crimpers,what size and make

[Richard Collier]

I have a wild card to do lights ect.It came with a db 25 plug and pins. need to know what size the pins are and the correct crimping tool size ect to use. It is a standard wild card which is new ready to be installed.

[Will]

There are two types of 'DB' connector pins. One is machined from solid stock. The other is made from flat stock, like Molex pins.

The crimper would be spec'ed for DB pins. Radio Shack USED to have a DB pin crimper for the pins with the 'wings'. So depends on which pins you have, I am betting they are the solid machined ones.

The solid pins can be soldered... make sure all the excess solder is removed or the pin will not click into the connector housing.

[kc7gr]

I have a wild card to do lights ect.It came with a db 25 plug and pins. need to know what size the pins are and the correct crimping tool size ect to use. It is a standard wild card which is new ready to be installed.

Assuming these are the open-style contacts, an AMP Service Tool II will do quite nicely. You can pick them up from most electronic suppliers for about $40-$50 or so.

The closed-barrel contacts are another story. As Will has mentioned, it is possible to solder them. However, they were not designed for this, and doing so will make the joint more susceptible to fracture from vibration and temperature changes.

If you find yourself dealing frequently with the closed-barrel contacts, you would do well to invest in the correct crimping tool (Daniels Manufacturing AFM-8, same as the mil-spec M22520/2-01), and the appropriate contact positioner for the type of contact you're crimping (there's both mil-spec and commercial).

The Daniels hardware can often be found on "That Auction Place" for between $50-$150, depending on condition and which positioners (if any) come with it. They are a worthy investment because they're capable of handling a huge range of different contacts, and because the crimp they produce is as good as a cold-weld.

This is what I get for hanging around Boeing's wiring center too long. Happy crimping.

[Richard Collier]

Thanks for the info guys.