HomeHydraulic Crimping Tools for use on Ships

Hydraulic Crimping Tools for use on Ships

Hydraulic crimping tools are essential for shipboard electrical maintenance and rigging applications, ensuring secure, reliable cable connections for power distribution, battery systems, and marine-grade wiring. Selecting the right crimping tool for a ship requires understanding durability, compatibility, and performance factors unique to maritime environments.

This guide outlines key considerations, potential pitfalls, and tips for getting the most out of your hydraulic crimper on board.

ShipUniverse: Top Hydraulic Crimping Tools for Shipboard Use
Model Crimping Force Crimping Capacity Power Source Key Features Best For Procurement
Milwaukee 2678 6 tons Up to 600 MCM 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Cordless, intelligent pressure control, 350° rotating head Shipboard electrical maintenance, high-volume crimping New | Used | Bulk
Klein Tools BAT207T144H 7 tons Up to 600 MCM (Copper), 350 MCM (Aluminum) 20V Lithium-Ion Battery Cordless, LED work light, rotating head, dual cutting & crimping Heavy-duty shipboard crimping, high-voltage applications New | Used | Bulk
MMNZE 12 Ton 12 tons 12 AWG to 2/0 AWG Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Cordless, LED display, ergonomic grip, intelligent chip control Portable shipboard crimping, small electrical repairs New | Used | Bulk
Steel DN Mate 10 tons 12 AWG to 2/0 AWG Manual Hydraulic Portable, rotating head, heavy-duty steel build, ergonomic handles Manual crimping in harsh ship environments New | Used | Bulk
Greenlee EK628LX11 6 tons 8 AWG to 600 MCM (Copper), 8 AWG to 350 MCM (Aluminum) 18V Lithium-Ion Battery Bluetooth connectivity, LED display, pressure monitoring, rotating head Shipboard high-precision electrical crimping New | Used | Bulk

Top Considerations When Buying a Hydraulic Crimping Tool for Ship

1️⃣ Manual vs. Battery-Powered Hydraulic Crimpers

Crimping tools come in two primary types:

  • Manual Hydraulic Crimpers – Require hand-pumping pressure to complete a crimp.
    ✅ Best for occasional use or when portability and reliability without power are needed.
    ⚠️ Downside: Requires manual effort, which can be tiring over long periods.
  • Battery-Powered Hydraulic Crimpers – Use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to generate crimping force.
    ✅ Best for frequent crimping, reducing labor time and fatigue.
    ⚠️ Downside: Battery dependency means keeping spares charged is essential for uninterrupted use.

Best Choice for Ships: A battery-powered crimper for high-volume electrical work and a manual backup for redundancy.

2️⃣ Crimping Force & Capacity

Hydraulic crimpers come with varied force ratings (6 tons, 12 tons, etc.) and supported cable sizes (AWG, MCM).

  • Common Marine Electrical Wire Sizes:
    • Low-voltage DC circuits: 12 AWG to 2/0 AWG
    • High-current ship wiring: 4/0 AWG to 600 MCM
    • Battery and welding cables: 2 AWG to 350 MCM
  • Crimping Force Requirements:
    • 6–7 tons: Standard electrical cables and terminals (best for most shipboard needs).
    • 10–12+ tons: Heavy-duty power distribution cables (for industrial-scale applications).

Best Choice for Ships: A 6-12 ton crimper that covers a wide range of marine electrical cables.

3️⃣ Compatibility with Marine-Grade Connectors & Dies

Marine electrical systems often use tinned copper lugs, aluminum connectors, and compression splices to resist corrosion.

  • Check Crimper Die Compatibility:
    • Hexagonal dies – Provide even compression and strong connections.
    • Color-coded dies – Match industry-standard lug color codes for easy use.
    • Interchangeable dies – Allow for flexibility across multiple wire sizes.

Best Choice for Ships: A crimper with adjustable or multiple die sets to accommodate different connectors.

4️⃣ Durability & Resistance to Harsh Marine Environments

Ships operate in high-moisture, salt-air environments, requiring corrosion-resistant tools.

  • Material Considerations:
    ✅ Stainless steel or anodized aluminum components resist rust.
    ✅ Weather-sealed electronics in battery-powered models extend tool life.
    ✅ Impact-resistant casing protects against drops and shocks.

Best Choice for Ships: A marine-grade hydraulic crimper with sealed electronics and corrosion-resistant materials.

5️⃣ Portability & Ergonomics

  • Lightweight Tools (under 10 lbs): Easier for handheld crimping in tight spaces.
  • Rotating Crimping Heads (180°–360°): Allow better access to confined areas.
  • Comfortable Grip & Balanced Weight: Reduces hand fatigue during extended use.

Best Choice for Ships: A lightweight model with a rotating head for better accessibility.

What to Watch Out for When Choosing a Shipboard Hydraulic Crimping Tool

1️⃣ Battery Life & Backup Power Concerns

Battery-powered crimpers are efficient but require charged batteries for continuous use.

⚠️ What to avoid: Models with short battery life or proprietary battery systems with limited availability.
✅ Solution: Choose crimpers with widely available batteries (DeWalt 20V, Milwaukee M18, etc.) and carry spare batteries.

2️⃣ Limited Crimping Range

⚠️ What to avoid: Tools that lack die compatibility for your ship's wiring sizes.
✅ Solution: Ensure the tool supports a wide range of wire sizes and lug types.

3️⃣ Low-Quality Build Materials

⚠️ What to avoid: Cheap plastic-bodied crimpers that break under heavy use.
✅ Solution: Invest in professional-grade crimpers made of hardened steel or anodized aluminum.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Hydraulic Crimping Tool on a Ship

✅ Regular Maintenance: Keep dies clean, hydraulic seals lubricated, and batteries charged for optimal performance.
✅ Use the Right Die for the Job: Mismatched dies can lead to weak crimps or damaged connectors.
✅ Store in a Dry Case: Protect the tool from salt air and moisture to prevent rust and extend its lifespan.
✅ Train Crew Members: Ensure proper handling techniques to maximize tool efficiency and safety.
✅ Inspect Crimps for Quality: Verify every crimp is solid and meets marine electrical standards.

Choosing the Right Hydraulic Crimper for Your Ship

Investing in a high-quality hydraulic crimping tool ensures secure electrical connections, improved safety, and reduced downtime on board.

Top Features to Look for in a Shipboard Hydraulic Crimping Tool:

✅ 6–12 ton crimping force for marine electrical cables
✅ Battery-powered for efficiency with manual backup for emergencies
✅ Corrosion-resistant materials for durability in harsh environments
✅ Multiple die sets for compatibility with marine-grade connectors
✅ Rotating head (180°–360°) for easy access in tight shipboard spaces
✅ Long battery life with spare battery options for continuous operation

By choosing the right hydraulic crimper, ship operators and marine electricians can maintain shipboard electrical systems efficiently, ensuring reliable power and connectivity at sea.