Curious what wire gauge you were actually running through those cheap ones, because I had the same mashed pin problem until I figured out mine were stamped for a range that didn't match the contact size I was using. The tool said 20 to 24 but the die geometry was sloppy on the small end, so anything 22 and under just folded over. Did you check the crimp height with a gauge after switching to the ratcheting set, or did you just go by feel and pull test? The reason I ask is that even good ratcheting tools can be off if the die is worn, and a King Air connector is not where you want a pin backing out at altitude.

How bad is the smoke situation in your garage though, because that's the one thing that kept me on propane living in town. Dale's shop has a big roll up door and a hood so he's fine, but I can't picture doing that in a closed up two car garage without the neighbors calling somebody. Are you venting it somehow or just forging with the door wide open year round?