connector crimp tool or a crimping tool for Molex connectors, you're sure to find what you need. As a stocker of leading manufacturers such as Greenlee, Burndy and TE Connectivity you can trust us for premium, reliable equipment.

Browse our extensive selection online to find top-quality crimp and connector tools that'll get the job done to your usual high standards. Read on to find out more about our products, how they work and how they differ.

What are connector and crimping tools and how do they work?

Often referred to as 'crimp tools' or 'connector tools', connector and crimping tools are small handheld devices used in electrical engineering to create seals or 'crimps'. Designed to work with cables, wires and even pipes, they are used on metals to create a reliable and firm bond.

As connector and crimping tools are primarily used to install or replace cables and wires, they are most often used by engineers, mechanics and electricians. However, they can be used for any project that has an element of cabling or wiring.

One of the benefits of using crimp tools is that they negate the need for soldering. Not only is this neater and easier but, done correctly, a crimp tool will provide a far stronger mechanical bond.

Electricians can also control the flow of current and prevent electromagnetic interference by using crimp tools to fix ferrite beads to wiring.

What are crimp connectors?

The crimp connectors are the connections themselves. Once pressure is applied, crimp connectors allow electrical connections to be made without solder.

Crimp connectors typically come in five types:

• Spade
• Bullet
• Ring
• Fork
• Butt splice connectors

How do I use a crimp tool?

There are a few simple steps you should follow to create a successful solderless seal:

1. Choose the right connector tool for the project. The type of job you are working on will dictate the best connector for the job. For projects that need to withstand high vibration, ring terminals are ideal. For simple repairs on non-vibrating equipment, fork connectors are a great option and when joining two wires together, splice connectors are best.
2. Remove the insulation from your wires. Expose the wire terminal by using your crimp tool to remove the black outer layer of the cable. It's important to only expose wire that will fit inside your terminal.
3. Prepare the wire for crimping by twisting it together with your fingers. Not only does this prepare the wire for your crimp tool, but it also helps to form a stronger seal.
4. Insert the terminal into your crimping tool and apply force. It's important to apply as much force as possible to ensure your fuse is properly formed.

What types of connectors, crimping tools and accessories are there?

Cable connector and crimping tools range from handheld tools for small jobs to pneumatic options for heavy-duty applications. The main types of crimp tools are:

• Handheld- Ideal for smaller jobs, they are easily mistaken for pliers.
• Electrical- Often powered by batteries, electrical crimp tools are designed to offer the same power as handhelds- just with less manual input.
• Benchtop- Slightly bulkier than electrical and handheld connector tools, these crimp tools are mounted onto your workbench, making them well-suited for more demanding tasks. Depending on your needs, these can be manual or operated by motor.
• Hydraulic- Powered by hydraulic fluid, they require minimal effort to operate but provide maximum power. You'll often find hydraulic crimp tools are used for demanding maintenance and industrial projects.
• Pneumatic- Reserved for heavy-duty applications, pneumatic crimp tools use air pressure to deliver extremely powerful crimps on more serious jobs.

What else might I need to complete my crimp tool connector kit?

As well as the crimp tools and connectors themselves, to complete your crimp tool connector kit you should also consider investing in the following accessories:

• Insertion and extraction tools are designed to remove and insert connections from the connector housing.
• Contact positioners ensure your crimp tool is adjustable and suited to a wide range of applications. Contact positioners make it easy to accommodate different wire sizes.
• Connector wrenches or connector spanners are handheld devices designed to make loosening or tightening connectors simple.
• Crimp dies are the part of your crimp tool that does the 'crimping.' Available in assorted shapes and sizes, they often come color-coded to help you identify the correct cable specifications.

Order your high-quality connectors and crimping tools today

Whether you're looking for a small crimp tool or something more heavy-duty, at RS we have all the equipment you need to make light work of wire connections.

As the leading distributor of tools and hardware in North America, we're committed to helping professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts get access to the very best tools money can buy, from leading manufacturers such as Molex, Harting and more.

We know that choosing the perfect crimp tool can be challenging, so if you're unsure which you'll need, you can always contact our team for advice. Alternatively, visit our expert hub for detailed guides, product breakdowns and helpful how-to's.