Use the right tool for the job. When you serious about quality and reliability.
Originally shared by element14
How well do self adjusting crimp pliers really work? Find out from this roadtest review: http://bit.ly/2d40zZq
It took a few clicks to find the price: $341.16 Ouch! I’d been used to $50 Knipex tools, I bought a few, they’re nice. I can’t justify $341.16.
I have crimpers such as them, got them on aliexpress with 500 crimps. 40$ shipped.
I got a copy version of that tool, absolutely love it!
This is more of a european thing, because of laws and regulations requiring them. If in America, skip it. Twist the wire together.
I happen to have one of the cheap ones, I was hoping the Knipex was reasonable. You can just twist them but if you ever redo wiring then the strands tend to get messier. With the ferrules they stay tidy.
I picked up a $20 work-alike ( http://www.banggood.com/0_08-6mm-Terminal-Crimping-Tool-Bootlace-Ferrule-Crimper-Wire-Cord-p-981482.html ) a while back.
Proper ferrules are fabulous, but the whole setup should only cost about $30 for the crimpers and a wide assortment of ferrules.
Are these just for ends that go in screw terminals? (I usually just tin the ends so they don’t fray.)
I am trying to think what I’d use those square ends for.
@Carlton_Dodd Yes. Tinning the ends can be troublesome because tin creeps and that can loosen the wire.
@Jeff_DeMaagd
Great, now I suddenly need this tool. 
Ferrules really show their value for repeated insertions/removals, bare wire always ends up getting snarled and losing strands. With the insulated kind you also get that nice little collar that keeps errant conductors out of adjacent terminals, gives a good grip for handling, and provides a visual alignment for inspection. The uninsulated kind are also great for low-profile, mechanically secure butt splices that aren’t vulnerable to weakening due to heating (see older E3D thermistor instructions: http://wiki.e3d-online.com/wiki/E3D-v6_Assembly_(Old_Wiring) ).
Ref for “Don’t tin wires in screw terminals” that names several of the standards specifying not to: http://www.eptac.com/ask/when-to-tin-and-not-tin-wires/
Yep, @Carlton_Dodd – Tinning the wires before inserting them into screw terminals is a one of the larger causes for fires starting from 3D printers. Bad idea, don’t do it. If you are doing it, undo it.
@ThantiK
Just when I thought I was done.
*sigh *goes to Banggood
When you can get a crimper and the ferrules for less than $50 online there is no excuse. Just do it right the first time.