A job in Phoenix made me rethink my wire crimping routine

I was working on a Citation's autopilot system and a senior tech saw me using my old hand tool. He said, 'That's a 50/50 shot at a good crimp under vibration.' I switched to a calibrated ratcheting crimper the next day. Has anyone else had a specific tool habit they changed after a similar wake-up call?

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shane_williams5mo ago

Honestly, that "50/50 shot" line sounds like fear mongering. I've used a simple hand tool for years on dozens of planes with zero callbacks. A lot of those old school methods work just fine if you know what a proper crimp feels like. Spending a ton on a fancy calibrated tool feels like a solution looking for a problem most of the time.

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elliotr985mo ago

Exactly, it's all about the feel you develop over time. My old boss taught me to check crimps by giving them a solid tug with pliers, way more force than they'd ever see in normal use. If it holds there, you're golden. That hands-on experience beats a dial reading any day.

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