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AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/01/2020 4:35 PM

Can this pair of AMP crimping pliers be fixed?

The jaws are 'stuck' closed on the barrel of a connector.

Usually, the jaws release when one squeezes the handles together which releases a catch, that sounds like it is in the square tubular channel between the handles, because a click' comes from that area tubular area. When squeezed, a release action occurs and the handles and jaws would open up.

However, it appears that the barrel being crimped is not allowing the jaws to move close enough together, as evidenced by an air gap between the jaw groove and barrel (barrel diameter is too large so the barrel does not fit into the groove), thereby not allowing the mechanism to reach the squeeze point where a release action occurs. Anyone ever encountered this and know of a fix?

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#1

Re: AMP crimping pliers stuck closed - is there a fix ? ?

03/01/2020 4:45 PM

Drill the connector to bits.. with bits.

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#2

Re: AMP crimping pliers stuck closed - is there a fix ? ?

03/01/2020 5:43 PM

Just tap the piece out with a hammer and screw driver....

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: AMP crimping pliers stuck closed - is there a fix ? ?

03/01/2020 6:02 PM

..or use the emergency ratchet release mechanism...

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#4
In reply to #3

Re: AMP crimping pliers stuck closed - is there a fix ? ?

03/01/2020 6:39 PM

If push comes to shove I would remove the snap ring on the lower handle and tap out the pin releasing the handle, this should allow the mechanism to bottom and reverse....

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#5

Re: AMP crimping pliers stuck closed - is there a fix ? ?

03/01/2020 10:08 PM

If it looks like there is any more room to further crimp the connector, you might be able to put the handles of the crimper in a vice and use the vice to squeeze them together to apply more pressure than you can by hand. I would be very careful doing this, tightening the vice a little bit at a time and then backing off to see if the crimpers released.

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#6

Re: AMP crimping pliers stuck closed - is there a fix ? ?

03/01/2020 10:34 PM

Yep, have a few versions of the tool and it has happened to me a couple of times. There should be a manual release located in the sliding ratchet mechanism connecting the two handles together.

I cannot remember exactly how the release works, I think it is located if you look up into the square hole where the mechanism slides in and out, you poke a screwdriver up one side to activate a hinged manual release lever if memory serves.

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: AMP crimping pliers stuck closed - is there a fix ? ?

03/02/2020 1:33 AM

I just checked a similar crimper I have - it looks like there is no available release as compared to other AMP styles like the "Mod crimp" tools.

I wouldn't drill or hammer - the tolerances on the dies are really tight.

Try bending the crimp barrel until it fatigue fails and hopefully comes out of the dies.

The dies can also be really brittle - I had a die set shatter - so no beating on it.

Those crimpers can be a few hundred $ to thousands for specialty crimps. So treat with TLC.

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#8

Re: AMP crimping pliers stuck closed - is there a fix ? ?

03/02/2020 5:38 AM

If you cannot get to the trip mechanism inside the basically square tube, then the following should work as it is all on the low compression (handle) side and not in the compressed jaws.

The movable bent bar that fits inside the tube must pivot on a simple pin in the LH handle in the picture that you provided. You might be able to remove that pin and then the two handles will move independently. Or else near the 8" mark on your tape there seems a fastener for the fixed square tube that might be able to be undone. That would allow the handles to move independently and also enable you to slide the ratchet fully home to release the latch.

Then simply re-assemble.

The mechanism looks almost identical to this more modern version "catalog-amp-tyco-type-o-69691" when I looked at "vintage-ratchet-crimp-tool-22-10-i-9-w" from your item's identification. Maybe there is a user guide??

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#9

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/02/2020 1:46 PM

Ok, here are the photos clearly showing the release mechanism and how to activate it to release the jaws

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#11
In reply to #9

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/02/2020 6:39 PM

Doesn't work that way on mine.

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#13
In reply to #11

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/02/2020 10:11 PM

There are a number of variants by different manufacturers (it is a very popular tool design), we have another almost identical crimping tool but its release is a completely different large twist knob.

They should all however have some form of release mechanism built in (even if it is well hidden).

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#14
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Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/02/2020 10:47 PM

My AMP 90308-1 made in the USA definitely does not have a release.

All my other half dozen AMP crimpers have a release - even if you need "finger nails" or a small screw driver to get at it.

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#16
In reply to #14

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/03/2020 1:26 PM

Are you sure, perhaps it is unintuitive and VERY well hidden.

I had one tool where the release just fell off at one point.

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#10

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/02/2020 2:06 PM

Thanks for all the advice.

I removed the circlip on one of the jaw pivot pins, drove the pivot pin out with a drift pin. The jaw separated, dropping the oversized connector.

Went back together in about a minute.

Thanks again.

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#12
In reply to #10

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/02/2020 6:42 PM

Thanks for the update.

You obviously found a viable solution.

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#15

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/03/2020 9:01 AM

I would check the go/no go pin sizes in the crimp chamber and perform the ratchet check to see if there was any damage to the tool. The instruction sheet has all the necessary specs and methodology.

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#17

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/05/2020 9:13 AM

A weak acid, such as acetic (as found in vinegar), formic (as found in kettle descalant), phosphoric (as found in cola drinks), or citric (as found in lemon juice), might attack the alloy of the connector in preference to the steel of the unit. One light be tempted to try it on a buckshee connector first.

Raising the temperature will promote a faster result.

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#18
In reply to #17

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/05/2020 1:31 PM

Isn't this just a little extreme overkill in this instance when there are other far more practical solutions?

Even using a punch to push out the soft lug is preferable to acid and fire.

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#19
In reply to #18

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/05/2020 3:38 PM

This wanders into the realm of preferences and available facilities. It remains an option.

Agreement is therefore irrelevant.

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#20
In reply to #19

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/05/2020 5:59 PM

I reject your reality and substitute my own

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#21

Re: AMP Crimping Pliers Stuck Closed - Is There a Fix??

03/06/2020 7:29 AM

...put the jaws in a vice to flatten the lug....

or oil it....hit it with a hammer... good old fashioned remedies

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