Having the best hydraulic wire crimper can make the job of fitting and assembling wires & cables as easy as breathing. However, the majority of people are confused when it comes to selecting the right one.
Whether you are looking for a crimper for home use or commercial use, you need a reliable crimper machine. We understand there are a lot of substandard crimpers in the market. That is why we have reviewed hundreds of crimpers from different reputable manufacturers so that we can present to you a few options that you can choose from.
Comparison Chart
Detailed Product Info & Reviews
1. Chromex 16-ton Hydraulic Wire/Cable Crimper
This is an excellent hydraulic wire crimper which comes with chrome-plated dies. It is a reliable crimper, capable of handling a maximum pressure of 16 tones. This is a perfect choice for someone looking for a crimping tool on a field assignment.
The machine has a long grip and, therefore, capable of crimping 13 ¼” comfortably. It comes with 12 sets of dies. This device can crimp copper and aluminum wires that range from AWG 6 to 600 MCM.
Chromex hydraulic crimper comes with 12 pairs of dies, putting it ahead of other brands that present with 4, 6, or 11 sets. The advantage of having an extra set of dies is that; it allows you to crimp a variety of wires and pipes than with ordinary crimpers.
The Good
If you are looking for a versatile tool that can crimp wires, electrical cables, or batteries cables, then this is the right choice. Another good feature is that it is made of hardened steel and has chrome finish construction, which makes it sturdy and durable. Further, it is affordable, which makes it an excellent choice for someone on a budget, but at the same time, searching for a powerful quality crimper.
The ‘Not So Good’
This machine does not come with a size chart, which can be confusing to users. Moreover, the size of the dies is in metric size, which can be time-consuming for some users to convert to AWG, European, or the format.
However, this challenge can be solved by visiting the manufactures website or downloading a size chart on the internet. This crimper comes with 12 dies, which though sufficient for most standard jobs, can limit someone whose work involves different sizes
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Made of steel therefore durable
- crimper head that can rotate and adjust directions
- It is powerful to withstand a maximum pressure of 16 tons
What We Don’t Like
- The crimps can be rough
- The die sizes come in metric
2. Mophorn Hydraulic Hose Crimper
This is a lightweight handheld crimping machine that weighs approximately 16.3 pounds. It comes with seven die sets, which are enough to fit the most common hose and wire fitting requirements. These dies can accommodate various hose sizes such as 6, 8, 10, and 12. Mophorn crimper is made of steel; therefore, it is sturdy and durable.
This tool is easy to use and does not require additional tools to operate. Another excellent feature we like about it is that; it comes with a base that can be mounted on a bench to make it even more comfortable to use.
This machine is sturdy and well built, and you can expect it to crimp your hose tight. Most users claim that this machine makes tight and good-looking crimps compared to other crimpers in the market.
The Good
Therefore, if you are looking for the best hydraulic hose crimper that will give you tight crimps, but not compromise on the aesthetics, then this might be a good option for you. Moreover, if you crimp AC frequently, then you should go for this.
The ‘Not So Good’
If you deal with many sizes of fitting that require multiple die sets, this type might not be a good option for you. It comes with only seven die sets, which can limit the number of joints you can make. Further, this means that if you wanted to have more variety of settings, you would have to buy the set separately, therefore, more cost.
Additionally, this crimper is best suited for AC and airline and may not be the best for crimping garden hose because it lacks the right crimping jaws. However, some users report accomplishing custom jobs without any challenge.
What We Like
- Excellent in Air conditioner fitting
- Can be mounted on the bench
- Made of steel thus Durable
- No vise needed to hold the jaws.
What We Don’t Like
- May not be appropriate for the hose fitting
- Instruction manual not very clear
3. TMS Crimper 16 ton Hydraulic Wire/Cable Crimper
TMS crimper is a robust and lightweight hydraulic crimper that weighs 13.3 pounds. This tool can crimp both 2/0 and 4/0 battery cables and electrical wires. This tool made it to this list because not only is it easy to use and highly portable, but it can also handle a decent amount of pressure. Besides, it requires small energy from the user when working.
The Good
This machine is equipped with enough dies to accomplish most crimping jobs. We appreciate how versatile this tool is, as it can crimp thick aluminum and copper connectors easily. Another useful feature that can help you is the adjustable head that can rotate to give you sufficient working crimping space.
Additionally, TMS crimper comes with a powerful hydraulic pump that you can pump to the maximum to accomplish even the most demanding crimping jobs. If you are looking for a machine that will give you beautiful crimps, then you might want to buy this.
The ‘Not So Good’
The thing we don’t like about this tool is it does not come with a chart for the sizes. The die set comes labeled in metric sizes instead of AWG. This can be a challenge if you don’t know how to convert the formats to the ones you are familiar with.
However, this is not a significant challenge because you can easily visit the company website or use this link to access a chart you can use to convert. Some users report that this machine creates uneven crimps. This can be a challenge for someone who wants both tight and beautiful crimps. However, some users say that when you hold the position of the wire well, you get even crimps.
What We Like
- Strong hydraulic pump
- Sturdy and durable
- Makes good quality crimps
- Has an adjustable head for easy use
What We Don’t Like
- No size charts
- Dies do not line up well
4. HYCLAT 10-ton Hydraulic Wire/Cable Crimper
This crimper from HYCLAT comes with 11 sets of dies made of hardened steel and chrome. The machine has a crimping stroke of 22 mm and can rotate 180°. We like it because it is portable and weighs approximately 13.15 pounds. We love this product because it is sturdy and come with a crimping power of 10 tons.
The Good
One feature we like about this product is it comes fitted with a safety valve, which automatically releases when it reaches maximum pressure to prevent overbuild up. Also, if you are looking for a hydraulic crimper that is portable and easy to carry, then this is an excellent choice. It comes with a durable yellow box that makes it easy and convenient to carry.
We like this tool because it is versatile and you can use it to can crimp welding cables, electrical cables, power wires, and batteries. Another feature we like about the crimper is the rotatable head that can move 180° to provide sufficient working space.
The ‘Not So Good’
One feature we don’t like about this product is that it comes in a box that does not fit well, which causes the die set to fall when moving. Furthermore, the dies are labeled in metric, which can pose a challenge to someone used to AWG sizes. However, you can check quickly check online for metric size converters. Lastly, if you are working on small projects, the dies may be too large to crimp correctly.
What We Like
- Made of hardened steel therefore sturdy and durable
- Equipped with efficient pump
- Lightweight and portable
- Well-aligned and fitting die sets
What We Don’t Like
- Dies and crimping come in metric size
5. TEMCo TH0005 Industrial Hydraulic Wire/Cable Crimper
This hydraulic crimper is made to handle a maximum capacity of 11 tons. The crimp head and die sets are made of black oxide to prevent chipping and flaking. The machine is made of steel, making it compact and sturdy.
The Good
We like this device because it is versatile and can be used for wide applications such as crimping the battery wire, welding cable, terminal lugs, and building wires. This machine has a crimp head capable of rotating 360 degrees to enable you to work comfortably in a tight access job. If you are looking for a hydraulic crimper that can make clean crimp, then this is the right choice. It comes with a 12 die set as well.
The ‘Not So Good’
What we don’t like about this machine is that it is not strong enough to crimp 600 MCM aluminum lugs and pure 1/0 copper lugs. If you want a tool that can handle large copper lugs, then we recommend you to get a hydraulic crimper with a larger cylinder. Besides, the maximum pressure of 11 tons while enough for low-run crimp can be too low for crimping hard materials.
What We Like
- Produces crimps with an excellent finish
- Has durable die sets
- It is versatile
- Easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- some dies may fit loose in grooves
- changing the die might be challenging to some
‘Wire Crimping Tool’ Buyer’s Guide
Factors to Consider when Selecting Crimping Tools
Hydraulic crimpers come in a variety of sizes, time cycles, capabilities, and performance. It is essential to identify your needs and the magnitude of your work before buying a crimper. In this guide, we have provided you with a checklist of what to look in a hydraulic crimper.
Alignment
The position and the arrangement of the dies determine the quality of your crimps. You should ensure that the dies are well aligned so you can achieve a perfect crimp every time. Having a crimp whose dies is misplaced can result in ugly and deformed crimps and, at worst, can cause the joint to be unfit, hence bad connections.
Portability
Before buying a crimp, you should ask whether you want a stationary crimp for your workshop or you need a device that you can visit with to the site. Portability is crucial if you need to fit multiple wires and cables on the job. If you are a contractor whose job involves plenty of fieldwork, then a portable crimper would be ideal.
Die sets
Dies come in different sizes. The size is usually indicated in metric size or AWG. Moreover, some manufacturers use different colors to indicate the size of the die. Before buying, you should ensure the product has the dies you need to execute your work. Otherwise, you might be compelled to purchase the dies independently.
Crimper dies are specifically designed for certain wires and fittings. Thus, you should ensure that you verify the die. Also, make sure that the dies are well placed to prevent segments from misalignments or mismatch.
Durability
You should look at the construction of the machine. Some devices are made of cheap material that cannot handle the pressure. The best hydraulic crimpers are made of steel, which makes them sturdy and durable.
Decals
Hydraulic crimpers should come with an information decal that shows the list of proper wires and cables to use it on, and the fitting combination. Decal provides the list of information that gives you suitable fitting match and the tools required for each wire and fitting combination.
Pressure capacity
Ensure you know the maximum pressure the crimp can handle. Most handheld hydraulic crimpers range from 6 to 12 tons. You should always go for the crimper with the highest pressure.
Cost
Hydraulic crimper varies in prices. However, the price is influenced by the size, maximum pressure, number of dies, and the scope of its application. However, this does not mean you cannot find a machine with great features at an affordable price.
FAQs
(Q) What Is a Wire Crimper?
(A) A Wire crimper is a tool used to join deformable metal fitting with sections of rigid and flexible wires and cables. There are different types of crimpers, for example, portable, handheld, bench-top, and freestanding crimpers. Mostly, handheld crimpers are used for low-volume runs. On the other side, crimper can be categorized into hydraulic, pneumatic, and programmable. Hydraulic is the most common and convenient to use.
(Q)How Does a Hydraulic Crimping Machine Work?
(A) Hydraulic crimpers use a fluid mechanism to transfer force from the user to the jaws of the crimper. Like other hydraulic systems, it allows you to use little energy.
(Q) How Much Pressure Can a Hydraulic Crimper Withstand?
(A) Different hydraulic crimping tool types each have different maximum pressure. The level of weight you need depends on the type of work you engage in and the nature of wires and cables you are crimping. Some crimpers have pressure suitable for crimping air conditioner hose, while others are great for batteries wires, electrical wires, and a garden hose.
(Q) How Many Dies Does a Hydraulic Crimper Have?
(A) The number of die sets in a crimper machine depends on the model. Different brands of hydraulic crimpers come with a diverse set of dies. For instance, some devices have 4 die sets, while others have 6, 8, or 12 die sets. You should check the type and number of die sets you require for your work so that you can order the right machine.
(Q) What Size of Die Sets Should I Buy for Crimping?
(A) Die sets come in a variety of sizes and compositions. These are some of the sizes of the dies: AWG: 6, 4, 3, 2, 1/0, 2/0, 4/0. MCM: 250, 300, 350, 500, 600
Having the right size of the die will enable you to make fitting and ultra-tight crimps. You should remember that the size of the die set that you need will depend on the size of the wire you intend to crimp.
(Q) How do you determine the correct crimping size?
(A) A crimper should come with a chart that shows you the correct bits and collars to use, and what neck measurement should be after crimping. If you are unsure of the right size, you should visit the manufacturer website or visit this link. Some crimpers come with AWG instead of US metric
Final Remarks
Finding the best hydraulic wire crimper can be a daunting task, especially when you have many choices. However, we have done the leg work and compiled the best that has the features suitable for your personal and commercial uses. While we have ensured to pick the best, we can only have one editor’s choice. We recommend the Chromex 16-ton hydraulic crimper because it is portable and easy to use. We like the design, which allows you to operate even in restricted space. Additionally, it comes with 12 sets of dies that make beautiful crimps.
Nonetheless, if you are working on a tight budget, we recommend the HYCLAT 10 Ton Hydraulic Wire Crimper because it is made of steel, therefore sturdy. Besides, it has a safety valve to protect you against pressure build up in the pump.
