IWISS Bench Swaging Tool for Crimping Aluminum Wire Rope End Sleeves - Duplex & Oval Sleeves 3/64" to 1/8" - Bench Mounted Crimper for Marine, Rigging & Construction Applications

Effective.This tool works so well that I keep finding more places to use small diameter steel cable. I use it mainly for hanging mirrors and antique picture frames.These are all you need to cut and crimp S.S. cable. Solid, and should last forever.These worked making life a lot easier on crimping the aluminum sleeves would re ommend these for the moneyI used this tool to crimp two pieces of cable together. This tool has multiple crimping features for specific sizes of cable or wire to be crimped. Once crimped with this tool, it will not come apart. Good value and built for long term use.I got the IWISS Wire Rope Tool with Wire Rope Cutter for a guide wire project I was doing with 1/8" stainless steel rope. I figured that the crimper would work with the aluminum loop sleeves I bought, while the cutter tool would save some wear and tear on the cutter on my large pliers.Considering that the crimper goes from 1/16" UP TO the size I was using (1/8"), I figured that the required force was going to be on the high side. As it turns out, the force is manageable, but the tool is a bit unwieldy when fully open. Keeping the wire rope from sliding through the sleeve, keeping yourself stable on a ladder, and trying to crimp the sleeve properly without the crimp going out of perpendicular with the sleeve, is a bit of a workload to keep sorted out. I thought about changing the cam profile, to lessen the actuating force, but it does require tools to do (which I didn't have on the ladder with me). By the time I was back around my toolbox, I'd forgotten all about it. The cutter works great. Recommended.I am a theatrical technical director and have used many brands of crimpers and cutters. I used this set to rig three productions so far and counting. That's dozens of cuts and crimps. This thing is wonderful. It's compact size is easier for me to get in tight or high places. Although, the shorter handles do require a bit more force. Not a problem for me but, may be for others.If you are using this crimper for structural or flying purposes I have two points. You should be using a go-no go gauge, as often as you can. This thing does NOT come with one. (It should). That said, I have a few spare gauges and this crimper works very well. It's way easier to adjust as well.The second point is, I've read some of the reviews and it is clear that many people don't know how wire rope accessories work. Not all swaging sleeves are rated. Not all wire rope is alike. The markings on the tool are clear. I/8th inch refers to the diameter of the wire rope. You should educate yourself or leave it to the professionals, you run the risk of injury or worse.The cutters are tricky, here is a trade secret. If you use the cutters properly, they will last a long time. Seriously, as with any of these cutters, if you don't keep the tool perpendicular to the wire rope when cutting force is applied, you will trap the individual wires in the rope. This widens the pivot which lossens the tool and makes cutting impossible. But that is user error. All of these cutters behave this way including felco.Just pay attention and enjoy.Not bad. Only able to use for small itemsThe crimping tool works very well, the cable cutter is a different story. After few cuts the screw that keeps the two halves of the tool becomes loose so it cannot cut the cake properly and you have to keep re tighten it.Great tools. Used it to instal my cable railing.They squish things real good.Perfect