My old boss swore by using a Klein VDV501-822 for every coax crimp

He told me for years that the ratcheting action on that specific tool was the only way to get a perfect crimp every single time. I used it for about two years straight, even though it felt a bit heavy in my pouch. Then last month, I was on a job in Phoenix and my Klein broke, the spring just gave out. The supply house only had a cheaper, non-ratcheting Paladin crimper, so I grabbed it. To my surprise, the crimps looked just as clean and passed the meter test with flying colors. It's also way lighter. I feel like I was overcomplicating things for no good reason. Has anyone else switched away from a ratcheting crimper and been happy with it?

3 comments

3 Comments

park.robin1mo ago

Wait, you carried that brick for two years?

the_max1mo ago

My old Klein ratcheting crimper was a solid two pounds by itself. I finally left it in the truck and just use my linesmans for everything now. The weight difference on your hip after ten hours is no joke.

drew6901mo ago

Yeah, that part about it feeling heavy in the pouch is so real. I read a forum post a while back where a guy said he switched to a basic crimper and it was like his tool belt lost five pounds. He said the fancy ratcheting ones are cool until you're carrying them up a ladder all day, then you start to wonder if it's worth it.