Bullet connector tool

[MysterG]

Not crimping but inserting the solder on brass connectors into the rubber covered tube.
Never owned one, don't even think I really thought any such thing existed before today

Thought maybe I'd better invest in one now I know they exist, but being old and a skinflint, over £20 for what appears to be a pair of pliers with 'fancy' ends seems a bit much.

But I do have lots of pliers and metal and a welder

Anything clever about them that I should know before I try and make some and fail because of some unknown to me quirk?

 

[RWD3M]

TBH, I've never found the need for any special tools for bullet connectors and my GT6 is awash with the blooming things!

 

[ajlelectronics]

Not crimping but inserting the solder on brass connectors into the rubber covered tube.
Never owned one, don't even think I really thought any such thing existed before today

Thought maybe I'd better invest in one now I know they exist, but being old and a skinflint, over £20 for what appears to be a pair of pliers with 'fancy' ends seems a bit much.

But I do have lots of pliers and metal and a welder

Anything clever about them that I should know before I try and make some and fail because of some unknown to me quirk?

You could likely improve on the design which requires the rubber sleeve to be crushed. A "top hat" design on the ends would make that so much better. Pliers arms should be around parallel at the length of the sleeve.

 

[OJCar]

If you're making one, do yourself a favour and have decent handles on them.
NOT like this


Like this

 

[500e]

Never had a problem with top type, its not as if pounds of force are required the bullet crimping tool was another matter
never liked the brass bullets unless soldering the cheap ones would fracture at crimp if not careful

https://kojaycat.co.uk/WebRoot/Namesco/Shops/950000457/4EA9/2D1B/1676/E481/6A50/C0A8/190A/ADDD/4.7mm_tool_bullet_insertion.JPG

 

[ajlelectronics]

Never had a problem with top type, its not as if pounds of force are required the bullet crimping tool was another matter
never liked the brass bullets unless soldering the cheap ones would fracture at crimp if not careful

https://kojaycat.co.uk/WebRoot/Namesco/Shops/950000457/4EA9/2D1B/1676/E481/6A50/C0A8/190A/ADDD/4.7mm_tool_bullet_insertion.JPG

Just like insulated crimps, the correct tool is vital as well as selecting the bore size to match the cable intended.

 

[CompoSimmonite]

If you're making one, do yourself a favour and have decent handles on them.
NOT like this
View attachment 494591

Like this
View attachment 494592

That's given me an idea using one of my old works hole punches

 

[8ob]

Ripaults make a crimping tool for this type of bullet connector, turns the wasted section of bullet into a hex. They don’t come off without breaking the cable. Also think it’s best to use the squashing in pliers, it’s a long way in on the sheath.

Bob

 

[OJCar]

Never had a problem with top type,

They make my hands ache after a couple of hours of use.
You don't have the squeeze very hard to get the bullets home but by the time you have changed a wiring loom ...

Any idiot can be uncomfortable.

 

[jsf55]

I made some the other day out of an old broom handle support and posted it here .... somewhere ...

 

[bourbon]

looks exactly the same as the Lucas set I have in the workshop. I didn't think you could still get the bullets for it

 

[colnerov]

I just use pump pliers or long pointnose pliers which ever comes to hand first.

 

[rtcosic]

View attachment 494592

I bought the lower type.

Utterly useless, the prongs bend far too easily.

I use a thin punch to push each one fully home separately. I usually gently nip up the connector first to ensure a sound join.

 

[Wildefalcon]

Ripaults make a crimping tool for this type of bullet connector, turns the wasted section of bullet into a hex. They don’t come off without breaking the cable. Also think it’s best to use the squashing in pliers, it’s a long way in on the sheath.

Bob

View attachment 494605View attachment 494606View attachment 494604

Where did you get that? I've the standard crimping tool that just puts an ugly two sided crimp on the bullet.

 

[bourbon]

Lucas sold them. Like I said, I have a set and the bullets and a few connectors left. They were my dad's

 

[8ob]

Where did you get that? I've the standard crimping tool that just puts an ugly two sided crimp on the bullet.

Mine came from Vehicle wiring products about thirty years ago, they are on the bay of thieves
Linky

Bob

 

[Wallace]

View attachment 494616
looks exactly the same as the Lucas set I have in the workshop. I didn't think you could still get the bullets for it

Finding ones that crimp correctly without exploding is the problem we have at work.

 

[8ob]

looks exactly the same as the Lucas set I have in the workshop. I didn't think you could still get the bullets for it

Still available Linky

Bob

 

[Wildefalcon]

Still available Linky

Bob

Won't sell to the UK. Annoying.

 

[Melvyn Best]

Won't sell to the UK. Annoying.

Really? I’ve had loads of stuff from them over the years . Pretty sure the last pack of bullet connectors I got from my local motor factors along with the single and double female connectors?