So I’m going to evaluate the three different crimping methods available to me, namely my shiny new ratchet crimp pliers, my aged simple crimp pliers, and for comparison an ordinary pair of pliers.

For the most part, though, I’ve moved on to ratchet-action crimp tools. I find these superior in every way to simple crimp tools, especially since they can’t easily over-crimp a connector.

A star wheel sets precise crimping pressure, while the ratchet action applies double crimps quickly and with repeatable precision. The finished crimp is then auto released once it’s double crimped.