ENGINEER PA-20 Engineer Precision Crimping Pliers for Open Barrel

In this review the ENGINEER PA-20 shows itself as a focused tool for electronics technicians and hobbyists who need consistent results on small open barrel terminals. The bottom line: it crimps AWG28 to AWG18 reliably across a wide range of manufacturer pins and D-SUB contacts, offering the same controlled crimps as vendor-specific tools but at a fraction of the cost. The PA-20 is compact and comfortable for repeated use, and its replaceable joint-screw and S55C carbon steel construction make it a practical long-term shop staple for connector work.

Key Features

• Wide crimp range: Handles AWG28 to AWG18 so the tool covers the most common small wire sizes used with Molex and similar pins.
• Multiple die widths: Four die widths (1.6mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.3mm) let you match the crimp section to different pin profiles for cleaner, more consistent crimps.
• Universal pitch support: Capable of crimping 2.5mm to 5.0mm pitch connector pins, which makes it useful for a variety of universal and board connector applications.
• Durable construction: Made from S55C carbon steel so the pliers feel solid and hold up to regular bench use without easily deforming.
• Serviceable joint: The original joint-screw designed by Engineer allows quick and easy maintenance or tightening for long term reliability.
• Compact and lightweight: A smaller body reduces hand fatigue during repetitive crimping tasks common in harness assembly and electronics repair.

Who It's For

The PA-20 is aimed at electronics technicians, hobbyists, and small workshop owners who regularly terminate small open barrel terminals and D-SUB contacts. It is particularly useful for those who need an affordable alternative to branded vendor-specific crimp tools while still demanding controlled, repeatable crimps.

Those who should look elsewhere include heavy industrial users who need very high-volume automatic crimping equipment or anyone who exclusively crimps wire sizes outside the AWG28 to AWG18 range; for those use cases, a dedicated automated press or different-sized tool would be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Quality build with S55C carbon steel delivers solid, consistent crimps across many pin types.
• Four die widths and broad compatibility reduce the need for multiple dedicated tools.
• Compact, fatigue-friendly design makes repeated crimping less tiring during bench work.
• Serviceable joint-screw allows simple maintenance instead of a full replacement.

Cons

• Ease of use is mixed in user reports; some practice is required to dial in consistently accurate crimps.
• Not intended for very high-volume industrial production where automated equipment is preferable.

Specifications

Model	PA-20
Wire range	AWG28 to AWG18
Die widths	1.6mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.3mm
Connector pitch support	2.5mm to 5.0mm
Construction material	S55C Carbon Steel
Maintenance	Original joint-screw for quick maintenance
Applications	Open barrel terminals, D-SUB contacts, small Molex-type pins

Our Verdict

The ENGINEER PA-20 is a practical, well-made crimping plier for anyone who terminates small open barrel terminals and connector pins. It delivers vendor-level crimp control across a wide range of pins and pitches at a much lower cost than dedicated branded tools, making it an excellent value for technicians and hobbyists who need repeatable, serviceable hardware on the bench.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can it crimp D-SUB contact pins?
Yes, the PA-20 is reported to work with D-SUB connector contacts and many main crimp pin manufacturers' pins within AWG28 to AWG18.

Is the tool easy to maintain?
Yes, the original joint-screw by Engineer allows quick tightening or adjustment to keep the pliers working reliably.

Will this replace vendor-specific crimp tools?
For many small connector tasks it is a cost-effective alternative, though specialized high-volume or brand-specific production may still prefer original vendor tools.