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Picked a hammer-on crimper over a ratcheting one for my last big job
Had to do 50+ RJ45 ends in a tight attic crawlspace last Tuesday and went with the cheap hammer tool because I thought the ratchet would be too bulky. It worked fine for the first 30 but my hand cramped up bad and the last 20 came out sloppy. Anyone else stick with a specific crimper style for overhead work?
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spencer_ross2mo ago
Yeah, I've been there. The hammer crimpers are great for tight spots but after about 20 ends your hand just gives out. I ended up switching to a Klein ratcheting model that's got a slimmer profile than most, it's still a tight squeeze in a crawlspace but I can do a full box of ends without my fingers locking up. Might be worth trying one of those compact ratchets next time, the extra control on the last few ends makes a big difference when you're already tired.
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felix_thomas732mo ago
Klein makes good tools but I disagree with @spencer_ross on this one. Ratchet crimpers add bulk and more stuff to break in a dirty crawlspace. Hammer crimpers are simple, cheap, and if you use a heavier one the hand fatigue is barely an issue. I've done hundreds of ends in a day with a basic Ideal hammer crimper and never had my hand lock up. Ratchets are just another thing to jam up or wear out when you're working fast.
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