The 28 best crimper brands
Klein Tools, Ideal and Milwaukee lead our ranking of 28 crimper brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Crimper brands, ranked
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1
Klein Tools
Ratcheting crimpers and wire strippers in forged steel, popular with electricians who want durable American-made hand tools.
Top products: K12065CR· 34060· 3005CR
Website: kleintools.com |Brands like Klein Tools
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Ideal
Wire connectors and ratcheting crimpers for electricians, often sold alongside its WireNut connector range.
Website: premiumexperience.org |Brands like Ideal
Popularity 8.8/10
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3
Milwaukee
M18 cordless hydraulic crimpers run on the same batteries as Milwaukee's drills, so site crews carry one pack.
Top products: 2978-22· M18 HCCT
Website: milwaukeetool.com |Brands like Milwaukee
Popularity 7.5/10
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4
Greenlee
Gator-series hydraulic crimpers and die sets handle heavy copper lugs for utility and substation electricians.
Website: greenlee.com |Brands like Greenlee
Popularity 6.5/10
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5
DMC
Daniels Manufacturing crimpers, including the AFM8 miniature tool, aimed at aerospace and military connector work.
Top products: AFM8
Website: dmc.com |Brands like DMC
Popularity 6.3/10
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6
Molex
Service-grade hand crimp tools for Mini-Fit Jr. terminals, used in connector assembly and industrial wiring.
Top products: 63811-1000
Popularity 6.2/10
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7
KNIPEX
German-made pliers specialist whose crimper and connector kits suit electricians wanting precise, ergonomic tools.
Top products: 97 90 23
Website: knipex.com |Brands like KNIPEX
Popularity 4.8/10
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8
Gardner Bender
Hardware-store electrical tools, including crimpers, strippers and cable ties, at accessible prices for DIY and trade use.
Website: gardnerbender.com |Brands like Gardner Bender
Popularity 4.8/10
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9
Huskie
Cordless hydraulic crimpers for utility linemen, with enough tonnage for large copper and aluminium cable.
Top products: REC-510
Website: huskietools.com |Brands like Huskie
Popularity 4.1/10
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10
Platinum Tools
Network and telecom crimp tools, especially RJ45 and coax crimpers for installers working on structured cabling.
Website: platinumtools.com |Brands like Platinum Tools
Popularity 4.1/10
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11
Panduit
Ferrule crimpers sized to Panduit's pre-insulated terminals, used in control panels and data halls.
Website: panduit.com |Brands like Panduit
Popularity 3.9/10
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12
Astro Tool
US-made crimpers for aerospace and connector assembly, with hand tools and pneumatic presses for production work.
Website: astrotool.com |Brands like Astro Tool
Popularity 3.8/10
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13
Eclipse
Eclipse builds window coverings, including vertical blinds, replacement vertical blind slats, fabric blinds and curtains. Its blockout fabrics manage light, reduce noise and help with energy savings. Some Eclipse fabrics are made from recycled materials, and the vertical blinds give...
Website: eclipseblinds.co.uk |Brands like Eclipse
Popularity 3.7/10
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14
HOZAN
Slim-handled crimpers and strippers made in Japan, suited to tight control panel and telecom work.
Website: hozan.co.jp |Brands like HOZAN
Popularity 3.5/10
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15
TE Connectivity
AMP-series applicators and hand crimpers for sealed automotive terminals, used in OEM wiring harness plants.
Top products: Pro Crimper III· AMP 90180-2
Website: te.com |Brands like TE Connectivity
Popularity 3.4/10
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16
Temco
Hydraulic lug crimpers with dies up to 600 MCM for battery cable, aimed at auto shops and fleet mechanics.
Top products: TH0006 V2.0· TH1818
Website: temcoindustrial.com |Brands like Temco
Popularity 3.4/10
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17
Commercial Electric
Commercial Electric, a lighting brand sold mainly through Home Depot, offers shop lights, strip lights, recessed lights and ceiling fixtures. Its parent company is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Its LED recessed lights come in slim profiles with adjustable color temperatures.
Website: commercialelectric.com |Brands like Commercial Electric
Popularity 3.3/10
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18
Malco
Crimping and bending tools for sheet metal and HVAC work, aimed at trade users and serious home workshops.
Website: malcoproducts.com |Brands like Malco
Popularity 3.1/10
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19
SARGENT
Sargent Welch provides a seamless shopping experience for the science classroom and laboratory across schools. To meet the needs of the modern classroom, their products and resources are the one-stop solution for teachers to streamline teaching. Their products are designed...
Top products: 3187 CT Metri-Pack 280
Popularity 2.8/10
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20
Southwire
Southwire builds wire and cable for electrical work, including electrical flexible conduit and cable wire. Its range extends to cable cutters and other electrical tools and components. Electricians and contractors use its products, and the brand offers installation guides and...
Website: southwire.com |Brands like Southwire
Popularity 2.7/10
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21
Jonard Tools
Telecom and fibre crimpers and cable prep tools, favoured by installers in the telecom and alarm trades.
Website: jonard.com |Brands like Jonard Tools
Popularity 2.6/10
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22
Engineer
Fine-jawed crimping pliers for electronics and wire work, with a compact head that suits small connectors.
Website: engineertools-jp.com |Brands like Engineer
Popularity 2.6/10
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23
Amphenol
Connector maker whose crimp tools match its own terminals, used in industrial and aerospace harness assembly.
Website: amphenol.com |Brands like Amphenol
Popularity 2.5/10
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24
Nicopress
Aluminium sleeve swaging tools for wire rope, the crimpers used for fence and rigging splices.
Top products: 51-G-887
Website: nicopress.com |Brands like Nicopress
Popularity 2.5/10
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25
Phoenix Contact
Pneumatic and hand crimpers for wire end ferrules, with interchangeable die sets for industrial control panels.
Top products: ZAP25
Website: phoenixcontact.com |Brands like Phoenix Contact
Popularity 2.4/10
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26
3M
Connectors and crimp tools for splicing and terminating wire, including its Scotchlok range.
Website: 3m.com |Brands like 3M
Popularity 2.4/10
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27
HARTING
Han-series crimp tools for rail vehicle and factory automation connectors, with calibrated dies.
Website: harting.com |Brands like HARTING
Popularity 2.1/10
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28
VEVOR
Low-cost A/C hose crimp kits with swappable dies, sized for automotive and refrigerant hose fittings.
Top products: 71550 A/C Hose Crimper Tool Kit· Hydraulic Hose Crimper
Website: vevor.com |Brands like VEVOR
Popularity 2.1/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klein Tools | kleintools.com | /kleintools | klein_tools | @klein_tools | – |
| Ideal | premiumexperience.org | /idealLEDlight | – | @idealledlight | – |
| Milwaukee | milwaukeetool.com | /MilwaukeeTool | MilwaukeeTool | @MilwaukeeTool | – |
| Greenlee | greenlee.com | /GreenleeTools | greenleetools | @Greenleetools | GreenleeDEMO |
| DMC | dmc.com | /CommonthreadUS | dmc_embroidery | – | DMCThreads |
| KNIPEX | knipex.com | /knipex.uk | knipex_uk | – | KnipexTools |
| Gardner Bender | gardnerbender.com | /GardnerBender | – | @gbgardnerbender | Gardner Bender |
| Huskie | huskietools.com | /HuskieTools | huskietools | @huskietools | HuskieTools |
| Platinum Tools | platinumtools.com | /PlatinumTools | platinumtoolsinc | @PlatinumTools | PlatinumTools |
Crimper Buying Guide
Introduction
If you are involved in any sort of electrical work, you might need to crimp wires. Crimping is the process of joining two or more wires together by compressing them with a tool called a crimper. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, choosing the right crimper can make a huge difference in terms of efficiency, accuracy and safety.
Types of Crimpers
There are several types of crimpers available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:
- Handheld Crimpers: These are the most basic and affordable crimpers available. They are designed to be held in one hand and operated with the other. They work well for small jobs and occasional use, but may not be suitable for heavy-duty or high-volume work.
- Benchtop Crimpers: These crimpers are larger and more powerful than handheld crimpers. They are designed to be mounted on a workbench or table and used with both hands. They can handle larger wires and more consistent crimps, but are more expensive and take up more space.
- Ratchet Crimpers: These crimpers use a ratcheting mechanism to ensure consistent and precise crimps. They are available in both handheld and benchtop versions, and are ideal for high-volume and critical applications.
- Pneumatic Crimpers: These crimpers use compressed air to operate, and are most commonly used in industrial and manufacturing settings. They are highly accurate and efficient, but require a dedicated air supply and can be expensive and noisy.
- Hydraulic Crimpers: These crimpers use hydraulic pressure to compress the wires. They are the most powerful and versatile crimpers, capable of handling the largest wires and the toughest crimps. They are also the most expensive and require a hydraulic power source.
Crimper Features
When choosing a crimper, there are several features to consider:
- Crimp Size: The size of the crimper jaws determines the size of the crimp it can make. Make sure to choose a crimper that is compatible with the wire gauge and connector type you are working with.
- Crimp Shape: Some crimpers are designed for specific crimp shapes, such as hexagonal or rectangular. Make sure to choose a crimper that matches the crimp shape specified by the connector or terminal you are using.
- Wire Stripping: Some crimpers include wire stripping capabilities, allowing you to strip the insulation off the wire before crimping it. This can save time and effort, but may not be essential if you already have a separate wire stripper.
- Adjustability: Some crimpers allow you to adjust the amount of force applied to the wires. This can be useful for achieving consistent results or for accommodating different wire gauges and crimp shapes.
- Ergonomics: Look for a crimper that is comfortable to hold and easy to operate. Some crimpers have padded or ergonomic handles, while others may be heavier or more awkward to use.
Remember to also consider factors such as brand reputation, warranty, and customer reviews when choosing a crimper.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crimper can make a big difference in the quality and efficiency of your electrical work. Consider the type of crimper and its features carefully before making your purchase. With the right crimper, you can ensure consistent and reliable crimps that will keep your electrical connections safe and secure.
