How to Crimp Butt Connectors: Tool Types and A Step-By-Step

How to Crimp Butt Connectors: Tool Types and A Step-By-Step

Using butt connectors is one of the most convenient and reliable ways of connecting two wires, even if they are of different sizes. You can do it at home, in an auto, etc. with handy tools. However, multi wire connectors of this type will only work out if you crimp them properly. For that you’ll need:

  • A crimping tool;

  • A manual for it (optional);

  • Some skills and/or tips on crimping.

Here, you’ll find a brief guide into crimping with all necessary information for a successful electrical multi connectors installation.

As to the connectors and crimping tools, you’ll need a reliable shop to get high quality for a reasonable price. Offering a wide range of wire electrical connectors, WirefyShop.com will have any size and type of butt splices you may need.

Crimping Tool Types

Crimping tools vary by the wire gauges they support. Some even have several die heads in the package to accept more gauges.

There are 3 most common types of wire crimping tools:

  • Hand crimper.
    The most basic tool that is operated by the force of your hand. Hand crimping tool is used for smaller wires and might also offer functionality to strip and/or cut wires.

  • Hydraulic crimpers.
    When more pressure is needed (i.e. when the size of the wire is larger and it’s thicker), a hydraulic crimper is used since it can apply much more pressure. Make sure you change the oil and its filter regularly.

  • Hammer crimper.
    This is a universal tool that is compact, portable, and accepts a variety of gauges. Adjust the wedge height to accommodate the wire you need to crimp. As the name suggests, you’ll also need a hammer to use it.

WirefyShop offers quite a range of crimping tools that will make even the first electrical wire connecting experience successful.

How to Crimp Butt Connectors

Unlike T-tap, 2-pin, ring, plugs for terminals, and other multiple wire connectors, this one connects two stripped ends in one strong wire. The key to such a result is proper crimping, among other factors like proper cable stripping and a suitable butt splice size.

Here’s a detailed step by step on crimping:

  1. Make sure you have a tool that supports the wire gauge you have. You can get a proper crimping tool on WirefyShop;

  2. Strip the end of the wire to the needed length;

  3. Attach a butt connector of the proper size;

  4. If your tool has interchangeable dies, choose a suitable one;

  5. Apply the tool to crimp the connector to the wire and a heat source if using heat shrink connectors;

  6. Take it out and tug on it a couple of times to make sure it’s properly crimped;

  7. If necessary, repeat steps 5-6.

A butt splice terminal can be used in electrical applications in automotive, marine industries (waterproof), as well as in regular wiring projects.

Whether crimping in your car, at home, etc., make sure you crimp tight and pay attention to all safety precautions multi wire connecting requires.