Well. thanks for that review.  I always use the stick-through and tug metod,
but nice to know a generic tool and generic crimps will work.  Be safe.
Michael in San Antonio
91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'

On Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 12:01 PM, David Beierl <dbeierl@attglobal.net> wrote:

> At 11:00 AM 9/2/2010  -0400, Don Hundt wrote:
>
> less than $19.00 for this one.
>>
>> http://www.tooltopia.com/tool-aid-18900.aspx?utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=SGT18900&utm_campaign=googlebase_18u
>>
>
> You can get that identical tool for $30 in the FLAPS.  Don't
> bother.  I've had two of them, and anyone who wants them can have
> them for a nickel.  They're worth at least that much as scrap iron.
>
> I did once have a decent ratchet crimper that I bought for $50 in a
> marine hardware store in Kittery Maine.  It was stolen and they no
> longer have it or remember anything about it, sigh.
>
> For FAA use, suck it up and buy the AMP tool and connectors.  For our
> purposes, a Channellock #908
> http://www.amazon.com/Chanellock-908-Channellock-Wiring-Tool/dp/B00004SBDH
> will be perfectly satisfactory.  There's a better picture here
>
> http://picasaweb.google.com/dbeierl/VanagonMeltedEngineHarness02#5487300480980688162
>
>
> The essential feature of this tool (and similar ones carried by
> electricians) is that it makes an indented crimp.  This allows great
> crimping pressure without breaking your hand or needing to use a
> compound-action mechanism.  I'm sure Greenlee and others make a
> similar tool.  You can find them in the electrician's department at
> Home Depot etc.  You have to make two crimps, one for the wire and a
> second one for the insulation.
>
> Incidentally, again for our purposes, there's nothing wrong with
> using a PVC-insulated terminal like the one he rejected.  If you go
> to NAPA you can get either PVC or Nylon-insulated good quality
> terminals, probably both made by 3M.  Don't expect them to be free,
> but they're a lot less expensive in bulk.
>
> Yours,
> David
>