VE6AB Technical

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Powerpole Crimping Tool

Note....read my comment at the bottom of this post on soldering powerpoles, or any wired connector.

If you are in the market for a Powerpole crimper, do yourself a favour and check out the TRIcrimp tool that is shown here.

Over the years I have tried the various powerpole crimpers that are out there, and always felt they were lacking that something.

Well the something they were lacking I discovered when I purchased the Tricrimp powerpole crimper.

If you look close at the second photo that is linked, you will note that this set is unique in the fact that the backside of the crimping blocks have a additional block with cavities that the contact drops in to, positioning the contact in the perfect position for a perfect crimp.

Also, the leverage on these crimpers is far superior to the other power pole gear crimpers that are typical, with the pivot point further back from the crimping jaws.
I have other types of geared crimpers, but these are my favorites and I highly recommend them.

Close up of the crimp jaws with contact positioner.

http://www.jerryclement.ca/HamRadio/HamRadio/i-TPmQZd6

Powerpole Splitter.....

http://www.jerryclement.ca/HamRadio/HamRadio/i-hn4wSQN

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NOTE....In regardes to soldering powerpoles instead of crimping, be aware that if you are not carefull while soldering, and the solder wicks into the copper wire up into the insulation, you run the risk of having the wire break off.

This is more of a concern if you are using the powerpoles where there is any vibration or movement, as its almost a guarantee that the wire will fracture.
This is with any type of connector, not only with powerpoles.

The FAA maintenance requirenment for connectors used in light aircraft is that crimping be utilized, as most maintenance people do not have the skills required to solder the wire to the terminal, without creating stress in the wire at the solder joint leading to failure of the soldered connection.

I fly radio control model aircraft and I have witnessed a number of model aircraft lose power due to connectors being soldered at the battery with the wire fracturing due to vibration, leading to loss of control over the model and then the model spiraling in to the ground and destroyed.

So before you decide to solder your powerpoles, make sure you know the circumstances under which you will put them to use.

If you do decide to solder your connectors, make sure that you only allow the solder to flow within the terminal, and do not allow the solder to wick outside of the terminal and back into the insulation.

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