Instruction Sheet
408-1536
Hand Crimping Tools;
PN 46073 and PN 46074
22 MAY 17 Rev J1
PROPER USE GUIDELINES
Cumulative Trauma Disorders can result from the prolonged use of manually powered hand tools. Hand tools are intended for occasional use and low
volume applications. A wide selection of powered application equipment for extended-use, production operations is available.
Figure 1
INTRODUCTION
Hand Crimping Tools 46073 and 46074 are designed to crimp CERTI-SEAL* moisture-proof splices onto
stranded copper wire sizes 24 thru 16 AWG.
NOTE
Read these instructions thoroughly before using the hand tool.
NOTE
Dimensions in this instruction sheet are in millimeters [with inches in brackets]. Figures and illustrations are for reference only
and are not drawn to scale.
Reasons for reissue of this instruction sheet are provided in Section 6, REVISION SUMMARY.
DESCRIPTION (FIGURE 1)
The hand tools are designed with two indenter (crimper) dies, two anvil (stationary) dies, a locator, and a
CERTI-CRIMP tool ratchet. When closed, the dies form one crimping chamber. The ratchet assures full
crimping of the splice. Once engaged, the ratchet will not release until the tool handles have been FULLY
closed.
CAUTION
The dies bottom before the ratchet releases. This design feature ensures maximum electrical and tensile performance of the
crimp. DO NOT re-adjust the ratchet.
© 2017 TE Connectivity Ltd. family of companies.
All Rights Reserved.
*Trademark
PRODUCT INFORMATION 1-800-522-6752
This controlled document is subject to change.
For latest revision and Regional Customer Service,
visit our website at www.te.com.
TE Connectivity, TE connectivity (logo), and TE (logo) are trademarks. Other logos, product, and/or company names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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408-1536
CRIMPING PROCEDURE
NOTE
Each hand tool is coated with a preservative to prevent rust or corrosion. Wipe this preservative from
the tool, particularly from the dies, before using the tool.
1. Select the correct splice for the wire size and wire insulation diameter being used. Observe color
coding of splice, rings, adaptors, and tools (see Figure 2).
Wire
Size Range
(AWG)
24-20
20-18
Max Insul
Diameter
mm [inch]
1.65 [.065]
1.85 [.073]
1.85 [.073]
2.54 [.100]
2.54 [.100]
2.57 [.101]
3.38 [.133]
Adapter
Splice
Ring Color
Splice
324987
1-324987-0
1-324987-1
324544
324988
324548
A
B
Yes
Yes
---
Yes
----Yes
---
--Yes
---
C
D
Green
Orange
---
Green
Orange
Orange
--Tin
Green
Tin
Tin
Green
Tin
Wire Strip
Length
mm [inch]
7.37 [.290]
Splice Body
and Tool
Color Code
Tool
Tin
(White)
46073
Red
46074
6.35 [.250]
7.87 [.310]
7.11 [.280]
Figure 2
2. Strip the wire to dimensions listed in Figure 2. DO NOT nick or cut the wire strands.
3. Open the dies by squeezing the tool handles together until the ratchet releases.
4. Select the proper color-coded end of splice (when applicable) for the wire insulation diameter being
used (see Figure 2).
5. Insert stripped wire into splice until it bottoms against wire stop. End of conductor should be visible
through transparent window indent of splice.
6. Align splice window indents with tool locator, and push splice into locator until splice bottoms (see
Figure 3).
7. Hold wire in place and squeeze tool handles together until the CERTI-CRIMP ratchet releases. Allow
tool handles to open FULLY. Crimped splice may be removed.
8. To crimp other half of splice, position uncrimped half in tool and follow same procedure used to crimp
first half of splice. If splice cannot be turned, turn tool around.
9. Refer to Figure 4 for splice crimp inspection.
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408-1536
Figure 3
Figure 4
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408-1536
MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
TE Connectivity recommends that a maintenance and inspection program be performed periodically to ensure
dependable and uniform terminations.
Frequency of inspection depends on:
1. The care, amount of use, and handling of the hand tool.
2. The presence of abnormal amounts of dust and dirt.
3. The degree of operator skill.
4. Your own established standards.
NOTE
The hand tool is inspected before being shipped from the plant; however, it is recommended that the tool be inspected
immediately upon arrival to ensure that the tool has not been damaged during shipment.
NOTE
Due to the precision design, it is important that no parts of these tools be interchanged except the replacement parts listed in
Figure 7.
4.1. Daily Maintenance
1. Remove dust, moisture, and other contaminants with a clean, soft brush, or a clean, soft, lint-free
cloth. DO NOT use any objects that could damage the tool.
2. Make sure the retaining pins are in place and that they are secured with retaining rings.
3. All pins, pivot points, and bearing surfaces should be protected with a thin coat of any good SAE 20
motor oil. DO NOT oil excessively.
4. When the tool is not in use, keep the handles closed to prevent objects from becoming lodged in the
dies. Store the tool in a clean, dry area.
4.2. Lubrication
Lubricate all pins, pivot points, and bearing surfaces with SAE 20 motor oil as follows:
Tool used in daily production - lubricate daily
Tool used daily (occasional) - lubricate weekly
Tool used weekly - lubricate monthly
Wipe excess oil from tool, particularly from crimping area. Oil transferred from the crimping area onto certain
terminations may affect the electrical characteristics of an application.
4.3. Periodic Inspection
1. Hand tool should be immersed (handles partially closed) in a reliable commercial degreasing
compound to remove accumulated dirt, grease, and foreign matter.
2. Close tool handles until ratchet releases and then allow them to open freely.
If they do not open quickly and fully, the spring is defective and must be replaced; see Section 5,
REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR.
3. Inspect head assembly for worn, cracked, or broken dies.
If damage is evident, see Section 5, REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR for information on obtaining
customer repair service.
SAE is a trademark
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408-1536
Gaging the Crimping Chamber
This inspection requires the use of a plug gage conforming to the dimensions provided in Figure 5.
NOTE
TE Connectivity does not manufacture or market these gages.
For Tools 46073 and 46074
Tool
46073
46074
Gage Element Diameter mm [inch]
GO
NO-GO
2.464-2.471 [.0970-.0973] 2.614-2.616 [.1029-.1030]
2.997-3.005 [.1180-.1183] 3.147-3.150 [.1239-.1240]
For Tool 46073
For Tool 46074
Figure 5
To gage the crimping chamber, proceed as follows:
1. Remove traces of oil or dirt from the crimping chamber and plug gage.
2. Close the tool handles until it is evident that the dies have bottomed; then hold in this position. DO
NOT force the dies beyond initial contact.
3. Align the GO element with the wire barrel crimping section. Push element straight into the crimping
chamber without using force. The GO element must pass completely through the crimping chamber
(see Figure 6).
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408-1536
Figure 6
4. Align the NO-GO element and try to insert it straight into the same crimping chamber. The NO-GO
element may start entry, but must not pass completely through the crimping chamber (see Figure 6).
5. With dies bottomed, check insulation (ring) crimping section using the appropriate plug gage in same
manner as Steps 3 and 4.
If the crimping chamber conforms to the gage inspection, the tool is considered dimensionally correct, and
should be lubricated with a THIN coat of any good SAE 20 motor oil.
If not, refer to Section 5, REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR, for information on obtaining further evaluation and
repair.
For additional information regarding the use of a plug gage, refer to Instruction Sheet 408-7424.
CERTI-CRIMP Ratchet Inspection
The CERTI-CRIMP tool ratchet on these hand tools should be checked to ensure that the ratchet does not
release prematurely; allowing the dies to open before they have fully bottomed. Obtain a 0.025 mm [.001 inch]
shim that is suitable for checking the clearance between the bottoming surfaces of the dies. Proceed as
follows:
1. Refer to Figure 2, and select a splice and maximum size wire for the tool.
2. Position the splice and wire between the dies, as described in Section 3, CRIMPING PROCEDURE.
3. Hold the wire in place and squeeze the handles until the ratchet releases. Hold the handles in this
position, maintaining just enough tension to keep the dies closed.
4. Check the clearance between the bottoming surfaces of the dies. If the clearance is 0.025 mm [.001
inch] or less, the ratchet is satisfactory. If clearance exceeds 0.025 mm [.001 in.], the ratchet is out of
adjustment and must be repaired. See Section 5, REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR.
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408-1536
REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR
Customer-replaceable parts are listed in Figure 7. A complete inventory should be stocked and controlled to
prevent lost time when replacement of parts is necessary. Parts other than those listed should be replaced to
ensure quality and reliability. Order replacement parts through your TE Connectivity representative, or call 1800-526-5142, or send a facsimile of your purchase order to 717-986-7605, or write to:
CUSTOMER SERVICE (038-035)
TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
PO BOX 3608
HARRISBURG PA 17105-3608
For customer repair service, please contact a TE Connectivity representative at 1-800-526-5136.
Item
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Replacement Parts
Part Number
Description
21045-3
Ring, Retaining
304197-5
Pin, Retaining
1-23619-6
Pin, Retaining
6-59591-7
Collar
39364
Spring
2-23620-9
Pin, Retaining
21045-6
Ring, Retaining
Qty Per Tool
6
2
2
1
1
1
2
Figure 7
REVISION SUMMARY
Paragraph 1: Corrected part number 46-74 with 46074
Page 4: Removed footnote and replaced with typical trademark notation
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