Should You Calibrate Crimpers?

Crimping is a common technique for connecting lengths of single or multi-stranded wire together. The technique involves deforming the ends of one or both wires using a crimping tool to create a reliable joint, or interconnection.

Calibration

A crimping tool is not a measurement device and, as such, cannot be calibrated in the strictest sense of the word. It can, however, be adjusted and verified at each desired setting or specification before crimping commences.

Testing

A common technique for 'calibrating' crimping tools is to perform the crimp for which the tool was designed and perform a pull test on the wires to test the integrity of the connection. Additionally, the crimp is inspected visually for evenness, quality and height.

Adjustment

Many professional crimping tools are designed in such a way that they can be adjusted due to natural and wear and tear, or their jaws need to be replaced, if they no longer conform to the required specification. Many feature a ratchet mechanism that can be adjusted to control the crimping force applied.

References

• EMT Worldwide: Crimping
• Aircraft Electronics Association: Calibration Blues