Trackmouse
Trackmouse SuperDork
4/11/17 6:42 p.m.

Is there a website shows what all of the types of terminal connections are and what they do and what professional tool crimps them correctly. I mainly ask because I want the tool that makes those professional looking crimps on things like spade terminals and ring terminals, and the internet is flooded with people selling god knows what. I think the other end of those terminals are called "d sub" because that came up in each search, but want To verify. Also, just want to brush up on the terminology too.

Another thing, obviously need to find a crimp tool that is good at automotive size wiring (makes the little "M" in the wire end of the terminal), but also not crazy expensive. I have a good set of wire stripper/cutters and they have the ability to smash butt connectors, and I have smashed the quick disconnects with them, but would really like to ensure a good connection.

Trackmouse
Trackmouse SuperDork
4/11/17 6:55 p.m.

Been eyeballing this all afternoon. Does 10-22awg

For the record:

ae86andkp61
ae86andkp61 GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
4/11/17 8:40 p.m.

No one site that I've found, but I have massively increased my understanding and bought tools from both these sources:

Corsa Technic

Eastern Beaver

The latter is more motorcycle oriented, but has done good crossover with some Japanese car stuff.

A little time exploring both these sites will give you a good start.

I now have a couple great crimpers, and from here on out, I buy terminals, connectors, and electrical components that work with the tools I've invested in rather than always getting a strict replacement for what was already there. Terminals are cheap, good tools are expensive...I figured I could re-do several vehicles completely for the cost of a good set of crimping tools.

Keith Tanner
Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
4/11/17 10:51 p.m.

I use crimpers with interchangeable jaws. Get one of the sets with four different jaws and you can crimp just about anything. The tool tells you what to use This is what I have. There are less expensive alternatives, but I cannot vouch for their quality.

The bare "M" crimps as shown are probably the easiest ones to do. They don't take much power and you can easily inspect your work. This looks like the one we have at work.

EvanB
EvanB GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
4/12/17 6:39 a.m.
Keith Tanner wrote: I use crimpers with interchangeable jaws. Get one of the sets with four different jaws and you can crimp just about anything. The tool tells you what to use This is what I have.

That is the same one I have and it works very well. It will also do the open barrel terminals (like the "M" crimp posted).

In the future I plan on using Deutsch connecters wherever I can when replacing things. They are just so much easier to work with than the metripack/weatherpack style.

MadScientistMatt
MadScientistMatt PowerDork
4/12/17 8:06 a.m.

D-subs are a fairly common industrial connector that dates back to the late '50s. They're used on computer serial cables, and they're also the connector used on the traditional MegaSquirts:

Not something you'll see too often with OEM automotive applications, but pretty common in industrial settings, or of course, if you're wiring up a MegaSquirt.

We've typically used TE (Tyco) tooling around our shop - not cheap by a long shot, but when you need a crimper to just plain work, they just plain work.

Trackmouse
Trackmouse SuperDork
4/22/17 11:41 a.m.

Update to this thread! I ended up buying these. Lunar crimp frame

It was 35$ on Amazon and they do most open barrel and insulated. And I have access to the various dies for spark plugs, flag terminals, and other AWG. Overall, happy with it. Crimps tight. Made in China but certainly does not feel like it.

Streetwiseguy
Streetwiseguy UltimaDork
4/22/17 12:28 p.m.

If you are looking for the names and sizes of automotive connectors and pins, you are on a fools errand. Go into a GM dealership, ask for a pin to replace something on something, and they will bring out four plastic boxes with twenty four compartments each, and start comparing. Go ask the same question at the Chrysler store, andothe 4x24, with few interchanges. Honda? More. Volvo? More.

When I get to benevolent dictator, the camps will be populated with engineers who spec a new or proprietary thing when a perfectly good old thing already exists. They will be in a building just downstream from the people who make me stock 16 different batterys, and still I have to go to the Interstate warehouse a couple of times a week.

pimpm3
pimpm3 Dork
4/22/17 1:12 p.m.

Where does one buy the connectors, spade terminals, etc...

Trackmouse
Trackmouse SuperDork
4/22/17 7:49 p.m.
pimpm3 wrote: Where does one buy the connectors, spade terminals, etc...

Not sure if serious? If sarcasm, "hahahaha". If serious, anywhere. Even bimart.

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