The Best Crimping Tools, Tested

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Crimping Tools, Tested and hope the blog can help you.

A crimping tool is invaluable for making all kinds of electric connections quickly and securely, whether in the hands of a DIY enthusiast or a professional.

The best crimping tools can help a variety of wiring projects go smoothly. That’s why we performed hours of hands-on testing with some of the top products on the market. From crimpers meant for installing nylon terminals on small cables and wires to those designed for heavy-duty battery lugs and aluminum terminals, we collected models to fit every need and then put them to the test.

Use this guide to understand the types available and the factors and features to keep in mind when shopping. We spent 8 hours testing all of the following models on six different sizes of wire with a variety of terminals to make the shopping process even easier.

1. BEST OVERALL: Iwiss Kit-0535 Ratcheting Crimper Tool
2. RUNNER-UP: Wirefy Wire Crimper for Insulated Nylon Connectors
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Titan 11477 Ratcheting Wire Terminal Crimper Tool
4. BEST AUTOMOTIVE: TemCo Hammer Lug Crimping Tool
5. BEST HYDRAULIC: TemCo TH0006 Hydraulic Cable Lug Crimper
6. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Irwin 2078309 Wire Stripper / Crimper / Cutter
7. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Iwiss HX-50BI Single Cable Lug Crimping Tool 
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Klein Tools 3005CR Ratcheting Crimper Tool

How We Tested the Best Crimping Tools

We wanted to ensure that we were suggesting only the best crimping tools. To do so, we drew upon our experience in DIY and electrical work to pick out the most important features a wire crimper tool should offer.

Once we knew what to look for, we rounded up a selection of wire-crimping tools we felt would meet our needs and tested them. We used them to install terminals on a variety of wires ranging in thickness, also known as American Wire Gauge (AWG), or simply “gauge,” for the best crimping power.

These included 18-gauge, 12-gauge, 10-gauge, and 4-gauge wires to accommodate crimping capacity. We tested the ratcheting functions, assessed how easy the tools were to manipulate, and ultimately how well they secured the wires, then tested the finished connections with a multimeter. We then compared prices, features, and accessories to determine whether they offered enough value.

The following wire-crimper tools passed muster in our tests and were given awards based on their strengths and crimping force.

Our Top Picks

With precision and durability in mind, we researched a wide variety of wire-crimping tools before landing on these products. We then tested these top-rated tools to ensure we had the best products on the list.

Best Overall

Iwiss Kit-0535 Ratcheting Crimper Tool

See It

Anyone hunting for a do-all crimping solution will want to check out this Iwiss tool kit. It comes with a ratcheting crimper, six sets of jaws for a variety of terminal connections and wire gauges, and a set of wire strippers with cutters, allowing users to tackle just about anything.

The Iwiss crimping tools in this set feature a crimper with a ratcheting mechanism that creates double crimps in certain types of terminals, ranging from 22 AWG to 2 AWG. Once the crimpers finish the double crimp, the quick-release handle opens automatically. Also, swapping the wire-crimper jaws is simple, requiring the user to simply press the spring-loaded pins to swap them out.

The Iwiss wire-crimping tool was our favorite during the test. It provided plenty of leverage to make crimping down on tough terminals easy. We also liked the quick-release jaws, as they easily slide in and out but stay securely in place. The grips were also comfortable in hand and nonslip, which can be a big benefit when trying to hold a wire into a connection while crimping.

It also comes with its own case to keep things organized, which is great, as it’s too big for a tool box. (It’s 11 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 2.5 inches thick.) Otherwise, it was durable, comfortable, and easy to use. We really enjoyed working with it, which easily made it our favorite pick.

Read our full review:Iwiss Kit-0535 Ratcheting Crimper Tool Review

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Range: 22 AWG to 2 AWG
• Terminal type: Nylon, wire ferrules, high-temperature, aluminum, and copper terminals

Pros

• Includes a range of swappable jaws, making it more versatile than those with affixed jaws
• Ratcheting action and quick-release handle crimps securely and then releases automatically for an ideal fit
• Comes with wire strippers, a case, and 6 sets of jaws for a range of tasks

Cons

• Too large to fit in tool boxes

Get the Iwiss crimping tool set at Amazon.

Runner-Up

Wirefy Wire Crimper for Insulated Nylon Connectors

See It

This wire-crimping tool from Wirefy has been specifically designed for rapid productivity when working with common nylon electrical terminals. The color-coded die allows for quick positioning of the crimp, and double jaws create a high-strength connection. Light pressure holds the terminal in place without the operator needing to maintain grip. A star wheel sets precise crimping pressure, while the ratchet action applies double crimps quickly and with repeatable precision. The finished crimp is then auto-released once it’s double-crimped.

The Wirefy crimping tool handles sizes from 22 AWG to 10 AWG. Well-cushioned, nonslip handles add comfort through long work periods. The tool also features a compact profile of 11.42 inches long by 4.69 inches wide, so users can easily store it in a tool belt or box.

Our tests showed us that the Wirefy crimp tool has a lot going for it. We liked its relatively compact size, and despite a shorter grip than some of the competitors, it was easy to apply pressure and crimp terminals. The grip was also fairly comfortable, and size identification (it’s color-coded) was a breeze. It also has one of the smoothest ratcheting motions in the test.

We’re not huge fans of the jaws being made of multiple plates, as they’re far more likely to bend than solid jaws, but it did produce solid connections regardless.

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Range: 22 AWG to 10 AWG
• Terminal type: Nylon terminals

Pros

• Easily fits into a tool belt or box at 11.42 inches long by 4.69 inches wide
• Easy to apply pressure and ratchets smoothly
• Color-coded jaws make finding the right jaw for a terminal connection easy

Cons

• Jaws are made of multiple plates, which are more prone to bending than a single solid plate

Get the Wirefy wire-crimping tool at Amazon or Wirefy.

Best Bang for the Buck

Titan 11477 Ratcheting Wire Terminal Crimper Tool

See It

Folks looking to crimp on a budget will appreciate the ease of use, repeatable performance, and value of this Titan wire-crimping tool. It’s designed to handle the common insulated nylon terminal type with cable diameters from 22 AWG up to 10 AWG. The double-crimp die provides extra cable security. Jaws are color-coded for rapid identification and high productivity.

The ratcheting action provides control when tightening and can generate plenty of power, yet the action is light so hands won’t tire quickly. That’s because the ergonomic handles incorporate a quick-release lever for those occasional jams. Also, one of the handles features a quick-release mechanism that activates after double-crimping. The only drawback of this wire crimper is the jaws are made of individual plates rather than being solid jaws, which means they’re more likely to bend or deform.

For the money, we really like Titan’s crimping tool. The ratcheting action is smooth; the quickly-release lever is easy to operate; and it made secure connections. The action was light enough, too, that we were able to make multiple crimps in a row without fatiguing. Also, we found the quick-release lever to be easy to use, which is a plus when the terminal needs to be reset or realigned.

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Range: 22 AWG to 10 AWG
• Terminal type: Nylon terminals

Pros

• Double-crimp dies make strong, secure connections with nylon terminals
• Light action and ergonomic handles preserve hand strength for extensive use
• Quick-release lever activates after double-crimp is complete
• Quick-release lever easy to operate for occasional jams or resetting the terminal

Cons

• Jaws are made of individual plates, which are more prone to bending than a single solid plate

Get the Titan wire-crimping tool at Amazonor Titan.

Best Automotive

TemCo Hammer Lug Crimping Tool

See It

Modern automotive circuitry allows for little intervention by mechanics or engineers—mostly it’s a question of identifying the fault and replacing the board. However, battery terminals still get damaged or frayed. The TemCo hammer crimper mounts to a workbench and provides an easy-to-use, highly durable solution and a straightforward, cost-effective method for low-volume situations.

There’s no need to worry about dies fitting incorrectly, since terminals simply rest in the V-shaped jaw. The crimping ram is then struck with a hammer or tightened in a bench vise. The ram is designed to accommodate wire sizes from 8 AWG up to 4/0 AWG, making the TemCo hammer lug crimper suitable for attaching heavy-duty terminals to welding equipment cables, but not small wires and terminals.

The TemCo Hammer Lug Crimping Tool was truly one of our favorites. We used it for battery lugs and heavy-gauge wire. Although it’s specifically designed for use with larger wires, we tested it with terminals much smaller than suggested, and it actually did great. It was the fastest method for securing a terminal in the test, but it does need a solid work surface to operate, so it’s definitely better for a shop than a tool belt. However, it made excellent crimp connections, and it’s also fun to use as a battery cable crimper.

Product Specs 

• Type: Hammer
• Range: 8 AWG to 4/0 AWG
• Terminal type: Non-insulated battery and welding terminals

Pros

• Can be mounted to a workbench or other work surface to provide a solid base
• Handles very large wires without relying on hand or arm strength to crimp
• Universal die so users don’t have to swap jaws out for different sizes

Cons

• Not specifically designed for use with small wires and terminals

Get the TemCo crimping tool at Amazon or TemCo Industrial.

Best Hydraulic

TemCo TH0006 Hydraulic Cable Lug Crimper

See It

When it comes to installing wire crimps, it doesn’t get much easier than a hydraulic model like this one from TemCo. This hydraulic cable lug crimper installs a range of terminal types on wires ranging from 12 AWG all the way to 2/0 AWG. This kit even comes with dies in half sizes for terminals that are difficult to fit.

The TemCo tool kit can handle building wires, battery and welding cables, and smaller wires. The hydraulic piston easily closes the dies, while the spring-loaded handle returns the handle to its open position naturally. And because it’s so easy to squeeze with one hand, the user is able to hold the wire steadily in the free hand for perfectly aligned terminal connections. At 9 pounds, this crimper is heavier than most other models.

We had to break out some serious cable to test the TemCo TH0006 hydraulic cable lug crimper. We found that its dies were very easy to change and that it had plenty of power for crimping down on heavy-duty terminals. It was a little heavy in hand, which did make wire and terminal alignment a little awkward, but the resulting connections were extremely strong. We even used it for lighter wires, like 10 wire gauge, and found the same results. Also, it comes with 18 different dies, and the dies themselves are very easy to swap.

Product Specs 

• Type: Hydraulic
• Range: 12 AWG to 2/0 AWG
• Terminal type: Non-insulated terminals

Pros

• Hydraulic piston allows users to apply a lot of pressure with very little effort
• Comes with 18 dies, and they’re very easy to swap in and out
• Wide range, with half sizes for terminals that are difficult to fit

Cons

• Heavier than standard models, so aligning wires and terminals can be awkward

Get the TemCo TH0006 at Amazon or TemCo Industrial.

Best Light-Duty

Irwin 2078309 Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter

See It

Folks looking for a light-duty crimper they can easily keep in their tool belt while on the job will want to consider Irwin’s wire-stripping tool. This good crimping tool has several built-in capabilities, including stripping wires between 22 AWG and 10 AWG, wire cutters, pliers, bolt cutters, and crimping tools for terminals between 22 AWG and 10 AWG.

This is a light-duty tool, as it performs single indent, single-crimp connections. It also has thick, textured grips for nonslip control and cushioning.

We used the Irwin crimping pliers for the entire test. We cut and stripped all of our wires with it, allowing us to assess its multifunction capabilities. It cut well (even our thick 4-gauge wire), and stripping was sufficient. It also made solid connections, but we did have to make two crimps for the best connection. However, for a tool weighing under a quarter of a pound, it had no problem crimping down on the terminals despite not having a ratcheting function. We also like the control that the nonslip grips offer.

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Range: 22 AWG to 10 AWG
• Terminal type: Insulated and non-insulated terminals

Pros

• Lightweight tool at 0.19 pounds, but has the leverage to easily crimp down on terminals
• Features a bolt cutter, cutting edges, wire strippers, pliers, and multiple crimpers
• Nonslip, comfortable grips allow for better control and less fatigue

Cons

• Designed for light-duty use, so it may not crimp heavier lugs and wires

Get the Irwin crimping tool at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Acme Tools.

Best Heavy-Duty

Iwiss HX-50BI Single Cable Lug Crimping Tool