Harbor Freight Tools - Crimper Update

Maine Sail · #1 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

Hi All,

As promised I ordered the Harbor Freight Tools double ratcheting crimper and am in the process of comparing it's construction, specifically the crimp dies, which are the important part, to the Ancor Double Crimp Ratchet Crimper.

It was stated by some here that the HFT crimper was identical to the Ancor model. I'll let you decide..

Ancor and HFT Crimpers: Note the non-removable dies on the HFT crimper. You'd literally have to pound out those drift pins to replace those dies.
All Photos ©1998-2008 Hale Kai Inc.

Crimp Dies: The Ancor crimper on the left has the proper spacing to execute a double crimp and nicely machined heads from a solid ingot. The HFT crimper has incorrect spacing to properly execute a double crimp and uses cheap plates of steel to make up the crimp dies.

Crimp Jaw Surface: Note the sharp edges and the improper spacing on the HFT crimper vs. the well machined and properly spaced jaws of the Ancor crimper.

Ancor Crimp Head: the fit and finish is very good and the crimp jaws are in the correct location top and bottom.

HFT Crimp Head: These dies do not even have the proper profile and are located incorrectly. The jaw on the bottom should be on the top!

Proper Die/Jaw Orientation: This is the proper jaw orientation for a double crimp ratchet tool. The spit in the barrel of the connector always faces the top. On the HFT tool your would need to crimp backwards!

Close Up Of Sloppy Machining: This crimper JUST came out of the shipping envelope an hour ago and already it's showing signs of RUST!! Also look at the rough surface where the steel was cut. See picture number two for a side by side look at the sloppy machining.

I paid $14.99 plus 6.99 S&H (which took 20 DAYS!) for the HFT crimper and $55.00 for the Ancor crimpers. The Ancor crimpers came with detailed instructions and the HFT crimpers came with NOTHING. The crimp dies on the HFT tool makes and improperly spaced crimp and the heads are not easily replaceable...

I'll let you guys be the judge..

T34C · #2 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

OK, but when you use each of the tools, what happens?

BlueWaterMD · #3 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

I too would like to actually see the finished crimps.

Recently on a major build my dad burnt out a power drill and saber saw (both major brand names). He replaced them with a harbor freight drill for $19 and saber saw for $29. Those tools are still going! I was however unimpressed with their power sanders.

For some jobs, I think they are reasonable tools to have. Especially if they do a decent job, and it is a tool you don't need too often. I don't know if I would buy them online though. I luckly have a store near me so I can go examine the tools first hand.

teshannon · #4 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

Very interesting. Will you be testing the HFT crimps?

sailingdog · #5 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

Halekai-

I'd like to see actual crimps from the HFT crimper and like to see how they do in the weight test.

Stillraining · #6 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

Definitely tell the differance...OK I will buy both and keep the cheap one on board for emergencies and the good one at home to bring back and forth for projects...as I bet it is still miles ahead of the 6.00 strip and crimp tool...Thanks

EO32 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

I buy some HF tools. I just picked up an 18v cordless drill for $16. Now it's not as nice as my $100 Dewalt 14.4v cordless drill, but I've been getting tired haulling it to and from the boat, so the HF Drill becomes to boat drill.

You do get what you pay for, but the quality is getting better.

Maine Sail · #8 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

I think Stillraining has it! It's a back up emergency crimper to keep on board while you keep your good one at home!

Here are two identical crimps, same terminals, same wire just different crimpers.

Front Close Up: HFT on left Ancor on Right
All Photos ©1998-2008 Hale Kai Inc.

Crimp Locations: This is IMPORTANT a double crimper is supposed to crimp the strain relief. The HFT crimper (bottom crimp) crimps the slot between the strain relief barrel and the crimp barrel. Look closely through the nylon and you'll see that the crimp barrel was not even touched and it's still round! Look at the Ancor crimp (top) and you can see a very slight black line depicting the crimp jaw outline. Also notice the almost invisible crimp in the nylon. The proper spacing of the Ancor dies makes a properly spaced crimp and actually achieves the "double crimp"!

Anatomy of a crimp connector: I took apart an insulated terminal to show why the crimper is referred to as double crimper. The spade gets one crimp (left side of photo) and the strain relief barrel (middle of the photo) gets a second crimp where I have scuffed the metal. The "colored dot" side of the jaws, of the Ancor "double" crimper, are the appropriate size for crimping this strain relief barrel and the non dot side is sized for the crimp barrel. On the Ancor crimper these dies are sized for both the strain relief and the crimp barrel specifically and on the HFT crimper both sides of the jaw are identical as in there is no specific side for a strain relief crimp or a wire crimp! Truly a one size fits all approach! Using the appropriate crimper such as the Ancor will create both crimps in one single motion properly.

If I were to disassemble a heat shrink connector all you'd see is the heat shrink and the terminal. You'd only have two pieces, not three, hence the term "single crimp" as it only crimps the crimp barrel because there is no strain relief barrel on a heat shrink terminal. This photo shows the valley that the HFT tool crimped in the strain relief barrel!

Stillraining · #9 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

Im personally with you on this one...

I have a Dewalt 12v that is a great drill but the Battery life is crap ( 4 so far ) and at 55 bucks each it has sat unused for 5 years and I have bought 4 drills since its retirement...One I purchase is HFT 20v 1/2 and its one battery has out lived thoes dewalts 4 to one @ 1/3 the cost...In other words Dewalts lasted 1 year each..Harbor Fright 4 years and still going..You could not give me a Dewalt...I have one to give you...

Another good reasonable drill is the Ryobi 1/2 18v sold by Home Depo...Again better and cheaper then Dewalts..

Just my opinion using them weekly..

Quote:

Originally Posted by EO32

I buy some HF tools. I just picked up an 18v cordless drill for $16. Now it's not as nice as my $100 Dewalt 14.4v cordless drill, but I've been getting tired haulling it to and from the boat, so the HF Drill becomes to boat drill.

You do get what you pay for, but the quality is getting better.

Gryzio · #10 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008

I appreciate your evaluation. Like to buy from Harbor Freight when it a good deal!

I use this for a cheap, they about $5.
http://www.grainger.com/images/products/4A857.JPG

I do have something I bought from "Snap-on" the 70's when I worked at a Boat Dealer, but, for the money the first work as well. (I can find a picture, maybe).

Normally I like what I call, "Hard Wiring", maybe I wrong, really not care. But, I solder everything!!!!! It not hard to learn and more reliable than a Crimp, no matter how crimp it crimped.

I slide a Shrink Tube over what I can, and cover with Silicon Rubber what I can not!

Never a corrosion problem and never and loose connection. But, this my way and I respect the wants of others. I just not crimp what I can solder.

I will admit, That one nice looking tool, but, when it come to a show down ...... I feel the women will like my tool better! It gets good and hot when it need to work!