Crimping 4 AWG/gauge wire without a $40+ crimp tool?

[guccimane]

so what are the best, most secure ways to crimp a ring terminal onto 4 AWG wire?

I don't want to shell out $40 or more for a crimp tool I'll probably only need this one time for my upgraded battery terminals.

so what would y'all suggest doing for 'makeshift' crimp tools? is it possible to heat it up enough to melt the copper wiring a bit?

I used a wrench and kinda hammered down on the handles but it doesn't feel that secure.

I really would love to know if you guys have any cool alternative ways to do this.

[BMR]

If the terminal doesn't have plastic insulation on it, I'd use a propane torch to heat it and flow some solder into it.

[ThurzNite]

Take it to a shop and pay someone $5 to crimp it. Or like stated above, solder it. Just for kicks, have some heatshrink on hand to make it pretty.
Dr J

[guccimane]

Originally Posted by BMR

If the terminal doesn't have plastic insulation on it, I'd use a propane torch to heat it and flow some solder into it.

Originally Posted by ThurzNite

Take it to a shop and pay someone $5 to crimp it. Or like stated above, solder it. Just for kicks, have some heatshrink on hand to make it pretty.
Dr J

thanks guys! I think I'll give the solder a try first. although I don't have a powerful-enough iron I think.

my iron is like 30 watts. think that'll be enough? or would a lighter work?

and I definitely keep heatshrink around. lol

[BMR]

Originally Posted by guccimane

thanks guys! I think I'll give the solder a try first. although I don't have a powerful-enough iron I think.

my iron is like 30 watts. think that'll be enough? or would a lighter work?

and I definitely keep heatshrink around. lol

I doubt the 30 watt iron or lighter will work; probably not enough heat. But it won't hurt to try. If the solder flows nicely into the wire and wets it, that's good enough.

[guccimane]

Originally Posted by BMR

I doubt the 30 watt iron or lighter will work; probably not enough heat. But it won't hurt to try. If the solder flows nicely into the wire and wets it, that's good enough.

okay, that's what I was thinking, but we'll see how it goes haha.

Thanks!

[ThurzNite]

Do it ghetto way and touch the solder to the iron, lol!
Dr J

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by BMR

I doubt the 30 watt iron or lighter will work; probably not enough heat. But it won't hurt to try. If the solder flows nicely into the wire and wets it, that's good enough.

You want all components to be above the melting point of the solder so you do not get a cold joint.

Originally Posted by ThurzNite

Do it ghetto way and touch the solder to the iron, lol!
Dr J

And you'll get unreliable ghetto results because this just gets you a cold solder joint.