Most Loved Tools of 2024

Date Posted: 1/16/2025

We’re proud to deliver high-quality, reliable tools that set the standard for aerospace, defense, and other critical industries. Here’s a spotlight of our top-selling products of 2024. What’s your favorite?

Crimp Tools:

Among our list of most desired tools are our crimp tools. DMC^® specializes in designing and building application crimp tools for new and emerging markets. Our portfolio of crimp tools includes indent and form crimp tools as well as general maintenance tools (GMT). Many of our tools work in conjunction with interchangeable dies, eliminating the need for separate fixed-die crimp tools. DMC also has hundreds of turrets and positioners that accommodate a multitude of wire sizes and crimp depths.

Without further ado, here are the crimp tools and accessories that were most popular in 2024:

AF8: In first place is the original blue crimp tool that is recognizable across the world with virtually limitless application between 12 through 26 AWG.
AFM8: A trusted favorite that accommodates most miniature and subminiature connector types that are widely used in electronic systems. The AFM8 accommodates wire sizes 20 through 32 AWG.
TH1A: Our most popular turret head that adapts the M22520/1-01 (AF8^®) tool frame to several applications.
HX4: The shiny gold tool known for its versatility with hundreds of die configurations that fulfill a variety of applications. The HX4 form crimp tool crimps sizes 26 to 10 AWG and is capable of crimping most coaxial and triaxial connectors, insulated and uninsulated terminals, wire splices, and some end caps.

Banding Solutions for EMI Protection:

DMC’s banding tools were a popular product line in 2024. These tools set the standard in reliability for terminating electromagnetic interference (EMI) bands throughout mission-critical systems. DMC offers one-step and two-step banding tools and sells a variety of bands manufactured by companies listed on the M85049 QPL.

In 2024, our top selling banding tools and bands were for .125” mini-bands.

DBS-2200: The ultimate one-step banding tool built to SAE AS81306/1 specifications and designed to install .125” stamped bands.
DBS-128-8: These low-profile and durable bands are .125” wide stamped and pre-coiled. These bands are compatible with the DBS-2200 banding tool.

LaceLok^®:

LaceLok cable lacing fasteners were also a big hit in 2024. This product line is designed to replace cable ties and hand-tied lacing tape for secondary support of wire harnesses. The LaceLok system provides an ergonomic and consistent approach to cable bundling with unrivaled strength and superior performance than manual lacing and cable ties. Made of aerospace-grade materials, LaceLok features a small, rounded fastener and meta-aramid fiber lace. This combination of materials provides superior resistance to fuel, chemicals, abrasion, and extreme operating temperatures.

Though new to the market, LaceLok was adopted by major OEMs, MROs and military depots in 2024.

DLT-1100: This lightweight and efficient application tool for installing LaceLok cable lacing fasteners delivers consistent loop force and termination at 20lbs of applied tension.
LF2-10NA1: The LF2-10NA1 is our #1 selling cable lacing fastener. It is 10 inches in length in the color white. Our cable lacing fasteners are available in various lengths and colors to suit different applications. It is constructed from non-abrasive, aerospace-grade meta-aramid fiber lace to ensure durability and reliability. It features a small, rounded fastener head, making it a safe and lightweight solution for aerospace cable management.

Safe-T-Cable^®:

Safe-T-Cable is always a top-selling product! It is designed to prevent bolts, nuts, and other fasteners from loosening in environments with excessive heat and vibration. In addition to installing three times faster than lockwire, Safe-T-Cable also produces stronger and safer results.

Out of the several tool and cable options the 3 below were the most popular!

SCTR323: A manual Safe-T-Cable application tool with adjustable tension and features a 3 inch nose designed to install .032 Safe-T-Cable.
C10-218PKG: This 321 stainless steel cable kit features a .032” diameter with a standard length of 18 inches. The kit contains 50 cable assemblies and 50 ferrules.
C10-218JAPKG: Similar to the aforementioned product, C10-218JAPKG is an enhanced cable kit containing 50 self-looping cable assemblies and one cartridge of 50 ferrules. Self-looping jumper cable assemblies provide the user with a means of anchoring a single threaded fastener to almost any structure.

Insertion and Removal (I/R) Tools:

DMC offers a wide range of insertion and removal tools (I/R) to aid in the installation and extraction of contacts in connectors. A variety of styles are available to accommodate both front and rear release connectors. I/R tools are available with straight, joggled, angled, and offset tips in probe, spring-loaded probe, tweezer, and plier styles.

DMC customers loved the following 3 military approved I/R tools in 2024:

DAK20B: A probe style insertion tool that is compatible with size 20 contacts.
DRK95-22MB: A tweezer style removal tool that is compatible with sizes 22M and 22D.
DRK20B: A spring-loaded probe style removal tool that is compatible with size 20 contacts.

Other Connector Assembly Tools:

DMC also offers a complete line of connector assembly tools designed to hold, torque, and tighten backshells. Due to the complex nature of wiring systems, connector backshells are used to minimize potential interference. These delicate connectors and backshells require the right tooling to precisely tighten them without causing damage.

The following 3 pliers and strap wrenches were among our customer favorites in 2024.

BT-SJ-509A: A high-performance mini soft jaw plier with a 30° angled head for easy access to the tightest places. These pliers also feature non-marring and replaceable jaw inserts.
BT-BS-609: A standard strap wrench applies a uniform grip around connectors to prevent high pressure damage. This strap wrench accommodates connector shell diameters ranging from .50" - 2.50".
BT-BS-610T: Our handle-less strap wrenchus are safe and effective for tough and delicate jobs. These smaller alternatives free up a significant amount of space when used in conjunction with a digital torque wrench to allow users to accurately torque the connector without having the handle obstruct their view or torquing ability. These wrenches are sold with a spare strap.

As 2024 comes to a close, these tools have proven to be game-changers in wire harness manufacturing and EWIS maintenance. We’re proud to be your trusted partner, delivering innovative solutions that empower your work and support your success. Here’s to continuing to equip you with the tools you love and rely on, year after year.

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