{"product_id":"engineer-pa-20-engineer-precision-crimping-pliers-for-open-barrel","title":"ENGINEER PA-20 Engineer Precision Crimping Pliers for Open Barrel","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide crimp range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Handles AWG28 to AWG18 so the tool covers the most common small wire sizes used with Molex and similar pins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMultiple die widths:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUniversal pitch support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Capable of crimping 2.5mm to 5.0mm pitch connector pins, which makes it useful for a variety of universal and board connector applications.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Made from S55C carbon steel so the pliers feel solid and hold up to regular bench use without easily deforming.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eServiceable joint:\u003c\/strong\u003e The original joint-screw designed by Engineer allows quick and easy maintenance or tightening for long term reliability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and lightweight:\u003c\/strong\u003e A smaller body reduces hand fatigue during repetitive crimping tasks common in harness assembly and electronics repair.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality build with S55C carbon steel delivers solid, consistent crimps across many pin types.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour die widths and broad compatibility reduce the need for multiple dedicated tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompact, fatigue-friendly design makes repeated crimping less tiring during bench work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServiceable joint-screw allows simple maintenance instead of a full replacement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEase of use is mixed in user reports; some practice is required to dial in consistently accurate crimps.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot intended for very high-volume industrial production where automated equipment is preferable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePA-20\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWire range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAWG28 to AWG18\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDie widths\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.6mm, 1.9mm, 2.0mm, 2.3mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnector pitch support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.5mm to 5.0mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConstruction material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eS55C Carbon Steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaintenance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOriginal joint-screw for quick maintenance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApplications\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOpen barrel terminals, D-SUB contacts, small Molex-type pins\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it crimp D-SUB contact pins?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the PA-20 is reported to work with D-SUB connector contacts and many main crimp pin manufacturers' pins within AWG28 to AWG18.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the tool easy to maintain?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the original joint-screw by Engineer allows quick tightening or adjustment to keep the pliers working reliably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this replace vendor-specific crimp tools?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor many small connector tasks it is a cost-effective alternative, though specialized high-volume or brand-specific production may still prefer original vendor tools.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ENGINEER","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48617674997979,"sku":"B002AVVO7U","price":38.71,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61r-Xi1byXL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778439260","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/engineer-pa-20-engineer-precision-crimping-pliers-for-open-barrel","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}