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Crimping Amp 4 AWG cable lugs [SOLVED]

Discussion in 'Audio & Video' started by BrakeDust, Apr 12, 2021.

  1. Apr 12, 2021 at 7:09 AM
    #1
    BrakeDust

    BrakeDust [OP] New Member

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    So my amp came with a great power cable kit from tech12volts, Sosche brand. Also came with little cable lugs for the ends.

    Turn out those are rather soft, can't just smack them with a hammer, I tried that. They don't stay tight. Trying to melt some solder in there didn't turn out well either - my puny little soldering iron wouldn't even get it started and using a MAPP gas torch to head the lug/cable didn't seem to work either. The solder did melt but only formed a puddle at the end of the cable rather than wicking into the wire. :(

    Going to cave in and get the real tool, a HF hydraulic crimper: Hopefully I can still salvage the lugs, will try to open them again with a punch.
     
  2. Apr 12, 2021 at 7:22 AM
    #2
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

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    Look at the package for the wire, is it OFC (oxygen free copper) or CCA (copper clad aluminum)?

    I really like soldering them, you should not have a problem with getting filling up the lug with solder. Watch a couple youtube videos on it. A soldering iron wont cut it, i fluxed the inside of the lug, used a propane torch to slowly heat the lug until solder would flow in, and kept going until it was damn near full.

     
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  3. Apr 12, 2021 at 7:26 AM
    #3
    blackoutt

    blackoutt YEAH BUDDY!

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  4. Apr 12, 2021 at 7:46 AM
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    TRDFerguson

    TRDFerguson SSEM #99/RGBA #8-ish?/It’s a funny name.

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    The terminals that came with my kit had a split in the top. I used channel locks to push one side under the other, crimped side to side, then top to bottom, then repeated. Seemed to do the trick for me, but I’m sure it could have been done better.
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2021
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  5. Apr 12, 2021 at 9:03 AM
    #5
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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  6. Apr 12, 2021 at 9:06 AM
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    mountainpete

    mountainpete Explore more

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    Function before sparkle.
    I have a hammer crimper too... but I sure would love the convenience of crimping at the truck with a hydraulic assist vs at the bench!
     
  7. Apr 12, 2021 at 9:09 AM
    #7
    BrakeDust

    BrakeDust [OP] New Member

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  8. Apr 12, 2021 at 9:13 AM
    #8
    Charvonia Design

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    Get the HF crimper, it works really well. Beats trying to smack the terminal or the crimper above with a hammer, especially when it’s on the vehicle. I’ve tried all of the above and it’s an exercise in futility. The hydraulic crimper is so nice to use after all that frustration.
     
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  9. Apr 12, 2021 at 9:40 AM
    #9
    BrakeDust

    BrakeDust [OP] New Member

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    So the "4 AWG" die that came with the tool looks minuscule compared to the supplied lug. What am I missing?

    The Lug is also the split kind, can't see this ending well. Will just end up with a flat, squished cable end with little bumps in the middle.
     
  10. Apr 12, 2021 at 9:40 AM
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    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    That's a good point.
    I've never had to use it on wires in the vehicle.
    Just on new installations.
     
  11. Apr 12, 2021 at 11:36 AM
    #11
    BrakeDust

    BrakeDust [OP] New Member

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    It ended up working very well. I started with the 0 AWG dies, then 2 AWG, finished with 4 AWG. I had fluxed per earlier recommendation. Finally heated up the end with MAPP gas and ran some solder in there. Should be on there for life!
     
  12. Apr 12, 2021 at 11:41 AM
    #12
    ZenkiS14

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    +1 for the Temco hammer smash one. Flawless for me.
     
  13. Apr 12, 2021 at 11:58 AM
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    War Machine

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  14. Apr 12, 2021 at 12:08 PM
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    Danimal86

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    So you crimped and soldered?
     
  15. Apr 12, 2021 at 1:59 PM
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    Charvonia Design

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    Yeah it works fine on the bench but imagine me trying to figure out a safe way to use it on a car lol
     
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  16. Apr 12, 2021 at 3:28 PM
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    BrakeDust

    BrakeDust [OP] New Member

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    Yes indeed. My "vice grip crimp" wasn't very strong, after I used the hydraulic crimper it's rock solid. Added a little solder for good measure.
     
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  17. Apr 12, 2021 at 3:44 PM
    #17
    Black Wolf

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    Yep, hydraulic crimpers are the way to go. We calibrate thousands of them at work every year. Widely used and depending on use require periodic calibration.
     
  18. Apr 12, 2021 at 3:48 PM
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    Black Wolf

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  19. Apr 12, 2021 at 4:31 PM
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    War Machine

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    Especially since I borrowed them from work!
     
  20. Apr 13, 2021 at 2:59 PM
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    ZenkiS14

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  21. Apr 13, 2021 at 3:28 PM
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    Toyotoholic

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    A crimp is only as good as the tool and material can provide. The better the tool, the better the crimp. I have used this amphenol/king tool for just about everything for almost 20 years... Never a bad crimp.

    https://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine?Keyword=227-944

    Yes I have many dies and yes they all cost hundreds of dollars each. But you don't need a new tool everytime the connector type changes, you just buy the die and you're good to go.
     
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