Finally gave up on my old crimper and the new one is a game changer

Kelly Gibson · 2026-03-28T07:45:08.286938+00:00

For years I used this basic crimper I got from a supply house in Phoenix, and it worked okay for RG6. But last month I had a big job with a lot of RG11 runs and that old tool just mangled the connectors. I bought a Paladin PA1412 on a recommendation, and man, the difference is night and day. The ratcheting action makes sure you get a full crimp every single time, and the built-in cutter is way sharper. I did a 12-unit apartment install last week and didn't have a single bad connector or callback. Has anyone else switched to a ratcheting crimper and found it saved them a ton of headache on bigger gauge cable?

adam_young315mo ago

Ratcheting crimpers are just overpriced and overcomplicated. That old squeeze style you had teaches you proper feel and control, which is a real skill. Lucas_west talks about consistency, but that just sounds like wanting a tool to do the thinking for you. A good tech can make perfect crimps all day with a basic tool, no ratchet needed. All those extra parts just mean more things to break in your bag. Sometimes the simple, cheap tool you already know is better than chasing the new fancy thing.

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jamiegreen5mo ago

Honestly that built-in cutter sounds like a lifesaver.

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lucas_west5mo ago

Switched to a ratcheting model a few years back and it completely changed my consistency. The old squeeze style depended too much on feel, especially when tired at the end of the day. It just makes a repeatable process you don't have to second guess.

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