In consideration of matters aesthetic, we come to the Ugly Crimp-On Wire Fitting Dilemma. The fittings properly applied, are inexpensive, strong, and quick to make. But they are also ugly, and have hard corners and a little bit of bristly wire end sticking out. Apply a little hot air, and you have a suddenly smoother, nearly attractive terminal. It s also good practice to slather the fitting, and any wire that will be shrink-wrapped, with anhydrous lanolin.
Nicopress fittings are wonderfully convenient, but can involve some wrestling during setup.
The end is threaded through one side of the fitting, bent to form an eye, then threaded back through on the other side of the fitting. The wrestling comes when you re trying to hold the end so that it projects just slightly beyond the end of the fitting, while you pull on the standing part to snug the eye down around the thimble. Further wrestling ensues when you try to hold the entire spring-load assembly still while you crimp the fitting. To eliminate both problems, lightly crimp the corner of the fitting where the end projects, while the eye is still loose. Use a vise, pliers, Visegrips, etc.