How to Crimp Electrical Wire

Crimping tool

Crimping electrical wire is the process of mechanically attaching a connector to the end of an electrical wire. Electrical connectors are designed so when you squeeze down on them, the pressure holds them onto the wire. The connectors come in various sizes pending the gauge of wire, as well as colors to help indicate the use of the wire whether its a neutral wire or "hot" with electricity.

Things You'll Need

• Wire cutters/strippers
• Electrical wire
• Box of electrical connectors
• Crimping tool

Instructions

1. Cut the end off the piece of electrical wire. Using the wire strippers, strip off between 1/4 and 1/2 inches of the outer insulation on the end of the wire.

2. Match the color of the terminal, or barrel as they are sometimes called, to the color die on the crimping tool, and insert the terminal into that die on the crimping tool.

3. Insert the end of the stripped wire into the end of the terminal on the connector. Squeeze the two handles of the crimping tool together to press down on the terminal and clamp or crimp the connector onto the end of the wire.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase a crimping tool at your local hardware or electrical supply store.

• Use caution when operating the crimping tool, and make sure your fingers are clear of the dies as you squeeze down to avoid injury.

References

• Do It Yourself Hot Rod Kustom Website: Electrical---Wire Crimps

Resources

• Don Casey Library: Electrical Connections