Factory crimps vs hand crimps on D-sub pins, which one holds up better?

I've been going back and forth on using pre-crimped factory pins versus doing them myself with a good tool on these 38999 connectors for a Gulfstream last week. The factory ones look clean but cost triple, anyone have a strong opinion on which actually lasts longer in the field?

2 comments

2 Comments

joel_butler24d ago

Hang on... you're using a cheap yellow handled crimper from the supply closet on 38999s for a Gulfstream? I've gotta be honest, that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen... I've seen those tools crush the insulation and barely touch the wire barrel on small gauge pins. I hand crimp all my stuff too, but I spent good money on a Daniels M22520/1-01 and it's night and day different from the cheap ones. Those factory pins failing on a vibration test is wild though, I woulda bet the factory ones had better quality control than that.

blair59725d ago

Jumped straight into this exact debate on a Falcon 900 last month. Factory crimps look perfect but I've had two of them fail during a vibration test on the bench, the little wings just didn't bite into the wire like I could feel with my own hands. My cheap yellow handled crimper from the supply closet makes a connection that feels solid and I've never had one let go after installation. For the price difference and my peace of mind, I'll take the fifteen minutes to strip and crimp myself every time.