Bootlace ferrule terminals - opinions on these please

[SUNRAY]

I use:
White = 0.5mm
Blue = 0.75mm
Red = 1.0mm
Black = 1.5mm
Grey = 2.5mm
Orange = 4mm
And a pair of crimpers like:
View attachment 188856
Although not those, the blue handled ones I have probably cost about £13 but do the same job.

But the above are just what my employer "got in" rather than any specific standard I think. (EDIT: pipped atthe post - it seems we are using the French colours - why do we not have our own?)
It adds more time to the job but does make for a nicer connection on many occasions, on some its not so good. (like in Omron relay bases.)

What problems do you have with Omron bases?

 

[magicmushroom666]

I prefer a universal type crimper such as these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-Bootl...r-Crimping-Tool-Pliers-0-25-10mm/174237351843
Saves having to pick the right die when doing different sizes, and the need for another tool for the doubles. I think 10mm is a bit optimistic for those though!

 

[SUNRAY]

My favourite style is this: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/848420/ in a standard universal frame. It successfully crimps 0.34 to 6mm and doubles to 4mm and this size: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/848420/ take me up to 16mm/double 10mm at a push.

 

[SUNRAY]

I prefer a universal type crimper such as these:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UK-Bootl...r-Crimping-Tool-Pliers-0-25-10mm/174237351843
Saves having to pick the right die when doing different sizes, and the need for another tool for the doubles. I think 10mm is a bit optimistic for those though!

I have used one of this style but found it was tricky to line up the square crimp to align it with the sides of a double ferule. I'm sure, like most tools, the knack is quickly learnt but not in the short time I used it for.

 

[mattylad]

What problems do you have with Omron bases?

With the P2RF-08-E cream 2 pole relay bases the terminals are so small that I cannot use a double crimp and 1mm crimps are either very tight to get in or only fit part way, especially when you have 2.

@Magicmushroom - thats the same as the one I have, I prefer it as its 1 size fits all - very clever design I think.

 

[JohnD]

neat design. How does it know when it's "tight?"

 

[SUNRAY]

With the P2RF-08-E cream 2 pole relay bases the terminals are so small that I cannot use a double crimp and 1mm crimps are either very tight to get in or only fit part way, especially when you have 2.
@Magicmushroom - thats the same as the one I have, I prefer it as its 1 size fits all - very clever design I think.

It's not a problem I've had, admittedly 1mm is as far as they will go and 2 single 1mm's are OK but the plastic parts do collide. I find this style of jaw: https://www.cablecraft.co.uk/crpt-0-5-16-plier-action-tool-for-cord-end-terminals-size-0-5-16mm or https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DVDCER510.html (Note I'm referring to style of jaw and not the whole tool) makes 1mm very difficult, or impossible, in them and certainly cannot get 2x 1mm in.
EDIT: I find the 14 pin base is a bit tighter and 1mm is tricky. Trying to get 8 ferrules side by side doesn't happen.

neat design. How does it know when it's "tight?"

Don't know about this exact tool but the one I used didn't know, it relied on feel.

 

[Deleted member 18243]

So I was thinking about starting to use crimped bootlace terminals for wiring up boilers, thermostats, fcu’s etc. I’ve spotted some of the following, anyone use similar? Anyone use crimp pliers? Should I just carry on using stranded wire? Thoughts please.

1st link BK1:

https://www.cccdirect.co.uk/product...l-fuse-battery-bulk-electricians-kit-box/1017

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DVDK2F.html

Thanks in advance

Don't carry on using stranded wire, crimps give you a much better termination, they look much better and they make the cable easier to insert, for you and for anyone in the future carrying out re-works or repairs. You will also be more proud to look at your work and to show it to others.

(Look at some of the photos that Sunray posts occasionally, and one other poster, I can't remember which one, possibly RF Lighting. Incredibly neat work.)

The kits in your first link look a bit cheapo whilst the TLC ones look a little better. With a kit you might end up with loads of ferrules that you never use. Buy a good crimp tool; anything under £20 will be poor. The RS ones are very good, but expensive. I like Partex tools, good quality and decent prices.

http://www.partex-direct.co.uk/ParTool-Hand-Tools/ParTool-Crimp-Tools/CEFT1-Crimp-Tool

Buy LOADS of the common sizes of ferrule: 0.75mm, 1.5mm and 2.5mm. You probably won't use many of the larger sizes. If you want just a handful of a larger size crimps, you can buy from Ebay sellers.

I'd also recommend getting a few LONG versions of each of the common sizes. Terminals on some items are deeply recessed and a standard length crimp won't suffice...

https://www.partex.co.uk/cable-acce...ls/bootlace-terminals/long-bootlace-terminals

 

[SUNRAY]

(Look at some of the photos that Sunray posts occasionally, and one other poster, I can't remember which one, possibly RF Lighting. Incredibly neat work.)

I can post some which are not neat too

The thanks on your post was for the good advice more than the compliment.

 

[SimonH2]

I have some plain (non-insulated) ferrules in the box, because in some cases the normal ones just ain't going to fit Compared to having a plastic funnel, they are a b***ard to get onto the wire.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

Thank you @andy11. Since posting (I posted in the gas engineers section as well), I’ve looked at a few others. I spotted the Partex ones a while back, but then thought I needed a calibration certificate as well? Someone recommended the Knipex Installation pliers https://www.zoro.co.uk/shop/hand-tools/insulated-tools---pliers-and-cutters/chrome-plated-electrical-installation-plier-200mm/ps/ZT1194419X?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=pla+|+Hand Tools&utm_term=ZT1194419X&utm_medium=pla_css_2&mkwid=KUy2McpZ-dt&pcrid=377603093914&pkw=&pmt=&prodid=ZT1194419X&slid=&pgrid={groupid}&ptaid=pla-435753329212&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoPPKyJrr6AIVGrd3Ch1u_AKjEAQYAiABEgKZWfD_BwE

not sure if any good for the crimping? A few have said a cheap set from eBay, but I’m a little dubious about some eBay sellers and the quality of product. I’m thinking I may end up with the TLC or partex then.

 

[EFLImpudence]

So I was thinking about starting to use crimped bootlace terminals for wiring up boilers, thermostats, fcu’s etc. ... Should I just carry on using stranded wire?

Yes, and T&E.

 

[Deleted member 267285]

Yes, and T&E.

Any particular reason why? (Just curious) also T&E isn’t heat resistant is it?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Well, in answer to the original question re: boilers, thermostats FCUs etc.

Most of the cables will be T&E and you should not crimp solid conductors.
Possibly stranded flex from wiring centre to boiler.

Such low current, I don't see the point of bothering with ferrules.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Obviously flex from valves as well but the same applies.