I'm getting ready to install a disconnect and fuse block for a winch and am looking at the best method for installing the ring terminals to the cable. I've heard of crimping and soldering but what is best? I don't mind spending a little for a manual crimp tool but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for it. For soldering I have a small torch but the soldering irons I have are too small. Just looking for some advice.

 

Both crimping and soldering is the best ( crimp first ). If I had to choose one over the other, then crimping with a quality crimp tool would be the best. A torch will work just fine for soldering. Use a piece of "heat shrink" tubeing to dress up the ends.

 

IF you want to crimp, get a 2 dollar chisel from homedepot or lowes and a big hammer and your have a crimping tool. Ive used it many times fro battery cables and winch wiring.

 

Thanks. Do you know if a manual crimp tool exists for crimping? Wondering if there is something that can be tightened on the terminal to make the crimp without spending alot of money for it. Otherwise I will plan on going the soldering route and will definitely use shrink tubing for either method.

 

Hadn't thought about this. Does this provide a reliable crimp?

 

Reliable crimp - Approved crimp tool with correct die.

Unreliable crimp tools - Hammer, chisel, channelocks, plyers. vices, ect, ect. You get the idea.

Try to find someone that you can barrow from. Ask your local auto parts store for a renter. A large bore crimpt tool is expensive.