Ferrule Crimping Pliers Selection Guide
Ferrule pliers crimp the ferrule barrel with an indent, four-sided or hexagonal profile; selection depends on the crimp shape, plier design and cross-section range.
This guide covers what to look at when choosing products in the Ferrule Crimping Pliers category.
Crimp shape and plier design
A ferrule crimping plier crimps the metal barrel of the ferrule with an indent (V-shaped), four-sided (square, rectangular or trapezoidal) or hexagonal profile. In this category, the models with the crimp shape in the name are four-corner and six-corner ones; in Konsan product names the same shapes appear as quadrilateral and hexagonal. For pliers whose name does not state the shape, the profile is confirmed from the product image and manufacturer data.
There are two groups by design. Self-adjusting pliers have a single crimping cavity that closes to fit the ferrule inserted; in control wiring where the cross-section changes often, the step of choosing a cavity is eliminated. Pliers with stepped dies have a separate cavity for each cross-section, and the ferrule is placed in the cavity marked with its own cross-section.
What to check when choosing ferrule pliers
- Cross-section range. Determine the thinnest and thickest conductor you will fit with ferrules. Product data includes ranges such as 0.14-2.5 mm² and 0.25-6 mm² for control and signal wiring, and 6-16 mm², 10-35 mm² and 25-50 mm² for power circuits.
- Crimp shape. It is chosen according to the terminal the crimped end will enter. DIN rail terminal block and switchgear manufacturers give the cross-section range for a conductor with a ferrule in their connection data; if a condition is also stated for the crimp shape, it is followed.
- Ferrule type. The ferrules the pliers are intended for are stated in the manufacturer data; in the Isıso AN series, this information appears as insulated cable ferrules. Check this information according to whether you will use insulated single-entry ferrules or uninsulated ferrules. Double-entry ferrules, which gather two conductors in one barrel, have a wider barrel, so the pliers' valid cross-section range for this type is checked separately.
- Ratchet mechanism. In ratchet pliers, the mechanism ensures the required crimping force is applied every time; the jaws do not open until the crimp is complete. Check from the product image and manufacturer data whether the model has it.
- Tool length. Product data includes lengths such as 177 mm, 210 mm and 230 mm; look at this dimension if you will work inside a crowded panel.
Ferrule color and die cavity
The insulated cable ferrules in the store are listed in two color series, the French standard and the German standard; the color series in DIN 46228-4 differs from both. The same color indicates a different cross-section depending on the series: a gray collar is a 2.5 mm² ferrule in the French series and a 4 mm² ferrule in the German series. For this reason, in a stepped die the cavity is chosen not by color but by the cross-section printed on the ferrule packaging.
If the cross-section is given in AWG, you can find the mm² equivalent with the AWG – mm² conversion calculator.
Difference from lug and terminal pliers
The die of a ferrule plier is shaped for the ferrule barrel. Lug crimping pliers for crimp-type cable lugs, and connector / terminal crimping pliers for insulated and uninsulated cable terminals and RJ45 and Molex type connectors, are in separate categories. Tool-set pliers that crimp both ferrules and cable terminals by changing the jaws are also listed in this second category.
Brands in this category
- Isıso: four-corner and six-corner pliers of 0.08-6 mm², models of 0.25-6 mm² and 0.08-10 mm²; AN series hand tools with ranges of 6-16 mm², 10-35 mm² and 25-50 mm² for insulated cable ferrules.
- Konsan: pliers with FC, FT and FR codes; quadrilateral and hexagonal models of 0.08-6 mm², with ranges of 0.14-2.5 mm², 0.50-16 mm² and 25-35 mm².
- Gwest: pliers with GW codes; GW-8 crimps four-corner, GW-9 crimps six-corner, and GW-17 is for 25-35 mm².
Order notes
- Pliers are sold by the piece.
- Product names include the manufacturer model code (for example FC-8, GW-9, AN-50WF); you can use this code when searching.
- For a product listed as made to order, the delivery time is confirmed before ordering.
Comparison and selection table
| Selection Criterion | Ratcheting Multi-Slot Ferrule Crimper | Self-Adjusting (Square / Hexagonal) Ferrule Plier | Heavy-Duty (10 – 50 mm²) Ferrule Crimper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimp Profile | Trapezoidal or indent profile across dedicated size nests | Square (4-mandrel) or Hexagonal (6-mandrel) auto-sizing jaw | Deep trapezoidal/indent dies with long leverage handles |
| Cross-Section Range | 0.25 mm² – 6.0 mm² or 0.50 mm² – 10.0 mm² (marked slots) | 0.25 mm² – 10.0 mm² (or 16 mm²) in a single self-adjusting opening | 6 mm² – 16 / 25 / 35 / 50 mm² power cable ferrules |
| Key Advantage | Full-cycle ratchet ensures consistent gas-tight crimp pressure | No slot selection needed; square/hex crimps fit tight spring terminals | High mechanical leverage for heavy fine-stranded (Class 5) cables |
| Typical Application | General electrical maintenance, field service & panel wiring | High-speed control cabinet assembly, PLC & push-in terminals | Main feeder terminations, VFD power terminals & distribution blocks |
Frequently asked questions
Does a single ferrule plier crimp all cross-sections?
No, the crimping range of each plier is limited. The product data in this category includes separate ranges such as 0.25-6 mm² for thin cross-sections and 10-35 mm² and 25-50 mm² for thick ones; there are also wide-range models such as 0.50-16 mm². In workshops that do control wiring and power wiring together, two pliers are often needed, one for thin and one for thick cross-sections. Make the choice according to the thinnest and thickest conductor you will fit with ferrules.
How do you choose between four-corner and six-corner ferrule pliers?
Both crimp the ferrule all the way around; the difference is the cross-sectional shape of the crimped end. A four-corner crimp leaves a more square end, and a six-corner crimp leaves an end closer to a circle. On terminals with a round, narrow entry hole, a six-corner crimped end enters more easily. If the terminal block or device manufacturer requires a specific crimp shape in the connection data, that shape is used. In this category, both shapes are listed as separate models in the 0.08-6 mm² range.
Are double-entry ferrules crimped with the same pliers?
Because a double-entry ferrule gathers two conductors in one barrel, its barrel is wider than that of a single-entry ferrule of the same cross-section. The cross-section range on the pliers is usually given for single-entry ferrules; for a double-entry ferrule, the largest crimpable cross-section may be lower. If the manufacturer data gives a separate value for double-entry ferrules, use that.
How far is the cable stripped before fitting a ferrule?
The stripping length is determined by the length of the ferrule's metal barrel: all the strands must enter the barrel, and with an insulated ferrule the conductor insulation must also seat inside the collar. On a conductor stripped too short, the strands do not reach the end of the barrel; on one stripped too long, bare conductor is left outside the collar. Since ferrules are made with different barrel lengths for the same cross-section, take the dimension from the data of the ferrule you are using.