Crimping Tool Recommendations
 

Can anyone recommend a crimping tool? I've gotten by with the shitty Canadian Tire version since my teens, but they never do as good of a job as a good set. Can anyone recommend a good set for a decent price?

Rona has a decent gardner bender one for $18
CRIMPING TOOL | RONA

If not, klein tools one would be the number one choice if youre willing to spend more

Edit: this is for electrical, might be different for different applications

What application? For heavier gauge wires I have a hydraulic crimper and I can tow my vehicle with the lugs that are crimped on.

I guess I should have explained. Your standard automotive gauge of wires. 12-20guage etc for connectors and such.

I should have looked around a little more. Looks like I need one for insulated terminals I believe. Looking at a Klein unit right now with replaceable die's. Amazon seems to have them for a good price.

for butt connectors, i've been using Channel Locks CHANNELLOCK 909 Crimping Tool with Cutter: Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement
very similar to the Klein crimpers. I like my tools USA made.
For the factory oem connectors, you'll need something like these:
PWC47, Tool, Crimping

i got the channellock crimping tool at cambodian tire but its hella expensive

Occasionally, they have 30% off Channellock line.

I like channel lock tools, but is there any advantage to buy a ratcheting style crimper? Or is it just ease of use?
http://www.amazon.ca/VDV226-011-SEN-...heting+crimper

Like this, but with the appropriate die.

I've always used Thomas & Betts tools for wiring. I find that the wire stripping cutters work much better than the generic ones and the crimps are strong. I've used mine for over thirty years now and even though I tried others, I always go back to T&B. Don't let the price scare you on Westburnes website, that's for 100 pieces though I can't see any company buying that many at a time.

https://west.westburne.ca/tool/thoma...duct/THSWT2000

Ratcheting crimpers do the same crimp, every time, regardless of how hard you press the handles. That's the main advantage, repeatability. I own both a set of ratcheting crimpers ($150+) and the Channel Lock tool linked above. 95% of the time I reach for the Channel lock set.

Only time I use the ratcheting set is when I'm doing Anderson Power Pole connectors. If I'm handing a set of crimpers to someone else, however, I always hand them the ratcheting set. That way I don't have to inspect every crimp they make to ensure it's okay.

-Dave