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Here you go.

Posted by Jon Risch (B) on May 2, 2007 at 19:40:58

In Reply to: Info on proper tools? posted by Supercool! on April 28, 2007 at 06:25:49:

For most speaker cable spades, an uninsulated ratcheting crimp tool can be used to do the job.

For an example, see:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=360-680
All of $18

This is a "Crimp Frame", which is a set of crimping levers/handles with a jaw 'base' for an assortment of crimping dies to fit the jaws (the actual shape of the crimping surface jaws), which an appropriate one for speaker cable spades would be:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=360-684
All of $9

Total cost with shipping, somewhere around $35 (unless you live in Timbuktu)

Another example is:
http://www.amazon.com/PRO-CRIMP-TOOL-NON-INSUL-TERMINALS/dp/B0002KR9H0/ref=sr_1_23/002-1761253-9608826?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1178158145&sr=1-23

These will get the job done, but you can spend more and get an Amp or a Molex brand crimp tool ($100 and up), or get instant gratification by finding what is available from local electronics distributors, or Home Depot/Lowes, etc. Beware the $5 non-ratcheting crimp tool billed as "universal" or "general purpose", the crimp cradle needs to be the right shape, and hex, round or oval is NOT it for crimp-able spade lugs.

See the pictures in the URL's I provided, the crimp cradle needs to be of a final "U" shape, in order to keep the wire in a good spread out position, and to curl and tighten the spade lug crimp fingers together all the way. The Parts Express tool has three different sizes which cover a range of wire gauges.

If you have good hand strength, the ratcheting types are not absolutely necessary, but I do mean good hand strength. I can do it, but then, I used to be able to sometimes break the handles off of pliers if I got carried away. Not as much of a problem since the car wreck, but I still don't need a ratcheting tool.

I personally have a Molex brand general purpose crimp tool I got second hand for cheap, where the ratcheting mechanism was broken, so I can make some pretty good crimps whenever.

I hope this was what you needed.

Jon Risch

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