Mid sized crimper - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Speedy Petey · 01-30-2009, 06:14 PM

So as not to hijack a similar thread over on CT, what would you guys recommend for a mid sized crimper? Something above a red, blue, yellow "Sta-con" crimper. I mean for #8 thru maybe #4 or #2.

My supply guy had a nice T&B kit for this size wire, with a crimper and a bunch of crimps but he sold it a while back and I hadn't thought of getting one until recently.
What do some of you like?

Thayer · 01-30-2009, 06:26 PM

I've got a Greenlee K-series rotating dieless style crimper, rated fro #8-4/0. Works great, but it is a little on the heavy side.

http://www.toolup.com/greenlee/k09-2gl.html

MDShunk · 01-30-2009, 06:43 PM

The TBM-6 is the only thing I'd think about in that range.

randomkiller · 01-30-2009, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDShunk

The TBM-6 is the only thing I'd think about in that range.

I second that vote.

KayJay · 01-31-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

So as not to hijack a similar thread over on CT, what would you guys recommend for a mid sized crimper? Something above a red, blue, yellow "Sta-con" crimper. I mean for #8 thru maybe #4 or #2.

My supply guy had a nice T&B kit for this size wire, with a crimper and a bunch of crimps but he sold it a while back and I hadn't thought of getting one until recently.
What do some of you like?

I use the ratcheting T&B TBM25S for smaller stuff like #8 thru #2. It is really handy when terminating at equipment. It has a rotating die nest so you don’t need carry a loose die set. Also, equally important, it’s small enough to fit in your tool bucket. The Burndy Y1MRTC is a very similar tool, but is about $150.00 more than the T&B.

The TBM-8 crimper set I have does these sizes as well as up to about 500 kcmil CU, but for me, the extra weight and long handles make it way too cumbersome for terminating at equipment.

Here is a link: http://www.specialized.net/ecommerce...Crimper-TBM25S

[PS]: These guys don’t always have the best price, but normally ship very fast.
Sometimes it almost seems like the FedEx guy is at the door as soon as you hit “enter” on the order form.

Speedy Petey · 01-31-2009, 02:34 PM

KayJay, that is more along the lines of what I was thinking. It is certainly more in my price range, especially since I really don't need it. I just want to have a crimper for smaller wires like #8-#4.
I can't see that I'll have the need to crimp anything bigger in the remotely near future.

Speedy Petey · 01-31-2009, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KayJay

Here is a link: http://www.specialized.net/ecommerce...Crimper-TBM25S

Here. I found one for an even better price. Better for THEM!

http://www.electriciansupplies.com/i..._--_1_each.htm

gilbequick · 01-31-2009, 07:48 PM

Wow talk about a price range. It's amazing the variances you'll find by shopping around.

Speedy Petey · 02-01-2009, 10:09 AM

Now I am considering the bigger unit.
What is the difference between the TBM-6 and the TBM-8 ?

KayJay · 02-01-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey

Now I am considering the bigger unit.
What is the difference between the TBM-6 and the TBM-8 ?

I think the main difference is that the TBM-6 uses both upper and lower removable dies.
The TBM-8 on the other hand, has a fixed lower die and just uses a removable upper die so, generally you get faster die changes with less chance of upper/lower die mismatch and normally no handle readjustment between die changes. Fewer parts to loose as well.
IMO, it’s worth the extra expense over the TBM-6 just for the ease of use.
Some of the smaller dies for both the TBM-6 and TBM-8 are nested with three or four sizes on each, while the larger ones have only one or two sizes.

BTW: That link you found really seems to have some dubious pricing.
Their price for a one single 1-1/2”, two-screw connector, $25.60 each!
One single Hubbell non-metallic WP GFCI cover, $97.62 each!
I see they are located in Virginia, so maybe their pricing is for [GSA] Government contracts. Who else but the Federal Government would be silly enough to pay those prices?