Here they are on Summit:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aww-510587?seid=srese1&ppckw=pmax-tools&gclid=Cj0KCQjwho-lBhC_ARIsAMpgMofaE21E-r4DI3mj5y74CWipk41U--TWcIqBLkqxLE56vw3XyZ0fQMsaArkNEALw_wcB

Based on the pictures they are just regular crimps.  There's no way they are using proprietary connectors, because designing and manufacturing them from scratch would simply be too expensive.  I'm sure they are weatherpack, metripack, etc.  You really would just need to know what series of connectors they are using and get the appropriate crimp tool. 

Now, possibly the ones AAW sells are ones they consider to be of known quality.  But my guess is like most things today they are sold under a premium name while being the same tool made in China sold on Amazon for 1/10th the price.  But it might be worth a discussion with AAW.  If they are American made and designed to last a lifetime I could be swayed.  I've never had an issue spending money on good quality tools.

It kind of looks like Summit makes the same tool only a whole lot less expensive.

When I rewired my car I bought the crimpers from AAW rather than renting from them, you can never have enough tools🤪
The crimpers are US made, Delphi branded, one of them has. GM  part#
I’d lend you mine but the shipping to and from Canuckistan is just plane nuts.
The crimps are factory quality in appearance and function.
I’d guess that some commie country must have a copy but I don’t roll that way unless I have no choice.



H

Last edited by Rudi (7/05/2023 7:16 AM)

Check on eBay or other social media for sale forums for crimpers. You are not alone with your dilemma, many people who did the AAW rewire bought the tools and later when finished put them up for sale, or you could put yours up for sale.
Good luck.

BobE wrote:

I've used a Klein Crimper #1005 (that was my father's), for years w/o any issues.  Currently these crimpers are for 10-22 AWG wire gauges, and are available at Home Depot, Amazon, etc.
I always use un-insulated butt splices and ring terminals.  I 'tin' the wire with solder, then solder the connection after crimping and cover with heat shrink.  This may be overkill, and does take longer to complete, but I've seen connections on vehicles be impacted by corrosion and vibration.

I'll add that I used rachet crimpers at work and they are better, typically made to last for thousands of crimps through many years of use, but I don't think they are worth the expense for personal home, or car, projects. 

 
Unfortunately that crimper won’t work with the AAW connectors.

Yeah, crimps get a bad rap IMO based on cheaply made crimpers.  Those parts store ones that smash a barrel crimp connector into an oval fail with frequency.  A proper crimp, even on those same crappy connectors, where it dimples and folds the connector I've yet to see fail.  Given the choice I tend to use solder seal connectors on everything requiring a spade or ring terminal.  For Weatherpack, Deutsch, etc. I just use a proper crimp tool for the pins and seals and have also never had an issue. 

6sally6 wrote:

I use the crimper that makes a lil dimple when ya squish it. I also put a dab of solder and shrink tube it. (kinda like a belt&suspenders thang) Rarely have I had a failure.
6sal6

Those "Stake-On" type crimpers work fine for terminals designed to use them.  Butt (TS&T) on double-roll terminals....well, you need a double roll crimper.  Preferably one of some quality.  Thanks to TKO, thanks Tom, I stopped using solder on most crimps after having two failures due to solder in the wire.
Correct crimps with a double wall heat shrink cover works fine and will still stand a little flexing without breaking.