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[Fred]

I'm planning to make my own Eltek Flatpack HE based fast charger for my coming Zero FXS, and so will be using one of the Anderson connectors. Can anyone recommend an appropriate crimper? I may only ever use it once but I'd rather pay a bit more for a quality tool rather than bodge things. The official one at £223 on Mouser is a bit too much though.

These are the alternatives I've seen and was wondering if anyone had an opinion between them, or any other recommendation. Prices seem in the same sort of range.

A hydralic crimper with various sized hex dies, e.g. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FQPDCJ4?psc=1


This sort of rachet crimper
https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/SWRP625.html


A hammer-operated crimper - http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/battery-cable-connectors/auto-marine-heavy-duty-battery-cable-crimping-tool


I can't seem to find the Tricrimp one in the UK, ut this seems like another alternative
https://powerwerx.com/tricrimp-powerpole-connector-crimping-tool


Thanks.

[TSMotors]

I have the hydraulic one in the first picture and I really like it. I have a simple stand for it made of a pipe and a block of wood, which is really handy. I can't say I've tried any of the other crimping tools for Anderson connectors.

[jnef]

I have that first one -- works well for Anderson connectors on wires 6AWG and larger.  I got it Harbor Freight.  The dies wear out though, and I have to crimp lightly, and rotate 1/6 turn and crimp again to prevent it from making 'wings'.
I have the last one as well -- only works with the Anderson 15,30,45 Amp connectors; smaller than the SBS-75X.  Not what you need. (I have this one: https://powerwerx.com/tricrimp-powerpole-connector-crimping-tool)

Look at the selection here: https://powerwerx.com/crimping-tools  --  The SBS-75 uses the same connections as the SB-50.
(They used to have another cheap tool for the 6AWG connectors that worked really well, but I don't see it there any longer.)

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

This is great - I'd like to hear from some other experienced people (before recommending on the wiki under http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Skills) just in case there's some important detail worth not screwing up.

[Fred]

Some very helpful info, guys. Thanks.

I was almost going to go for the hydraulic (and probably will) although jnef's 6AWG comment worries me. I doubt I'll be going as large as 6AWG. 8 or 10 would seem to be enough for a FXS quick charger. The die sizes are listed as 4 - 70mm2 but I know how inaccurate eBay listings in particular are.

I've seen doctorbass successfully use the second one in a YouTube video, but the crimp got a little squashed and needed a trim afterwards to fit the connector.

My bike is still at least a week away, so I'm in no hurry.

[Erasmo]

If you only plan to use it once why not loan/rent one.

[Fred]

I'm not sure if there's anywhere I could rent one. Anyway, I'm happy to pay £30 for a tool I might use again. I just can't justify the outrageous price of the official one.

[Fred]

I thought I'd update this thread. I went for the yellow hydraulic crimper in the end. Using the 10mm hex die it seems to do a nice job on the 1339G5 (8AWG) connector. I've not put any power through it yet but the crimp seems nice and tight and can't be pulled out by hand.

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

Thanks, I've linked this from the wiki:
http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Skills#Power_Cables