====== Application Tooling =====

Application tooling is just the fancy term for crimp tools in all their modalities, but there are basically two main types:

 [[application_tooling#manual|Manual]] and [[application_tooling#automatic/semi-automatic|Automatic/Semi-automatic]] 

<figure>
{{:wiki:te_sde:commercial_manual_hand_tools-024.png?direct&650}}
<caption>a collection of TE Connectivity application tooling for their SDE platform - © [[https://www.te.com/|TE Connectivity]] </caption>
</figure> 

===== Manual =====

Manual tools rely on the operators grip strength, sometimes with hydraulic assistance, to preform the crimp. 

While the exact terminology varies between manufacturers, hand crimp tools typically fall into one of three classes according to their price and warranties/certifications.

 [[https://www.te.com/|TE connectivity]] calls theirs [[application_tooling#service|Service]], [[application_tooling#commercial|Commercial]] and [[application_tooling#premium|Premium]], while [[https://www.molex.com|Molex]] has just [[application_tooling#service|ServiceGrade]], and [[application_tooling#premium|PremiumGrade]].

<figure|cost to ease of use scale>
{{:wiki:te_sde:commercial_manual_hand_tools-019.png?direct&850}}
<caption>A diagram of TE hand tools on a scale from wrist pain to wallet pain - © [[https://www.te.com/|TE Connectivity]] </caption>
</figure>

==== Service ====
These are the most economical(cheapest) tools and they also require the most operator "skill". 
In their cheapest form they are typically two piece, stamped steel construction, with a single rivet as the hinge point and vinyl handles. Odds are you probably have a pair of these in your toolbox for doing [[ring_terminal|ring terminals]]. 
Slightly more expensive versions might look more like traditional pliers, with a forged metal frame and ground faces, and in rare instances you may even see ratchet mechanisms.
The real defining feature of these is that they come with **__absolutely no certifications or warranties__** on the crimps being performed. This does make them cheaper however (in relative terms).

<figure|molex servicegrade tools>
 <caption>Examples of Molex ServiceGrade tools</caption>
<subfigure>{{:wiki:molex:servicegrade:63811-1000_1.jpg?direct&450}}
<caption>[[https://www.molex.com/en-us/products/part-detail/638111000|63811-1000]] for "Open Barrel Crimp Terminals" - © [[https://shopintertex.com|Intertex]]</caption>
</subfigure>
<subfigure>
{{:wiki:molex:servicegrade:64016-0200.jpeg?direct&450}}
<caption>[[https://www.molex.com/en-us/products/part-detail/640160200|64016-0200]] for [[mini-fit_jr|Mini-Fit Jr./HCS]]  - © [[https://export.rsdelivers.com/|RS]]</caption>
</subfigure>
</figure>

<figure>
 <caption>Examples of service grade tools from Klein</caption>
<subfigure>
{{:wiki:klein:servicegrade:1000_alt1.jpg?direct&450}}
<caption>[[https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/combination-cutting-tools|Multi Tool, 6-in-1 Multi-Purpose Stripper, Crimper, Wire Cutter
1000]] - © [[https://www.kleintools.com/|Klein Tools]]</caption>
</subfigure>
<subfigure>
{{:wiki:klein:servicegrade:1005_b_side.jpg?direct&450}}
<caption> [[https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/combination-cutting-tools/crimping-and-cutting-tool-connectors|Crimping and Cutting Tool for Connectors
1005]] - © [[https://www.kleintools.com/|Klein Tools]]</caption>
</subfigure>
</figure>



==== Commercial ====

One word: Ratchets. One-way ratcheting mechanisms guarantee a minimum amount of force is applied before the handles relax and the jaws can re-open. This is also when you will start seeing certifications, and slightly higher price tags.

<figure>
{{:wiki:te_sde:commercial_manual_hand_tools-000.png?direct&650}}
<caption>a [[te_sde|Pro-Crimper III]] (top) and [[te_sde|Ergocrimp]] (bottom)- © [[https://www.te.com/|TE Connectivity]] </caption>
</figure> 


==== Premium====
This the highest grade of hand crimp tool, with pricing to match. They will most certainly come with all sorts of paperwork and certifications. 

<figure>
{{:wiki:te:premium_manual_hand_tools-000.png?direct&850}}
<caption> a collection of TE "premium" hand tools - © [[https://www.te.com/|TE Connectivity]] </caption>
</figure> 

<figure>
{{:wiki:te:premium_manual_hand_tools-010.png?direct&850}}
<caption> [[certi-crimp II|CERTI-CRIMP II
Straight Action Hand Tool (SAHT)]] - © [[https://www.te.com/|TE Connectivity]] </caption>
</figure> 

<figure>
{{:wiki:te:premium_manual_hand_tools-015.png?direct}}
<caption> [[tetra-crimp|Platform Die Hand Tool (UFHT)]] - © [[https://www.te.com/|TE Connectivity]] </caption>
</figure> 


===== Automatic/Semi-automatic =====

Auto/Semi-auto crimp presses can be powered any number of ways,  depending on various factors like the desired force output, machine footprint and whether it is loose piece or strip fed.