Product Specifications
- Design: dual-lever design.
- Wrench material: Carbon Steel
- Comfortable handle: Non-slip handles
- Packaged Product Dimensions: 9.26" x 0.98" x 2.71"
- Weight: 17.98oz
- Country of Origin: Taiwan
Ratcheting Wire Crimper Features
Ratcheting wire crimpers create flawless connections every time through precise pressure control and ergonomic handling. Enjoy the following features and services with the purchase of this wire crimper:
- Automated pressure release: The tool automatically releases when it reaches the exact force needed for proper crimp depth.
- Force multiplication: The dual-lever system multiplies your crimping power to create strong connections without straining your hands.
- Wire range: The crimper accepts 22–10 AWG wire terminals in red, blue, and yellow color codes.
- Control features: The ratchet mechanism locks at any point during the crimp to let you adjust your grip or position.
- Non-slip, comfortable grip: Large non-slip handles provide complete control throughout the crimping cycle.
- 90-day trial period: Put these crimpers to work for three months and return them if not satisfied.
- Protection plan: A limited lifetime warranty covers all manufacturing defects.
- Real human support: Our amazing customer service responds within 30 minutes to answer questions.
Can You Crimp Wires Without a Crimping Tool?
You can crimp wires without a proper crimping tool, but these improvised methods create unreliable electrical connections that pose safety risks. Pliers, hammers, or vise grips crush connectors unevenly, which leads to loose connections, poor conductivity, and potential fire hazards.
A ratcheting wire crimper applies precise, calibrated pressure to create uniform crimps that maintain consistent contact between the wire and connector. The tool's jaws compress terminals to an exact depth for better conductivity and a lasting connection.
Professional wire crimping tools cost less than repairing electrical system damage. Invest in proper crimping equipment to create safe, long-lasting connections.
What Is the Best Way To Crimp Wires?
Professional electricians follow these simple steps for reliable wire crimps:
- Strip the wire insulation cleanly, leaving no nicks in the copper strands. Remove the correct length according to your connector size.
- Select the proper size terminal for your wire gauge. The wire should fit snugly into the barrel without excess space.
- Insert stripped wire into the terminal barrel until the insulation meets the metal edge. All copper strands must sit inside the connector.
- Position the terminal in the correct die size on your ratcheting crimper.
- Squeeze the crimper handles until proper pressure compresses the connection fully.
Quality tools create reliable electrical connections. A crimper’s built-in ratcheting mechanism delivers consistent pressure and uniform crimps.
Will the Olsa Crimper Work on Heat-Shrink Terminals?
We don’t recommend using our crimpers on heat-shrink terminals. The Olsa crimpers are made for vinyl-insulated terminals. While heat-shrink terminals require crimping, they need smooth jaws due to their softer material. Our current crimper has jaws optimized for vinyl terminals in red (22-16 AWG), blue (16-14 AWG), and yellow (12-10 AWG) sizes.
Can I Crimp Spark Plug Wires With Ratcheting Wire Crimpers?
Yes, you can crimp spark plug wires with standard ratcheting wire crimpers like the Olsa model. The process requires two separate crimps: one for the conductor and one for the insulation, which our crimper handles effectively.
While specialized spark plug wire crimpers exist, a quality ratcheting crimper produces equally reliable connections. The Olsa ratcheting crimper works for spark plug wires up to 10 AWG for proper conductivity for optimal engine performance.
How Does the Ratcheting Feature Prevent Over-Crimping?
The ratcheting mechanism stops and releases at a preset force calibrated for each wire gauge. This automation creates perfect crimps on all terminals. A built-in calibration screw maintains release pressure at factory specifications. Unlike basic crimpers, this system safeguards terminals from deformation through excessive force.
Can I Adjust the Crimp Pressure?
Yes. A calibration screw on the tool maintains factory-set release pressure. If crimps become loose, rotate the screw clockwise to increase pressure. Turn counterclockwise to decrease pressure for delicate terminals. This adjustment restores the perfect crimp force across all compatible terminal sizes.
How Do Ratcheting Wire Crimpers Compare to Hydraulic Crimpers?
The Olsa ratcheting crimper matches hydraulic tools in quality for standard automotive electrical work through 10 AWG. Hydraulic crimpers excel in industrial applications with 8 AWG and larger wires, but cost more and add bulk to your toolbox.
For automotive technicians who work primarily with smaller gauge wires, this heavy-duty design produces consistent, professional-grade crimps at a lower price point.
Will Olsa Tools Wire Crimpers Crimp Both Stranded and Solid Wire?
Yes. The crimper jaws work with both wire types, but stranded wire creates superior automotive connections. The tool applies uniform pressure that compresses stranded wire bundles without damage to individual strands.
For solid wire, the precise jaw profile prevents over-compression that can weaken the conductor. Automotive manufacturers specify stranded wire for most applications due to its flexibility and vibration resistance.
Can This Tool Crimp Deutsch Terminals?
No. Deutsch terminals require specialized crimping tools with precise cavity dies that match each connector size. You can use Olsa ratcheting crimpers for standard automotive electrical terminals but they lack the specific jaw profiles needed for Deutsch connectors.
With incorrect crimping tools on Deutsch terminals, you can compromise the connection and void the connector's weather-resistant properties.
Does Olsa Ratcheting Wire Crimper Work on Battery Terminal Ends?
No. Battery terminals require heavy-duty crimpers rated for 4 AWG wire and larger. The Olsa ratcheting crimper handles automotive wiring from 22 AWG to 10 AWG.
For battery cable terminals, a large-format crimping tool with correct dies produces the high-compression connection needed to handle the starting and charging system current.
Are the Crimping Dies Exchangeable?
No. This crimper features fixed dies calibrated for standard terminal sizes. The dies accommodate the most common types of automotive terminals from 22–10 AWG without the need for changeover.
What Tools and Supplies Work Best With This Crimper?
Professional electrical repairs require specific tools alongside this crimper. Your basic automotive wiring tools should include precise wire strippers for 22–10 AWG wire, an assortment of insulated electrical connectors in red, blue, and yellow, plus heat shrink tubing for weatherproofing. This combination creates professional-grade connections in most automotive electrical jobs.
What Types of Connectors Work With Ratcheting Wire Crimpers?
This crimper works with insulated terminals. The jaws create reliable crimps on standard electrical connectors from 22–10 AWG. While it handles most automotive connectors, specialized terminals, such as solar connectors, need dedicated crimping tools.
What Makes This Ratcheting Action Different?
The tool's ergonomic handle construction reduces hand fatigue during repetitive crimps. The ratcheting action advances in small steps, giving you precise control over connector placement. Once you reach optimal pressure, the tool releases automatically to prevent over-crimping.
What Tool Accessories Should I Get With the Olsa Ratcheting Wire Crimpers?
These Olsa Tools products and accessories pair with your ratcheting wire crimpers:
How Can I Keep the Olsa Ratcheting Crimpers Clean?
Clean crimping jaws produce the best electrical connections. Wipe the tool after each use with a clean shop cloth to remove metal particles and dirt. Olsa tool wipes remove grease without leaving residue that might contaminate connections. A light oil on the pivot points maintains smooth operation but keeps lubricants away from the crimping surfaces.