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★★★★☆
How to Use the IWISS Ratcheting Tool
This tool works well, but I deducted one star because of the inexplicable failure of the manufacturer to provide any directions on its use. No, it's not intuitive, at least to me or apparently to the many other reviewers who have destroyed many connectors in the process of figuring out how to make it work. By the way, I am an electrical engineer by profession and an experienced builder. I have used the tool (so far) only with 18 and 22 gauge cable and Molex connectors type 2062103 and 2061103.
I hope the following instructions will prove of value.
1) If you are right handed, then grasp the tool in your left hand with the lettering visible and facing toward you, but upside down. See first photo.
2) Position the connector in one of the three bottom slots, depending on the wire gauge. #22 gauge works well in the center bottom slot. #18 gauge works well in the innermost of the bottom slots.
3) The connector should be positioned so that the "wings" are facing down. See second photo.
4) The connector should be positioned with its back end flush with the tool and the front end of the connector facing away. See third photo.
5) Close the tool slightly until the ratchet just engages and grasps the connector. For heavier wire gauge (e.g. #18), you may choose to insert the wire into the connector before placing the connector into the tool. See fourth photo.
6) Use a separate wire stripper to strip about 3/16" to 1/4" of wire, and insert it into the connector. If you have a soft touch, you may just feel the unstripped plastic of the wire hit a stop when you insert it into the connector. In any case, don't insert the wire too far into the connector.
7) Squeeze the ratchet all the way down. It will open after this step and your connector should have successfully crimped on to the wire. The larger, outer wings should be crimped in a fold over the insulated portion of the wire, while the inner, smaller wings should be crimped over the bare wire.
If you have any doubts of the electrical quality of your crimp, you can add a tiny dab of solder to the wire-metal crimp. Not too much or the connector will not fit in the connector housing.
September 2016 · Tools and Home Improvement · verified purchase