Weather Pack Connectors

[pyroman]

I'm looking to use some weather pack connectors on my MSD install however the price of the crimpers is setting me off a bit, especially since I'll need to crimp up the 12 AWG wire and there are two separate crimpers for 22-14 AWG and 12-10 AWG. So I'm on a search for a "do-it-all" crimper for the gauge wire I need. Does anyone have some suggestions? I found this tool that says it will do up to 10 AWG connections: Tool Aid Ratcheting Terminal Crimper for Weatherpack Terminals [TA18930] - $26.99 : Automotive Tools and More, eToolDirect

Can anyone comment on that one?
Thanks!

 

[c24sc]

The weather pack tool I used at tech school was similar to the one you have in the pick, but it was around $150 to buy. I believe it was bought from napa.

Nate

 

[Tim65GT]

Tool Aid Ratcheting Terminal Crimper for Weatherpack Terminals
$26.99
For most Weatherpack terminals and non insulated open barrel connectors 22-10 AWG.

Ensures a perfect crimp every time.

Steel frame with contoured grips. Contains 12 each of the most popular brushes ï¾– brass, nylon and stainless steel bristles.

I think there was a mix up on the last line of the tool description.

I thought the biggest wire on the MSD was a 12 ga. If you don't mind soldering, that would more than make up for a crappy crimp.

 

[ForceFed70]

I just bought a set of $20 universal crimpers. I always solder them once crimped, works great.

 

[pyroman]

OK I was about to order some of these connectors but I wanted to double check on the wire sizes coming off the MSD before I ordered. So I called MSD and they said it was 10 AWG for the battery cables and 12 AWG for the others. Can anyone confirm this? I'm not in front of my 6AL right now so I can't check myself.

 

[c24sc]

Techspan - Automotive

No price, but these are the ones we used at tech school (black ones).

Nate

 

[BubbaB1966]

I'm with Tim and Force, nothing beats a good solder and heat shrink connection. Clean and strong.

 

[BlueMonster65]

soldering is great for permanent connections. but the weatherpack connectors are great for any time i need to make a harness that connects to items i may have to remove at some time, and believe me that's often. i got the kit from jegs, the crimper tool i bought a long time ago from parts express and the jaws i think are made by msd. the jaws are designed for use with 18-20 and 14-16. i have crimped 10-12ga fine with them. it has proven to be a great investment. i've even begun replacing those annoying factory crappy bullet connectors thru out the car.
here's a link to the crimping tool. its cheap and works great i've used to for all types of connectors.
Parts Express:Ratcheting Crimp Frame Handle

judging by the price and description in the link you posted i am going to guess that it is only the crimper frame and does not include the jaws, much like the link i posted above.

 

[ForceFed70]

I think we all agree that weatherpack connectors are a good idea.

The topic of soldering was around soldering the connector pins to the wires. That way you can get away with a crappy crimping job.

 

[BlueMonster65]

I think we all agree that weatherpack connectors are a good idea.

The topic of soldering was around soldering the connector pins to the wires. That way you can get away with a crappy crimping job.

yes...and my point is if you get the right tools and do a good job you don't need to solder a crimp connector.

 

[ForceFed70]

yes...and my point is if you get the right tools and do a good job you don't need to solder a crimp connector.

I think soldering a crimp connector is a good idea regardless of tools and how well you crimp. In school (Electronics Engineering) I was taught that a solder connection was superior to any mechanical connection, and that the best connection involved both components.

Crimp connectors rarely use the same material as the conductor. Meaning you have dissimilar metals. This results in corrosion problems as well as problems with different rates of expansion/contraction with temperature change. Crimped connectors in harsh environments have a high chance of failure for this reason.

Regardless, in this case the crimping tool is big $$$ so soldering is a good alternative.

 

[Gopher]

I have a Paladin 1300 crimper for amateur radio cables. I use the #2033 die set for WeatherPack terminals, as shown at My hobby site - Garage