Generic clone of fancy molex crimper? "Dupont" 0.1" crimper that holds the crimp - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: incf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2025, 01:24:47 pm
content: Do generic versions of Molex's "PremiumGrade" crimp tools exist for 0.1" style crimps? Specifically of the 0638118700 crimp tool which holds the crimp into the correct position.Looks like their SL line of 0.1" contacts/connectors (which has both male and female variants) have been widely cloned enough that something like that might exist someplace.

author: shabaz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2025, 02:19:55 pm
content: There might be other manufacturer crimp terminals that are compatible, but their tooling might not be at a significantly different cost. The Molex tools are priced in the same ballpark as other crimp terminal manufacturer tools.The only generic options I'm aware of are the low-cost ratcheting crimpers, which are not specific to that particular crimp terminal type and therefore do not have a locator mechanism for the terminal either.If the locator is essential for you, then unless you're willing to pay for the terminal manufacturer's tool, your best bet is likely just to aim for a used similar tool from ebay, but that could involve waiting until one is advertised.Since you're looking for the PremiumGrade model, is this for production use? If so, and if the cost is still an issue, then another option perhaps could be to go for a non-crimp connection method (such as flat flex).

author: incf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2025, 02:36:49 pm
content: Not for production

author: KrudyZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2025, 05:05:01 pm
content: The older Molex HTR-2262A works quite well on c-grid SL contacts, but you do have to place the crimp correctly by hand as it does not provide back stops.

author: mwb1100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2025, 06:01:41 pm
content: There's a giant thread here:Affordable crimp tools for small connectors (Dupont, etc.)Might be too giant to easily find the good info, but worth a look anyway.

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2025, 12:27:45 pm
content: Quote from: mwb1100 on April 06, 2025, 06:01:41 pmI blindly asked ChatGPT about finding 0.1" style crimping tools in the forum thread (as it's publicly accessible) and it returned these:1. SN-4228B - A crimping tool with a round insulation crimp specifically for Dupont connectors and other smaller connectors.2. SN-ECUBM / SN-28BM ECU - A tool similar to the SN-28B but with circular insulation crimps designed for smaller connectors.3. TE Connectivity (AMP) 169481-1 - Crimpers for AMPMODU MOD IV contacts, which are 0.1" header connectors.(There were some generic links to aliexpress.com, but no details to the specific offer)

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2025, 11:34:38 pm
content: No they don't exist.You could make or 3D print your own version of a holder. Or wait for one to show up on ebay for ~$200.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2025, 01:33:57 pm
content: Quote from: incf on April 06, 2025, 01:24:47 pmNo.Given that the much more widely-used “DuPont” clones (that appear to be closest in design to Harwin M20) don’t have any good hand tooling, the much less popular SL (“MX2.54”) doesn’t stand a chance.The only connectors for which there are cheap tools with anything resembling a locator are the MC4-style solar connectors. (Nota bene: don’t touch clones of those with a 20-foot barge pole, use only official tooling, and do not mix brands, even if they are supposed to be compatible. The result is fire.)Honestly, it baffles me that no Chinese crimp tool manufacturer has thought to try making a premium (but comparatively still inexpensive) DuPont crimper with well-made dies and a good locator. At $50-100 it’d be a steal.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2025, 01:37:43 pm
content: Quote from: bitwelder on April 10, 2025, 12:27:45 pmGoes to show how bad ChatGPT is: While I absolutely recommend the 169481-1 tool — I’m the only one who’s ever mentioned using it for DuPont, in that thread or elsewhere, and it’s a $500 tool at retail — that thread also contains mycurrentrecommendation for a cheap DuPont crimper: the one Lidl carries now and then. Of all the cheap ratcheting crimpers, it performs the best.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2025, 01:41:03 pm
content: Quote from: shabaz on April 06, 2025, 02:19:55 pmIf anything, Molex’s hand tools tend to be among the cheaper ones.That style of tool (basically, the latest style of Pressmaster tool) also have the advantage of being exceptionally easy on the hands. They require a lot less force than a lot of tools.