What is the Difference between a Hydraulic and Manual Crimping Tool?
Crimping is one of the reliable connection methods used in many applications, such as electrical wiring, cable termination, and even plumbing. It requires the use of unique tools called crimpers or crimping tools. Among the most common tools are hydraulic crimpers and manual crimping tools. While both serve the same purpose and are pretty reliable, they have notable differences in many aspects, including how they operate.
Are you confused between the two? Keep reading this post as we explore their differences more.
What is a Hydraulic Crimping Tool?
A hydraulic crimping tool is a type of crimper that uses a hydraulic pump to generate pressure for crimping electrical connectors. It can be manually operated (it has handles) or electrically powered (it has a trigger mechanism). An excellent example of a hydraulic crimping tool is the iCrimp YQK-70 Hydraulic Cable Crimper or the iCrimp YOK-300 Hydraulic Crimping Tool.
What is a Manual Crimping Tool?
A manual crimping tool is another type of crimper that features a pliers-like design and has handles that provide grip for exerting force on the jaws to create crimp connections. Some models may have adjustable settings allowing you to crimp terminals of different sizes. What is unique about manual crimpers is that they rely entirely on human strength to create a crimp. Lastly, they're versatile and widely used in many industries. An ideal example of a manual crimping tool is the iCrimp IWS-1608 Wire Rope Crimping Tool and the iCrimp CT-38 Cable Lug Crimping Tool.
Read more: What is a Ratcheting Crimp Tool Used for?
Manual vs Hydraulic Crimping Tool: Differences
1. Power source and operating mechanism
Hydraulic crimping tools use a hydraulic pump to produce force for crimping. You must pump the handle or activate an electric motor on a hydraulic crimper to make crimp connections. On the other hand, a manual crimping tool relies on the user's physical strength on the handles to generate force for crimping.
2. Application
Hydraulic crimping tools are often used in heavy-duty and large-scale applications due to their ability to apply high crimping force with minimal human effort. Also, most models of hydraulic crimping tools are designed with interchangeable dies /jaws, thus allowing crimping terminals/connectors of various types and sizes.
Manual crimping tools are commonly used with standard and small crimp terminals in applications such as home electrical works, small electronic devices, and components.
3. Ease of use and maintenance
Manual crimping tools are easy to use and require minimal skill to make quality and reliable crimp connections. However, an electric or battery-powered hydraulic crimper is much easier to use than a manual one since pressing a button creates a crimp connection.
In terms of maintenance, a hydraulic crimping tool requires regular maintenance of the hydraulic system. In contrast, a manual crimping tool is much easier to maintain since it only requires greasing/lubricating of the ratcheting system after a while.
4. Cost/affordability
Hydraulic crimping tools are often more expensive than most manual crimping tools. However, the upfront cost of hydraulic crimpers is worthwhile since they offer much efficiency and the ability to work on more demanding crimping jobs. The affordability of manual crimping tools makes them ideal for professionals or DIY enthusiasts working on occasional or less demanding projects.
5. Crimp quality
Generally, it's much easier to achieve consistency with a hydraulic crimping tool than a manual crimping tool since some models have useful features like crimp cycle control and pressure gauges. You can still make quality and consistent crimp connections with a manual crimping tool, but you need to master proper crimping techniques and calibrate your tool well.
6. Portability
Hydraulic crimping tools are generally bulky and less portable, while manual crimping tools are lightweight and easy to carry.
Read more: How to Test a Crimped Cable
What Crimping Tool is Right for You?
Choosing between a manual and hydraulic crimping tool can be daunting, especially for beginners. As you can tell from the above factors, each has advantages and disadvantages. A hydraulic crimping tool is ideal for heavy-duty applications where efficiency and consistency are a priority. However, they tend to be more expensive than manual crimpers. Conversely, manual crimping tools are the best options for light-duty crimping applications. The best part about them is their affordability and portability.
iCrimp is the most reliable platform for buying crimping tools for various types of terminals/connectors, such as battery cable lugs, solar connectors, and Deutsch connectors.
References
