Ferrule crimping tool- square or hex?

[Steve T]

Hi
I'm looking at getting a set of ferrules with a crimping tool but don't really want to spend the money on a knipex or similar one, so I've seen these two on amazon which I like the look (and price) of:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B07X8FGDV4/ref=sspa_mw_detail_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07X8FGDV4p13NParams&smid=A1S7RYTKH6NP9V

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B073TZ5BBG/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pd_rd_i=B073TZ5BBGp13NParams&smid=A1S7RYTKH6NP9V

Now the main difference is one has a hexagonal crimping jaw and the other has a square crimping jaw, so which one is better?
Thanks for any replies

 

[SJD]

The prices for the square one vary enormously on eBay, I bought one like your second link with ferrules for £7.45 a few weeks ago. But now the same listing is updated to £15. There are others listed currently around £10. (Wire Crimping Pliers Tool Ferrule Crimper 0.25-10mm + 1200pcs Crimp Terminals UK 8852095233588 | eBay - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303725809034), They all seem to have a HSC8-6-4A stamped on them. I use it all the time, this was a replacement for an older same model some 6 years old, now jamming occasionally (which cost all of £1.24 new in an eBay auction when nobody else bid!).

I can't tell you how it compared to a hex version as I've never tried one.

 

[telectrix]

mine's a square one £14.99 ebay with a box of asst. ferrules. works fine.

 

[GBDamo]

My Mr Quality one (square jawed) off Amazon has been faultless.

It's the same as the two square jawed ones above.

 

[pc1966]

Nominally hex fits circular holes slightly closer to max capacity, and square suits cage-clamp terminals slightly better. But in reality both end up squashed in to the terminal's shape if tight.

The cheap eBay ones are fine, but not as tight as the Knipex, and generally don't quite properly crimp at the smallest size they claim. But for typical power work with at least 0.75mm cable they are OK and unless you use them a lot (as in tens of thousands of crimps) it is hard to fault value for money.

See:

Ferrule crimp tools part deux | on ElectriciansForums

Find Ferrule crimp tools part deux Advice and Help. How-to Ferrule crimp tools part deux in the Electrical Tools and Products advice boards on ElectriciansForums.net | Free Electrical Advice - Electricians Forums: Electricians' Talk Forums. Ferrule crimp tools part deux on...

www.electriciansforums.net

 

[Steve T]

Nominally hex fits circular holes slightly closer to max capacity, and square suits cage-clamp terminals slightly better. But in reality both end up squashed in to the terminal's shape if tight.

The cheap eBay ones are fine, but not as tight as the Knipex, and generally don't quite properly crimp at the smallest size they claim. But for typical power work with at least 0.75mm cable they are OK and unless you use them a lot (as in tens of thousands of crimps) it is hard to fault value for money.

See:

Ferrule crimp tools part deux | on ElectriciansForums

Find Ferrule crimp tools part deux Advice and Help. How-to Ferrule crimp tools part deux in the Electrical Tools and Products advice boards on ElectriciansForums.net | Free Electrical Advice - Electricians Forums: Electricians' Talk Forums. Ferrule crimp tools part deux on...

www.electriciansforums.net

Thanks a lot for putting that together I've had a look through and it's really useful! I can't really see myself needing to crimp 0.25mm2 or probably even 0.5mm2, at least not often enough to warrant buying an expensive tool.

 

[pc1966]

One thing to add is if you are using screw style terminals the crimp only needs to stop the ferrule easily coming off, as it gets further crushed by the termination. But if you use spring-loaded terminals like Wagos or some DIN rails, then you need a good crimp to get a good stable contact between the wire and the ferrule.

 

[Zerax]

One thing to add is if you are using screw style terminals the crimp only needs to stop the ferrule easily coming off, as it gets further crushed by the termination. But if you use spring-loaded terminals like Wagos or some DIN rails, then you need a good crimp to get a good stable contact between the wire and the ferrule.

I didn't know you could use ferrules in Wagos... if I have to use stranded with a wago it's either one of those lighting ones that are designed for fine stranded or if it's bigger stranded like 6mm, it goes into a normal wago by itself.

 

[Mike Johnson]

@Steve T I have both the sets you link to in your first post, the hex is my go too tool, but is limited to 6mm, but does make a very good crimp on stranded wire, especially if using small stranded for fire alarm installations, the square set has a real problem crimping 6mm earth cable into the ferrel, I find I have to put it on the floor and push down on the handle.

 

[Steve T]

@Steve T I have both the sets you link to in your first post, the hex is my go too tool, but is limited to 6mm, but does make a very good crimp on stranded wire, especially if using small stranded for fire alarm installations, the square set has a real problem crimping 6mm earth cable into the ferrel, I find I have to put it on the floor and push down on the handle.

I'm very unlikely to need to crimp anything more than 6mm, if that. I'm only really anticipating having to crimp flex for connections to FCUs etc and maybe even plugs although it seems there are mixed views on whether ferrules should be used in plugs or not! I'll probably go for the hex tool, it also comes with more ferrules which is nice.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Forgot to mention none of them will satisfactorily crimp solid 2.5mm, for that you need a hydraulic crimper.

Flex in plugs as you say are a moot point, but my view is that multi strand in a screw terminal will not fully seat and some strands will ride up the side of the screw and may break off, crimping would stop this from happening.

 

[pc1966]

I didn't know you could use ferrules in Wagos... if I have to use stranded with a wago it's either one of those lighting ones that are designed for fine stranded or if it's bigger stranded like 6mm, it goes into a normal wago by itself.

You don't have to, as the leaver action Wagos accepts fine stranded cable as well.

But sometimes if you are working with a mix of terminals, or just a bit paranoid about the odd strand poking out, then a ferruled end is easy and reliable to use in any type, just like solid core wire.