Crimping Tool for JST XH 2.54mm - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kamilon
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 09:30:08 pm
content: I recently bought some connectors from China that I got a great deal on (Cheaper than DigiKey by a few cents each and to my surprise they were sets of 50!!!).Anyway, once I got them I tried to use them and my crimper to hopelessly smashes the crap out of them. I've tried 3 different crimpers but none of them get a nice crimp. Honestly, I've never used crimpers smaller than large mains lugs so I'm not even sure I'm doing it right. I have looked up videos on YouTube to no avail.Can anyone suggest a good high quality crimper they have used on JST XH 2.54mm connectors before? I'd like to at least have the right tool to practice on. I don't want one of thost POS $1 deals, but the official JST crimper is like $400 which is a bit too steep as well

author: Precipice
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 09:36:13 pm
content: This range -http://search.ebay.co.uk/261110204270are what I use for small crimps. There are a few variants, pick the one with the most useful range of sizes.They're nicely made, and just keep working. Obviously no ratchet, no compliance checks, no good for approvals, but they crimp very nicely.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 09:36:41 pm
content: The proper JST tool is expensive but it is REALLY nice!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 12:58:50 am
content: I was cheap, bought something like this and ground the back down as it was too wide:http://www.digikey.ca/product-detail/en/0638111000/WM9999-ND/243789It did not work very well.There is a thread here with many links:https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10219Although I didn't immediately see any cheap ratcheting XSH ones.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 08:24:26 am
content: Have you tried 'engineer' brand crimpers from japan.here's a list of crimp applications versus tool typehttp://www.engineer.jp/en/products/pa09_20applicatn_chart.htmlyou can buy them internationally via rakutenhttp://global.rakuten.com/en/

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 08:26:14 am
content: I don't know if it has a right slot for you, but the Adafruit tool is good value.https://www.adafruit.com/product/1213

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 08:35:14 am
content: I ordered a crimper from Ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/261186661125); at least it says it is suitable for JST XH connectors. I also like the fact it crimps both the insulation and core in one go. The tools which you need to apply twice seem cumbersome to me.However because I needed it sooner I ordered the original from JST as well from Farnell (next day delivery). It costs well over €300I have not had a chance to use either so I can't comment on how these compare yet.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 09:28:46 am
content: Have that Engineer PA-09. Cannot say that I'm impressed. Bought it for tiny molex picoblade (list as supported). The problem is - it produces too loose crimp for most connector types. Crimp looks good, but you can (often very) easily pull the wire out from the connector before crimping insulation. Needed to grind some metal on the end so it can close tighter. Now it produces good crimp for most connectors.

author: Kjelt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 09:43:02 am
content: The problem with the pro crimping tools is that they can only crimp one specific connector and then they are very expensive.The cheap allround crimping tools often lack quality and they give problems later on with the crimp.If you really use this tool often and need a pro connection I would advise to buy the original tool or from a class A manufacturer like Phoenix Contact, Amp, Knipex and the sorts, instead of all the cheap ripoffs.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 10:02:35 am
content: Quote from: mojo-chan on August 14, 2014, 09:44:22 amEspecially with 28AWG, if i would use something that barely fits in the connector there would be no problems whatsoever. Problem was not only with picoblade but also with many others. Recommend you to try to pull out wire from your crimps before crimping insulation (at least 10). You might be shocked. With a connector type used in PC fans (can't remember exact name right now) I realized that after about 50 crimps when the device was almost assembled. Needed to redo all of them.From Engineer website:QuoteOf course I don't exclude possibility that I just got bad exemplar.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 01:02:26 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on August 14, 2014, 10:02:35 amMolex KK 254?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 01:22:43 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on August 14, 2014, 01:02:26 pmThose molex looks a bit different. Seems that most China manufacturers call them 2510 serieshttp://www.cytron.com.my/usr_attachment/2510%20connetor.pdf

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 01:23:19 pm
content: Quote from: wraper on August 14, 2014, 01:22:43 pmYes, those. Same beast.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2014, 03:40:33 pm
content: Meanwhile I had the chance to compare this cheap toolhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/261186661125with the real tool from JST. To me the cheap tool seems to make equally good crimps.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 22, 2014, 05:31:39 am
content: Quote from: mojo-chan on August 18, 2014, 04:12:00 pmPicoblade with 28AWG produced a perfectly loose connection.