{"product_id":"hks-crimping-tool-for-delphi-aptiv-metri-pack-connectors-solid-oem","title":"HKS Crimping Tool for Delphi APTIV \u0026 Metri-Pack Connectors - Solid OEM","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the HKS crimping tool shows itself as a purpose-built hand tool for technicians who need reliable crimps on Delphi APTIV Weather Pack and Metri-Pack sealed connectors. The bottom line: it is designed for AWG 18-14 (1.0-2.5mm2) terminals and stands out because of its ratcheting mechanism and precision-machined chromium-molybdenum jaw, which together deliver consistently solid crimps for OEM-style sealed connectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRatcheting mechanism:\u003c\/strong\u003e The full ratchet cycle ensures the correct crimp profile is formed before automatic release, reducing undercrimps and user guesswork.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrecision-machined die:\u003c\/strong\u003e A purpose-built crimp die provides repeatable, tight crimps for Delphi APTIV and Metri-Pack 150, 280, 480 and 630 style sealed terminals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable crimp force:\u003c\/strong\u003e A tension adjustment knob lets the user fine-tune crimp strength for specific terminal types or wire sizes within the AWG 18-14 range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuick release lever:\u003c\/strong\u003e The quick release allows the jaw to be opened at any point in the cycle, which helps with misfeeds or when repositioning a connector.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChromium-molybdenum cutting jaw:\u003c\/strong\u003e EDM-processed chrome-moly steel jaw delivers high hardness and precise wire cutting and holding during the crimp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eErgonomic handles:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cushioned, non-slip grips reduce hand fatigue and improve control during repetitive crimping tasks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tool is aimed at automotive electricians, fleet maintenance techs, and hobbyists who frequently work with sealed Delphi APTIV and Metri-Pack series connectors and need consistent OEM-style crimps. Its ratcheting action and adjustable force make it suitable for repetitive workshop tasks where reliability matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for users needing a wide wire-size range beyond AWG 18-14 or for those who require universal interchangeable dies; customers who need crimps for very large gauge cables or for a broad variety of terminal families should consider a different, multi-die crimper.\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\u003eSolid, repeatable crimps thanks to the ratcheting mechanism and precision die.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable crimp force provides control for different terminals within the supported range.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDurable chromium-molybdenum jaw with EDM finish gives precise cutting and long life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComfortable non-slip handles reduce fatigue for extended use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe tool is limited to AWG 18-14 (1.0-2.5mm2) and specific Delphi\/Metri-Pack models, so it is not a universal crimper for all terminals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome users report a learning curve to master the release mechanism and proper wire placement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHKS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatible terminals\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDelphi APTIV Weather Pack; Metri-Pack 150, 280, 480, 630 (certain models)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWire size range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAWG 18-14 (1.0-2.5mm2)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJaw material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChromium-molybdenum steel (EDM processed)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMechanism\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRatcheting crimp with adjustable force and quick release lever\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHandles\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eErgonomic cushioned non-slip grips\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe HKS crimping tool is a practical, well-built choice for anyone working regularly with Delphi APTIV and Metri-Pack sealed connectors within the AWG 18-14 range. Its ratchet, adjustable force, and hardened jaw deliver dependable crimps and good longevity, making it a strong value for workshop and professional use; buyers needing broader compatibility should look elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this tool crimp Metri-Pack 280 terminals?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it is designed to work with Metri-Pack 150, 280, 480 and 630 series sealed connectors where compatible, but confirm specific terminal model fit if in doubt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat wire sizes can it handle?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt supports AWG 18-14, which corresponds to approximately 1.0-2.5mm2 conductors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the crimp force be changed?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, an adjustment knob lets you increase or decrease crimp strength and a quick release lever allows opening the jaw at any position.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HKS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48612432347355,"sku":"B0BNBNJZZM","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51B_BSKJ0LL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1778503774","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/hks-crimping-tool-for-delphi-aptiv-metri-pack-connectors-solid-oem","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}