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A Guide to Different Crimping Shapes
Are you new to crimping? Not sure what the difference is between each crimping shape? Don’t worry—we've got you covered! In this blog post, we will review the differences between each crimping tool and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Before you pick what type of crimper, you need to answer the following:
1. What are you crimping, and where are you crimping?
2. Do you like open, or do you prefer nested?
2. Do you like open, or do you prefer nested?
The difference between open and nested is simple:
Open: You have a range of gauges in the same insertion hole.
Nested: You have a specific wire gauge that goes into a particular nest.
Which one is better? It is up to what you prefer. The crimp profile is user and application preference.
Trapezoidal
For many years the trapezoidal crimping impression was the industry standard for wire ferrules. The die shape is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.
Square
Some prefer a square crimping shape because when they insert the crimped wire into a terminal block, it gives them four solid sides on which to screw the set screw down on. Square crimpers create a square-shaped crimp.
Hexagon
The hexagonal crimping shape is the closest to a round shape, which can help when working in tight spaces. If your terminal block or housing has a narrow opening, you need the smallest available crimp shape to fit inside.
Figure-8 & B Shape
These two shape types are preferred for larger ferrules. Though they have a similar shape, the crimp itself is very different.
Choosing the Right Crimper
It's all personal preference when choosing a crimping shape. Whether you’re a professional in the field or a DIY enthusiast, having the right crimping tool can make all the difference in ensuring a secure and lasting connection.