Just realized my crimp quality changed after switching dies

Been using the same Klein crimpers for 3 years on CAT6 runs. Last month I swapped to a different die set on a job in Austin and noticed the connector seating looked way more even. After about 50 terminations I checked with my tester and saw zero failures compared to my usual 2-3 out of 100. Turns out my old dies were slightly worn down from hitting concrete floors. Anyone else notice a before-and-after when they swapped crimper parts?

3 comments

3 Comments

ward.kim7d ago

Oh sure, just rub it in that you were crushing connectors with worn-out gear and didn't notice until you dropped 50 bucks on new dies. Nothing like a little concrete damage to remind you that your tools have a lifespan, right? Guess I'll be checking my own crimpers for scuffs before the next big job.

max_hernandez277d ago

Yeah, that "worn-out gear" thing hits hard. I had a set of crimpers that just started feeling a little loose, didn't think much of it. Then I did a pull test on a connector and it popped right off. Turned out the die gap was way off, just from years of use. Now I keep a spare set of jaws in the truck, learning that lesson the hard way is expensive.

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the_anthony6d ago

...and the worst part is you don't even realize it's happening until something fails. I've been burned by that exact thing with a pair of ratcheting crimpers I'd had for like six years. Started noticing I was squeezing a little harder than usual to get a solid crimp, but I just shrugged it off. One day I did a pull test on a big lug and it slid right off the wire. Felt like an idiot. Now I just replace the dies every couple years whether they look bad or not, and I check the gap with a feeler gauge every few months. It's a cheap habit that saves a ton of hassle on a job site.