[TowerTalk] Crimp Connector Tools?

[Jim Thomson]

Date: Sat, 14 May 2016 11:45:23 -0400
From: Eric Rosenberg <ericrosenberg.dc at gmail.com>
To: Tower Talk Mailing List <towertalk at contesting.com>
Subject: [TowerTalk] Crimp Connector Tools?

I suffer from significantly diminished fine motor skills and 
proprioception (the sense of the relative position of neighboring parts 
of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement) of my 
left hand, and am unable to install solder-on connectors.

In light of the fascinating discussion of connectors, I have the 
following question regarding the installation of connectors on RG-8X, 
RG-213, LMR-240, LMR-400 and "Buryflex" (DavisRF or DX Engineering) 
cables. I'm not sure which ones I'll be using as I re-build my station 
this summer.

Who are the recommended connector manufacturers of crimp-on connectors 
for these different size cables, and what tools do I need to install 
them. I've noted that ratcheted crimpers range from $15 to $400, and 
that Times Microwave makes their own connectors and tools for their LMR 
series cables.

While I acknowledge that there is often a direct correlation between 
cost and quality, this is an instance where I need guidance.

Thanks & 73,
Eric W3DQ

##  I bought my crimp tool and dies from  Davis  RF.   Also bought the
connectors  from Steve  Davis as well.  Several different size dies 
will fit the crimp  tool, for doing different size connectors, like for
LMR-600,  RG-213,  RG-58  etc.   So if you are just doing just
RG-213, then you only require one die.   And lotsa connectors, get
loads of em, like a lifetime supply.   Then u get a bulk price, cheaper
on shipping.   Drives me nuts when you require 5 x  connectors, and only
have  2-3 left...and the price has gone up. Meanwhile  your project is  put
on hold till they arrive.   Figure out what you need, add  25-50% , then be
done with it.  And dont tell your friends you have a crimp tool, die, and
connectors.   

Jim   VE7RF