1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your Pro'sKit 300-005 Ratcheted Crimper. This tool is designed for crimping non-insulated, open barrel terminals, commonly found in D-Sub, Molex, and AMP Mate-N-Lok connectors. Please read this manual thoroughly before operation to ensure proper use and to prevent damage to the tool or injury.
Figure 1: Pro'sKit 300-005 Ratcheted Crimper
2. Product Features
- Designed for open barrel contacts.
- Compatible with D-sub, Molex, and AMP Style Pins.
- Ratcheted mechanism ensures complete crimp cycles.
- Ergonomic green and black Lunar series handle for comfortable grip.
- Adjustable pressure for varying actuator force.
- Completes wire crimp and strain relief in a single operation.
3. Safety Information
WARNING: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, when using hand tools.
- Keep hands and fingers clear of the crimping jaws during operation.
- Do not use the tool for purposes other than its intended use (crimping non-insulated, open barrel terminals).
- Inspect the tool for damage before each use. Do not use if damaged.
- Keep the tool clean and dry.
- Store the tool in a safe place, out of reach of children.
4. Setup and Preparation
- Unpack: Carefully remove the crimper from its packaging.
- Inspect: Check the tool for any signs of shipping damage or manufacturing defects.
- Familiarize: Identify the crimping jaws, handles, ratchet mechanism, and pressure adjustment screw.
- Adjust Pressure (if necessary): The crimper features a pressure adjustment for actuator force. If your initial crimps are too loose or too tight, you may need to adjust this screw. A small needle-nose pliers might be required to turn the adjustment wheel, as it can be stiff.
5. Operating Instructions
The Pro'sKit 300-005 crimper is designed for non-insulated, open barrel terminals with wire gauges ranging from AWG 20-10 (also specified as 22-12 AWG). The tool performs both wire crimp and strain relief in one operation.
Figure 2: Crimping Jaws with AWG Markings
- Select Correct Die: Identify the appropriate crimping slot on the jaws for your specific wire gauge (e.g., 20-18 AWG, 16-14 AWG, 12-10 AWG). Refer to Figure 2.
- Prepare Wire: Strip the insulation from the end of your wire to the length recommended by the terminal manufacturer. Ensure the stripped wire length is appropriate for the terminal's wire barrel.
- Position Terminal:
- Open the crimper handles slightly.
- Insert the open barrel terminal into the selected die. The tangs of the terminal should point towards the concave, heart-shaped direction of the crimper (away from the male crimper tab).
- Ensure the connector portion of the terminal is in the smaller die side, and the insulation strain relief portion is in the slightly larger die side.
- Gently squeeze the crimper handles just enough to hold the terminal in place.
- Insert Wire: Insert the stripped wire into the terminal's wire barrel. Ensure all wire strands are within the barrel and that the insulation is positioned correctly under the strain relief tabs.
- Crimp:
- Squeeze the crimper handles firmly and completely until the ratchet mechanism engages and releases. This ensures a full crimp cycle.
- If the crimp is not satisfactory, you may need to adjust the pressure setting (see Section 4) or ensure correct terminal and wire placement.
- Inspect Crimp: After crimping, visually inspect the connection. The wire barrel should be securely crimped around the wire strands, and the insulation barrel should be crimped around the wire insulation, providing strain relief. The crimp should be tight and secure, resisting gentle tugs.
Figure 3: Crimping Profiles
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: After each use, wipe the crimper jaws and handles with a clean, dry cloth to remove any debris or residue.
- Lubrication: Periodically apply a light machine oil to the pivot points and moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
- Storage: Store the crimper in a dry environment to prevent rust. Keep the jaws closed to protect the crimping surfaces.
- Inspection: Regularly check the jaws for wear or damage. Replace the tool if the jaws are worn or misaligned, as this can lead to poor crimps.
7. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Poor or incomplete crimp | Incorrect die size selected; insufficient pressure; improper terminal or wire placement; worn jaws. | Ensure correct die for wire/terminal; adjust pressure screw; verify terminal/wire positioning; inspect jaws for wear. |
| Ratchet mechanism not releasing | Handles not fully squeezed; mechanism jammed. | Squeeze handles completely until release; check for debris in mechanism; use the manual release lever near the pivot point if present. |
| Wire pulls out of terminal easily | Insufficient crimp pressure; incorrect wire stripping length; wrong die size. | Increase pressure; ensure correct wire strip length; use appropriate die size. |
8. Specifications
| Brand | Pro'sKit |
| Model Number | 300-005 |
| Compatible Wire Gauge | AWG 20-10 (also specified as 22-12 AWG) |
| Terminal Type | Non-insulated, Open Barrel (D-Sub, Molex, AMP Style Pin) |
| Product Dimensions | 28.45 x 11.68 x 2.03 cm |
| Item Weight | 454 g (1.0 lb) |
| Grip Type | Ergonomic |
| UPC | 617293000350 |
9. Warranty and Support
Pro'sKit products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Pro'sKit website. For technical support or service inquiries, please contact Pro'sKit customer service through their official channels.