Anyone have a good source for bulk (non heat shrink) ring terminals? Heat shrink terminals seems everyone carries but I cant stand crimping them. Cant find a reliable source for marine grade tinned terminals in packs of either 25-50-100. Sailboat owners store always seems to be 'out of stock' on everything so need a new source.
Source for bulk ring terminals?
- Thread starter BAD ORCA
- Start date
Any decent hardware store soon became my favorite marine store! 
Get regular terminals and seal them with Liquid Lektrik Tape - simple.
Get regular terminals and seal them with Liquid Lektrik Tape - simple.Is there a difference between crimping non-heat shrink and heat shrink terminals? I have both and haven't noticed the difference. I also have double crimp terminals, and those use a different crimper, but otherwise crimp the same.
Amazon has about any crimp terminal you want at good prices. Just look for quality ones, as they have really cheap ones, as well as brand name ones at good prices.
Like this - first hit and I didn't look further for a better price: https://www.amazon.com/Ancor-220213...ef_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=1&th=1&psc=1
Mark
Amazon has about any crimp terminal you want at good prices. Just look for quality ones, as they have really cheap ones, as well as brand name ones at good prices.
Like this - first hit and I didn't look further for a better price: https://www.amazon.com/Ancor-220213...ef_=fplfs&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&gQT=1&th=1&psc=1
Mark
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 22,754
I have been using a rachet crimp tool on all types of terminals. Just a part of the project rebuilding the electrical systems in my boat.
One similar to this
HST Pro Crimper
The sought-after PRO-HST crimper made famous by Rodd Collins of Marine Howto and Compass Marine. This made in the U.S. crimper features crimp nests for 24-22 AWG, 20-18 AWG, 16-14 AWG, and 12-10 AWG connectors.
webstore.panbo.com
Yes there is. The standard non heat shrink connectors leave a dimple in the crimp. If you look at the jaws there is a roundish bottom and the top has a spike in the middle the terminal ends are folded against the spike and pushed down into the crimp.
Heatshrink and insulated crimpers are oval and simply crush the fitting around the wire and do not damage the the heat shrink or insulation.
As usual Rod does a better job explaining than I do.
Marine Wire Termination - Marine How To
Marine Wire Termination - Tools of the Trade MHT Recommended Tools: The products below are our top picks for crimp tools. RecommendationsI include; PRO GRADE, MARINE GRADE, & PENNY SAVER GRADE. Every tool recommended BELOW, we have tested here.
marinehowto.com
You’ll need better tools. Here are 2 you should have in your tool box for this project. You just can’t crimp heat shrink terminals with a pair of pliers. Just won’t work.
1. Definitely…..
Crimp heat shrink terminals using this part of the tool (Red Arrow)
2. Real Handy to have, is a spring loaded wire stripping tool. It strips the wire to the proper length needed, neat and clean.
Both available at a Lowes, Home Depot, Ace Hardware.
Fortunately this site will guide you through what you need to learn for your boat. Tools, techniques, tips etc.
Thanks, that part I understand and have 3 crimpers for different fitting types (and several more crimpers for things like ferrules, coax, MC4, etc). The part I didn't understand was the OP's statement that he couldn't stand crimping insulated connectors. The act of crimping different connectors does not register differently to me - insert, squeeze, done.Yes there is. The standard non heat shrink connectors leave a dimple in the crimp. If you look at the jaws there is a roundish bottom and the top has a spike in the middle the terminal ends are folded against the spike and pushed down into the crimp.
Heatshrink and insulated crimpers are oval and simply crush the fitting around the wire and do not damage the the heat shrink or insulation.
As usual Rod does a better job explaining than I do.
Marine Wire Termination - Marine How To
Marine Wire Termination - Tools of the Trade MHT Recommended Tools: The products below are our top picks for crimp tools. RecommendationsI include; PRO GRADE, MARINE GRADE, & PENNY SAVER GRADE. Every tool recommended BELOW, we have tested here.marinehowto.com
Mark
Yes, depending on which die is used. The smooth heatshrink die does not crimp as securely as the double crimp die for non heatshrink terminals. Plus, many manufacturers have reduced the length of the crimp barrel over past few years and makes it a real pain to try and line up the small, tiny barrel section, upside down under the cockpit without it slipping out of jaws or just missing the crimp. I'm done with heatshrink terminals, period. I prefer to just put my own piece of heatshrink tube on instead. Just easier all around. With the double crimp die. i can secure the terminal in the jaws of the crimper and it doesnt go anywhere no matter what i'm doing, insert wire lying upside down, squeeze, crimp. As solid of a crimp as if i were sitting in a chair in comfort
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Nothing but overpriced West Marine here that charge $6+ for three Ancor terminals.Any decent hardware store soon became my favorite marine store!
I have one similar, good quality crimper with smooth dies specifically for heatshrink terminals. Problem is many heatshrink terminals are flared right up to the barrel that needs to be crimped. My crimpers are slightly to fat and makes it hard to line up properly unless in the most ideal conditions. Tired of missing a crimp, upside down in some tight spot with not much extra wire to spare. I'd rather just buy non-heatshrink terminals than go through the process of finding another crimper that workss better. Thank you though. I used to be able to get FTZ terminals in bulk but seems cant get them anymore from my previous FTZ pusher. Havn't found a new source yet.I have been using a rachet crimp tool on all types of terminals. Just a part of the project rebuilding the electrical systems in my boat.
One similar to this
View attachment 230334
HST Pro Crimper
The sought-after PRO-HST crimper made famous by Rodd Collins of Marine Howto and Compass Marine. This made in the U.S. crimper features crimp nests for 24-22 AWG, 20-18 AWG, 16-14 AWG, and 12-10 AWG connectors.webstore.panbo.com
Well i'll be! Ha...i never thought of my go to hardware store. Thanks for reminder. Their prices dont actually look that bad for once. I was thinking of switching to non-insulated terminals.
I forget the brand, decent crimper. I bought it from Mainesails website when he was up and running. Very similar to these Ancor crimpers. Same heatshrink dies as in pic of this Ancor crimper.
This is absolutely the wrong type of crimper to use for heat shrink or insulated terminals. It will pierce the insulation and allow moisture to enter the fitting violating the seal the heat shrink and insulation are there to provide. Toss that crimper in the trash where it belongs.
Get a good ratcheting crimper with interchangeable dies. A ratcheting crimper will allow you to hold a terminal in the jaws without applying a lot of pressure. The wire can be inserted into the terminal after it has been secured in the jaws.Yes, depending on which die is used. The smooth heatshrink die does not crimp as securely as the double crimp die for non heatshrink terminals. Plus, many manufacturers have reduced the length of the crimp barrel over past few years and makes it a real pain to try and line up the small, tiny barrel section, upside down under the cockpit without it slipping out of jaws or just missing the crimp. I'm done with heatshrink terminals, period. I prefer to just put my own piece of heatshrink tube on instead. Just easier all around. With the double crimp die. i can secure the terminal in the jaws of the crimper and it doesnt go anywhere no matter what i'm doing, insert wire lying upside down, squeeze, crimp. As solid of a crimp as if i were sitting in a chair in comfort
Place the terminal in the correct die, close the jaws to 1 or 2 clicks on the ratchet and insert the wire, and squeeze shut. It will take some practice to do a good job, but it can be down when hanging into a locker upside down and in other contorted positions we DIYers often find our selves in. It also pays to plan ahead and avoid getting into those awkward positions. Sometimes changing the wire run or installing the terminals before running the wire makes it easier.
Back to the original question about sourcing terminals.
Waytek Wire is a good source for bulk purchases of marine wiring supplies.
Waytek Wire is a good source for bulk purchases of marine wiring supplies.
Really? I love Mcmaster and buy a lot from them, but those terminals are 6x the price of the Ancor ones I linked on Amazon, or the 3M ones Waytek wire sells. BTW, Waytek wire is one of my go-to's, with great customer service and fast shipping.
I crimp like @dlochner describes - put the terminal in the jaws and close the handle one or two clicks then fit yourself into where you need to be, stick in the wire and crimp. You can even do this blind, as long as you can get two hands in there.
Mark