Crimper 101:

The plier-type crimpers DO NOT control the amount of "squish." The amount of crimp is controlled by how far you squeeze...you migh squeeze too much, too little, or just right.

Ratchet crimpers control the amount (or size) of the final crimp so every crimp is the same....ratchet crimpers have several jaw opening diameters so you get the correct diameter. Also, ratchet crimpers have wider jaws so that the crimp area is distributed along the length of the terminal.....cheap amp pliers crimp in a very short area so you usually end up making two crimps on the terminal barrel.

As several guys have said, good crimp tools are expensive but they last forever. We have several thousand dollars in specialized crimp tools.....but a single good set of crimpers can be pretty inexpensive....especially if a connection lets go in the middle of the night.

mike in tucson