James Gatlinvideo
How Pros Use Crimp Connectors, how to use crimp connectors, the right way
May 25, 2023 · 4 min · 1.9M views
Hand strips wire with sharp focus on copper
What this video covers
Proper crimping technique for both insulated and non-insulated connectors covers wire sizing, stripping, insertion, and tool placement. Insulated connectors follow a color code: red for 22–16 gauge, blue for 16–14 gauge, and yellow for 12–10 gauge.▶ 0:31 Non-insulated connectors carry no color and must be read from a stamped gauge marking on the barrel — a critical point because ring connector body size does not reliably indicate wire gauge.▶ 1:09 Stripping requires the correct cutter size, a straight square cut with no nicked strands, and roughly a quarter inch of bare wire; insulation must not enter the wire barrel.▶ 1:48 When crimping insulated terminals, the tool's rounded jaw sits slightly behind the barrel edge, not flush with it.▶ 2:41 For non-insulated terminals, the tool's divot jaw presses on the non-gap side of the barrel — the opposite of what feels intuitive.▶ 3:03 Cheap crimpers with incorrect jaw gaps produce bad crimps regardless of technique; professional tools make a mark confirming the crimp is complete.▶ 3:41 Pulling firmly on each finished connection confirms it is seated.▶ 2:48
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