Hi All, I’m trying to buy a wire rope crimper. You know, the tool that crimps the metal sleeve on our winch cables to form a loop at the end. Northern Tool and Equipment (used to be Northern Hydraulics) doesn’t show one in their catalog and that’s the only source I can think of. Does anyone know where I can obtain this tool? Thanks.

 

Try an industrial supply place one that sells cables and straps for lifting equipment with cranes. If they do not sell one maybe they could crimp it for you HTH

98 Scrambler 500
00 Trailblazer 250

 

Hey floodrunner, in my neck of the woods with all the forestry and wood hauling going on, everyone and their brother and their kids play with them. First, I would try anyone you know who works for the Power company, for securing power line pole rigging. Then try to borrow one from the highway department, they use them when attaching them "don't fall off the corner if you slip" guardrails. If all else fails, I've got some duct tape, and know a few fishing knots. hehehe

 

Floodrunner, I found some in a Farmtek catalog. Their web address is www.FarmTek.com I have ordered stuff from them before and it was all top-shelf stuff. Expect to pay for the quality, though. Part munber AS8925 is supposed to do all sizes from 1/16 to 3/16. There are also single-sized crimpers if you know what cable size you are working with.

We never used them out here. We use an acetelyne torch to cut the cable (melts the ends together so it doesn't fray or stab anybody) and just use cable clamps (takes 2 to hold good). If the cable breaks in the field, you can re-clamp it in an emergency. Crimps are much more professional-looking, though.

PS they also sell Stainless Steel cable - will never rust when using a snowplow where they salt the roads. Same working load as standard galvanized cable.

 

Hey Floodman, I have one out at work, I use it to do 1/4" cable. (not sure how big you are looking to go) It works great, it consists of the collers and a pair of what look like bolt cutters with two different size "half holes" on each side of the jaw. You have to put the grunt to it, but it works nicely. I can find out where we purchesed it if you would like.

 

Hey, thanks a lot guys. The size I need is probably ¼” to 5/16”. It’s for winch cable. I don’t like to use cable clamps if I can help it. They catch a lot of weeds and brush and can rip skin if handled wrong in the passion of the moment. (yeah, I’ve been stuck that bad Around here I can find all kinds of places that sell wire rope but none seem to sell the crimper.

Farmr the website you mention is down for repair. I’ll keep trying them. Seacow, if you can find out where you got yours and let me know I’d appreciate it. Thanks again.

 

Hey Flood. I just sent you an email with all the info. Rock On

 

Just fyi those collars are actually called FERRALS also check ace hardware they sell that stuff and can crimp it, also use two FERRALS for safty.

 

Try a boat supply store, West Marine, Boat U.S., they use the crimpers for the rigging of sailboats, etc.

 

You've already gotten some good advice, Floodrunner; I can't add much. Yes, the little squeezy thingys are called ferrules. A crimper is a pretty hefty (and, I imagine, expensive) tool; the rigging shop does my crimping, using large bolt-cutter-type manual-leverage device for small (up to 3/16") diameter wire rope and hydraulically-operated crimper for larger (e.g., 3/8") stuff.

I HAVE seen written material about a crimper for small cable using threaded bolts to provide crimping force; a much smaller and simpler (and less expensive, I should think) device than the pliers-type machines.

One decided advantage besides those you mention of crimping over cable clips is: a properly-crimped (nominally, three crimps per ferrule) loop loses no strength; the wire rope is just as strong at any point in the loop as in its straight-line breaking strength; however, a clipped loop loses a percentage of the strength--the loop becomes the weakest point in the cable run.

If you use cable clips; remember: "Never saddle a dead horse." The saddle goes on the live or load-bearing portion of the cable; the U-bolt goes on the dead or tag end.

Yes, I sometimes use cable clips too--essential for field repairs or custom rigging in the field. Use two (minimum) clips per loop, space one as close to the thimble (the sheet-metal loop liner) as possible, the second one several cable diameters away, leave an inch or so of tag end cable extending beyond the last clip (so you can monitor if the loop slips). Torque down on the U-bolt nuts good; pull hard on the cable, then torque the nuts again.

Happy winching!

Tree Farmer