Battery cable crimp question

May 6, 2010
472
1984 Oday 39 79 Milwaukee
In anticipation of some upcoming wiring projects, I purchased a used Amp/Tyco Rota-Crimp tool #601075, some 1 gauge welding cable, double wall shrink tubing and lugs. I'm using Quick Cable 1-2 size Magna Lugs, and they are stamped H-H PINK. My crimper chart only lists even number cable gauges (no letters or colors), so my 1 gauge cable is not listed. The chart calls for #2 dies for 2 gauge, and #0 dies for 1/0 gauge. When I crimp the Magna Lugs using the #2 dies, I get some "squeeze out" at the outermost end of the tool. I have not used a crimper like this before, and am not sure if this means I am using the wrong size die, if the lugs are too thick for this tool, or if I should just rotate it 90 degrees and compress the pip that is left from the squeeze out as best I can? Or perhaps start with the dies for 1/0, then re-crimp with the dies for 2 gauge?

Any advice appreciated!
Thanks,
Scott
 

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May 6, 2010
472
1984 Oday 39 79 Milwaukee
Solved I think

I tried some more crimps using the dies for 1/0 cable, then following up with the dies for 2 gauge, and that seems to have produced a much nicer looking crimp.

--
Scott
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,709
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
I tried some more crimps using the dies for 1/0 cable, then following up with the dies for 2 gauge, and that seems to have produced a much nicer looking crimp.

--
Scott
That works well. Alternatively you can make a partial crimp, rotate 90 degrees crimp, rotate crimp and you'll get no "pinch" and smooth rounded edges on all the corners.

Keep in mind that while welding cable works electrically the jacket is not suitable for the marine environment. This is why the ABYC specifically prohibits the used of "welding cable"...

If you ever want to sell the Rota Crimp let me know!!!
 
Nov 5, 2012
4
Catalina 34 Long Beach
I soldered and shriink wrapped my lugs to the cables using a mini torch. it was pretty easy and the results were really good.
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
I soldered and shriink wrapped my lugs to the cables using a mini torch. it was pretty easy and the results were really good.
Same here. I used a one inch to start, then two, then three inch shrink wraps on top of each other. It's not going anywhere. To save the strands, I used a rope hot-melt blade in the solder pistol to cut away the insulation. Kind of tightens up the insulation on the wire in the process.