High Density D-sub Crimp Tool

sjjonesnz · #1 02-09-2009, 12:07 AM

Man, this project is all little things slowing us down!! I've got ~15 pins that I need to add to the d-sub connectors going into the back of my PMA8000B and GNS430W, and I can't put the panel in until they're done.

I have the 4-way indent crimper from Stein for the normal d-sub connectors, do I really need to get the (very expensive) AFM8 type as well?

What cheaper/easier alternatives are there?

breister · #2 02-09-2009, 11:27 AM

It might depend on the size of wire you are using. I got a single tool for crimping D-Sub pins, not sure what model it is though. It crimps high and normal density D-Sub pins just fine - and as a bonus I was able to use it to successfully crimp the tip covers on several BNC fittings. It required a little jiggling after crimping to remove the pin from the crimper - was a bit worried it might be stuck forever!

I'm fairly certain it was this one, which is found on this page.

Edit / Note: if you are using very fine gage wire in the pins, I'm not certain it would crimp the high density ones "tight enough." I don't remember the exact gage wire I used, but the strands completely filled the hole (getting old, had to use magnifying glasses to insure all the strands actually went in the hole).

MCA · #3 02-09-2009, 11:40 AM

You want to use a Daniels AFM8 crimper with a K41 or K42 positioner. You can get it used on ebay or new from the usual avionics places.

breister · #4 02-09-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCA

You want to use a Daniels AFM8 crimper with a K41 or K42 positioner. You can get it used on ebay or new from the usual avionics places.

So, the Daniels crimper plus two positioners = $455. The other one is $31.

I don't know - I pulled pretty hard on my high density pins and they wouldn't slip after crimping with the $31 tool. They also inserted (and, when I cleverly put them in the wrong holes, easily extracted) without issue.

Caveat emptor.

WiseGuy · #5 02-09-2009, 01:22 PM

Have also used the $31 crimper on the small barrel pins and havn't been able to pull the wire out in a pull test. FWIW that is what I use....

Brantel · #6 02-09-2009, 01:32 PM

I would say if they pass the pull test and your not in mass production mode, they will be fine with the cheap tool.

Pilottonny · #7 02-09-2009, 01:41 PM

If the wire is to small, you can always fold it back and double up, even partially, if necessary, to fill the pin some more. After a positive pull test I would not worry about it. (or would that be a negative pull test??, i.e. it was not possible to pull the wire out!), Anyway, you know what I mean.

Regards, Tonny.

PJSeipel · #8 02-09-2009, 01:42 PM

I used the 4-way $31 model as well. If you were doing an entire panel with lots of glass and hundreds of pins, then the Daniels tool might be worth it. For a handfull of pins the $31 tool did me just fine.

PJ Seipel
RV-10 #40032

sjjonesnz · #9 02-09-2009, 11:29 PM

Fantastic, thx guys. 'tis nice not having to spend more money for a change :-)

carguy614 · #10 02-10-2009, 06:15 AM

Just a note,
If you are using the Deutz connectors anywhere on your plane, (Very good waterproof shell and pin) The little crimper will crimp those buggers perfectly with just a slight depth adjustment. I use these a lot at my day job as an auto mechanic. The official tool from deutz costs a weeks salary!! I've crimped a zillion of them with that little crimper. Tougher than it looks!!!!
Lancair guys use a lot of them, see www.aerocraftparts.com for a selection of shells and pins

Regards,
Chris