DMC News
Finding the Perfect Heavy-Duty Crimp Tools: DMC's 120 Series Crimp Tools
Date Posted: 08/13/2024
Are you in need of a powerful tool capable of performing heavy-duty crimping on lugs/terminals and large gauge wire? At DMC, we understand the critical role reliable crimping plays in high-demand environments and how challenging achieving fail-safe crimps on large cable conductors can be. That's why we developed the 120 Series hydraulic form crimp tools.
120 Series tools produce 12 tons of crimp force and cover a wide wire range from 8 AWG to 4/0 AWG. They are available in manual hydraulic, battery hydraulic, and remote hydraulic versions allowing you to pick the power type that best fits your needs. All power types accommodate interchangeable dies for crimping insulated and uninsulated lugs/terminals in aerospace and other high-reliability applications.
- MS23002-xx (DMC part number HD002-xx) dies designed to accommodate and secure insulated lugs/terminals with a confined crescent type crimp.
- MS90485-xx (DMC part number HD485-xx) dies for producing hex type crimps on uninsulated copper lugs/terminals
- MS25442-xx (DMC part number HD442-xx) dies for crimping uninsulated aluminum lugs/terminals and splices.
The HD120: Manual Hydraulic Power
The HD120 is a robust manual hydraulic crimp tool. This features a two-stage hydraulic system that reduces the number of handle closures required, making it easier and faster to crimp large components. The tool includes an automatic pressure relief valve that prevents over-compression, while the automatic die retraction indicates when the crimp cycle is complete. This means no second-guessing when the job is finished.
Ease of use is also a key feature. The HD120’s 340-degree rotating head provides flexibility in confined spaces, making it highly functional in tight work areas. Padded handles add an extra layer of comfort, reducing strain on the operator during extended use. Plus, the hydraulic pump is factory-filled with biodegradable hydraulic fluid, eliminating the need for priming or bleeding. The HD120 is neatly packaged in a durable metal carrying case for portability and protection when stored.
The HDE120C: Battery-Powered Efficiency
The HDE120C is the battery hydraulic tool of this series. This tool enhances productivity with a quick full cycle of just 2 seconds and the provided batteries complete an average of 150 crimps per charge. What sets the HDE120C apart from others in this series are its smart digital features. Built-in technology tracks tool performance, usage, and crimp data, which can be accessed via an LED display or downloaded through an app. This level of data tracking allows for better management of tool maintenance and performance.
Like the HD120, this tool features a two-stage hydraulic system, a 340-degree rotating head, and biodegradable hydraulic fluid.The HDE120C kit includes the tool itself, two 18 VDC 3.0 lithium-ion batteries, a charger, and a carrying case.
The TBHD1M: Remote Hydraulic Versatility
For more specialized applications, DMC offers the TBHD1M remote hydraulic crimp head. This tool is QPL approved and Mil-Qualified to MS25441-1 standards. The TBHD1M can be used hand-held or mounted on a BM-2A bench mount. It features a retractable spring plunger and is compatible with several hydraulic pumps. When bench mounted, this tool is virtually hands-free allowing operators to easily position components while actuating the tool with the foot operated pumps.
- HPU11M Pneumatic Hydraulic Pump (MS25441-5 & AS5259/2-06)
- HPU13M Battery Pump (AS5259/2-04)
- HPU12M Hand Pump (AS5259/2-02)
- HPU15M Foot Pump (AS5259/2-03)
Whether you’re looking for the reliability of manual hydraulic tools, the speed and convenience of battery-powered crimping, or the specialized capability of a remote hydraulic crimp head, DMC’s 120 Series has you covered. Our tools provide unmatched performance for heavy-duty crimping needs with features designed for operator comfort and smart technology integration.
Wire Stripping 101: Tips for Success
Date Posted: 08/13/2024
When diving into the world of electrical systems you'll encounter a variety of tools designed to make your tasks easier and more precise. Among these, the wire stripper stands out as a fundamental and indispensable tool. But what exactly is a wire stripper, and why is it so crucial? Let's break it down.
What is a Wire Stripper?
A wire stripper is a hand tool used to remove the insulation from electrical wires without damaging the metal conductor(s) inside. This process is essential for making electrical connections, as the exposed wire needs to be clean and free from insulation to ensure a proper connection. Wire strippers come in various styles and sizes, each tailored for different purpose.
Recommended Wire Stripping Tools:
Manual Strippers
Twist-Strip is an outer jacket wire stripper for M27500 twisted cable with extruded jackets. It is designed with a low-friction ball bearing and articulating arms that accommodate the non-circular nature of twisted shielded cable. This industry-changing tool far exceeds traditional razor blade methods that are time-consuming, increase risks of injury, and are imprecise.
Benefits of Twist-Strip:
- Adjustable
- Interchangeable dies and depth control knobs create precise blade adjustments to accommodate 1-4 conductor cables as well as variations in the conductor shape and thickness.
- Precise
- Cable tracks machined into dies create a controlled rotation as cable moves along the blades
- Adjustable strip length rod allows for custom stripping lengths
- Safe
- Concealed carbide blades eliminate risk of injury
- Zero-friction ball bearing design provides ergonomic stripping that reduces operator fatigue
- Fast
- Strips twisted shielded cable 3-5x faster than conventional methods
Stripmaster wire strippers are an aerospace industry standard. They provide tight tolerances and accommodate a variety of wire types. Several tool frames are available with a selection of die-type blades that accommodate varying wire sizes and conductor thicknesses.
Benefits of Stripmaster Wire Strippers:
- Precise
- Die-type blades provide a practical stripping solution for 30-10 AWG
- Ergonomic
- All Stripmaster wire strippers feature cushioned comfort grip handles
- Ergo Elite Stripmaster boasts a tilted wire stripping head that proves improved leverage and an unobstructed view for better wire positioning
- Variety
- DMC offers Customer Stripmaster, Custom Stripmaster Lite, and Ergo Elite Stripmaster wire strippers
- The same tool frame can be used with a variety of interchangable blades to best suit your application
Pneumatic Wire Strippers
WSP-1630, WSP-1014, and WSP-1626E
DMC's pneumatic wire strippers are the ultimate combination of performance and reliability. These wire strippers were developed in cooperation with major aerospace contractors to address the need for a reliable, simple to operate air powered solution for high-production environments. All WSP strippers are compatible with Stripmaster blades and accessories approved for AS5768.
Benefits of Pneumatic Wire Strippers:
- Ergonomic
- Lightweight, compact, and simple to operate
- Feature a rotatable head that allows for left or right-handed operation
- Fast
- Fast actuation allows operators to prep wires at a rate that is unattainable with manual wire strippers
- Adjustable
- Adjustable speed control allows the operator to regulate the speed of the tool by simply rotating the adjustment collar which is part of the air hose
Choosing the Right Wire Stripper is Critical
- It is important to identify your wire’s AS or mil-spec part number when selecting a tool/blade.
- Even if the blade covers the correct wire range it does not mean that it is meant for your wire.
- Using the wrong blade can cause damage to the insulation.
Wire strippers are a vital tool for anyone performing work on electrical systems. They simplify the process of preparing wires for connections and ensure that your work is both safe and effective. DMC provides many resources to aid in the selection of the right tool including our cross reference chart located on our website and instruction manuals provided with each tool. For more information on any of the tools mentioned, visit our website www.dmctools.com or reach out to us at 407-855-6161 or dmc@dmctools.com.
DIT-MCO Technology Exchange Event
Date Posted: 07/03/2024
Daniels Manufacturing Corporation is participating in the DIT-MCO Technology Exchange in Texas this October! Explore the cutting-edge world of wire harness technology at a dynamic two-day technology exchange hosted by DIT-MCO International.
Immerse yourself in the latest innovations covering design and automation, processing, testing, guided assembly, and fault detection. Join us for formal presentations and exclusive one-on-one sessions. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover what’s new and exciting in the field and connect with professionals shaping the future of wire harness technology.
DMC’s information and training sessions:
- Tuesday, October 8th at 10:15am
- LaceLok®: Revolutionizing Cable Management with an Efficient and Reliable Solution Learn about the benefits of using Lacelok, installation techniques, and best practices.
- Wednesday, October 9th at 9:15am
- Precision in Practice: Component-to-Tooling Selection Training
This event is free to attend! Find more information and register here!
Daniels Manufacturing Corporation® Acquires MCD-Tools GmbH
Date Posted: 07/01/2024
Orlando, Florida. July 1, 2024– Daniels Manufacturing Corporation (DMC®) is proud to announce the successful acquisition of MCD-Tools GmbH, a leading tool distribution and repair company based near Frankfurt, Germany.
DMC’s acquisition of MCD-Tools allows DMC to form DMC Europe GmbH in order to provide a direct presence in the European market. DMC’s investment into a direct presence in Europe reinforces its commitment to offer the very best quality, service, and pricing to its European customers. Integrating the expertise and local resources of MCD-Tools allows DMC to more effectively serve its European customers within the aerospace, defense, rail, and other various markets.
The acquisition will ultimately allow DMC to provide solutions and strengthen customer relationships more than ever via faster lead times, local technical support from DMC employees, and the best possible pricing on DMC’s industry leading mil-spec tooling.
Erik Francoforte, General Manager of DMC, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "This strategic move aligns with our commitment to providing world-class tooling solutions to our customers globally. By combining our strengths, and nurturing MCD-Tools’ established relationships, we are well-positioned to exceed the expectations of our European customers and further solidify our position as a leader in the mil-spec tooling industry."
About Daniels Manufacturing Corporation (DMC):
DMC is a globally recognized provider of precision tooling and manufacturing solutions, catering to various industries requiring high-reliability electrical systems. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, DMC has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for companies seeking reliable and advanced tooling solutions.
For more information about DMC, please visit www.dmctools.com
See the press release on PRNewswire.
What is FOD?
Date Posted: 06/20/2024
June is National Safety Month, a time when we raise awareness about the importance of safety in aviation. If you perform aircraft maintenance it's important for you to understand the safety significance of Foreign Object Debris, commonly known as FOD.
What exactly is FOD, and why is it such a critical concern in the aerospace industry?
FOD encompasses any foreign object or debris that can compromise the safety or functionality of an aircraft or aerospace equipment. This includes everything from loose screws and bolts, to tools, metal shavings, and even wildlife.
Examples of FOD:
- Loose Fasteners: Bolts, nuts, screws, or rivets that have become detached from aircraft or ground support equipment.
- Runway Debris: Rocks, gravel, pavement fragments, or even items dropped from aircraft.
- Tools and Equipment: Tools, equipment, consumables, or parts inadvertently left on runways, taxiways, or maintenance areas.
- Plastic Bags and Debris: Lightweight debris like plastic bags, paper, or other trash can be blown onto runways or sucked into aircraft engines.
- Wildlife: Animals such as birds, rodents, or larger mammals can stray onto airport grounds and pose a FOD risk if they come into contact with aircraft during takeoff or landing.
Effects of FOD:
FOD can impact a flight at any point in the journey, from taxi, takeoff, mid-flight, and landing. Even tiny debris can cause extensive damage to aircraft engines, the landing gears, or other critical systems that can lead to catastrophic failure and possibly injuries/death.
Repairing damage caused by FOD can be expensive and time-consuming. Aircraft maintenance crews must inspect and repair affected components, leading to costly repairs and downtime for the aircraft (A.O.G.).
How to Help Prevent FOD:
By working to prevent FOD you minimize the risk of possible catastrophic situations.
- Provide regular cleaning and maintenance of work areas, runways, and construction sites.
- Educate employees on the dangers of FOD and implement protocols.
- Utilize tools like Daniels Manufacturing Corporation’s Safe-T-Cable® to prevent components from loosening in high vibration environments. Safe-T-Cable is an approved alternative to lockwire which when removed produces less scrap. The Safe-T-Cable system also retains excess cable on installation.
- Utilize tool kits with designated spaces for each item to help keep track of tools and components during installation and repair jobs. DMC’s maintenance tool kits contribute to FOD prevention efforts and promote operator efficiency.
Always Keep FOD in Mind:
FOD’s potential impact on aviation safety and efficiency cannot be understated. From costly aircraft damage to serious safety risks for passengers and personnel, FOD poses a large challenge for the aviation industry. Individuals and organizations can prioritize education, training, and innovative tooling to minimize FOD to ensure safer skies for all.
DMC® Celebrates 75 Years
Date Posted: 06/03/2024
Daniels Manufacturing Corporation® is proud to announce the celebration of our 75th anniversary. This significant milestone is a testament to the enduring relationships we have forged over the years. The trust, loyalty, and collaboration from our customers has been largely responsible for our growth and sustained excellence.
Since our founding in 1949, we have been committed to delivering innovative tooling solutions and unparalleled service. We have been at the forefront of the tool manufacturing industry, continually pushing boundaries, and setting new standards. From humble beginnings in a small workshop to becoming a global leader in tooling solutions, our trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Over the past seven and a half decades, we have achieved numerous milestones that speak volumes of our resilience and determination. From pioneering groundbreaking technologies to expanding our product portfolio to serve diverse industries, every step of our journey has been guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence. Our dedication to quality and innovation has allowed us to evolve and thrive in the dynamic markets we serve.
DMC was founded by Bill Daniels and today his son and our company President, George Daniels, continues to lead the way.
“It has been my privilege to lead a company that has played such an integral role in the creation of every aircraft, defense program, space mission, submarine or surface vessel that exists in the Western world.”
-George Daniels
We invite you to explore some of the rich history and milestones that have shaped DMC into the industry leader it is today:
DMC was incorporated in Pontiac, Michigan in 1949, serving major industries including missile, aircraft, and electronics with precision machine parts and assemblies. In 1965, DMC produced the MS3191-4 to replace earlier mil-standard crimp tools, and the following year expanded globally with an authorized distributor in the United Kingdom. By 1971, DMC became an authorized supplier of tools for the US military and was listed on the DOD's Qualified Products List. In 1984, DMC merged with Balmar and established headquarters in Orlando, Florida. In 1992, DMC developed Safe-T-Cable, now the standard tool for safety cable application. In 2016 we partnered with NC3 to offer Precision Electrical Termination courses at vo-tech schools nationwide. In 2017, DMC acquired Twist-Strip and made substantial improvements before bringing it to market. In 2020 LaceLok® was acquired and enhanced to provide a revolutionary solution for applying secondary wire harness support. This year, 2024, we celebrate our 75th anniversary!
DMC® to Debut New Event at Aerospace Maintenance Competition
Date Posted: 01/25/2024
DMC is excited to join the AMC event as we celebrate our 5th year of participation. This year we will unveil a new event named "Tooling for Harness Assembly" that will showcase many of our product lines including crimping, Safe-T-Cable®, and our newest product, LaceLok®. 90 teams will compete in 27 different events for prizes, scholarships, bragging rights and the famed William F. "Bill" O'Brien Award of Excellence in Aircraft Maintenance.
Are You Using Unqualified Tools?
Date Posted: 03/17/2023
Daniels Manufacturing Corporation (DMC) has become aware of knockoff Mil-Spec crimp tools advertised by non-qualified and unauthorized sources. This situation is potentially hazardous for the entire aerospace community, DOD, and maintainers of electrical wiring interconnect systems.
In addition to the previously mentioned marketplaces that are known to be selling these knockoff Mil-Spec crimp tools we are now aware these tools are also being sold on Walmart.com, Alibaba, eBay, Grainger, Allied, and Graybar.
Jonard Tools, a retailer and manufacturer based out of New York, USA has been identified as producing and selling these tools as M22520/1-01 Military Grade Precision Crimpers. Though many of these knockoffs bear the M22520 & M81969 Mil-Spec number, DMC logo, DMC part numbers, DMC CAGE code (11851) and appear almost identical to genuine DMC-qualified products as listed on the Qualified Products Database (QPD) and Qualified Products List (QPL) it is essential to know that these counterfeit products are not approved or qualified under MIL DTL 22520 or AS81969 and other specifications that apply.
HOW TO AVOID KNOCKOFFS
- Avoid purchasing DMC products from unauthorized sources. Authorized sources can provide proof proof of authenticity.
- Be careful when buying crimp tools on marketplaces such as Walmart.com, Alibaba, eBay, Grainger, Allied, and Graybar
- Avoid purchasing crimp tools from Amazon, unless you are purchasing from the DMC Store or Daniels Manufacturing Corporation Storefront
- Avoid purchasing items marked as used or refurbished. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Contact us if you have a question about purchasing one of our products
KNOWN RETAILERS OF KNOCKOFFS
- Jonard Tools
- JRready (Jiaxing Jingrui Instrument & Equipment Co., Ltd.)
- JRD Tools
- IWISS Tools Co., Ltd. (ZHEJIANG IWISS ELECTRIC CO., LTD)
- Precise Tool (A cobranded tool with JR Ready)
- US Tool LLC
- Nabroco Tools & Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
- Bombay Tool Centre
Any information pertaining to knockoff products that you can provide will help our efforts. If you suspect that you have purchased a knockoff item, please report it to us by contacting us at 407-855-6161 or dmc@dmctools.com
LaceLok® Cable Lacing Fasteners Receive Military Qualification
Date Posted: 03/17/2023
Daniels Manufacturing Corporation® (DMC) is proud to announce that LaceLok® is now qualified to MIL-DTL-32554 and MIL-DTL-32555. This exciting technology is a direct replacement for lacing tape/string ties and cable ties for secondary support of wire harnesses.
Hand-tied lace and plastic cable ties have been the primary options for wire harness secondary support for over 50 years. Unfortunately, both methods present significant ergonomic, safety, and consistency risks. Hand-tied lace often causes fatigue and repetitive motion injuries. It is also often applied inconsistently as the applied tension can vary from operator to operator or across the duration of an operator's shift. Alternatively, cable ties offer a large profile that can damage adjacent cables and sharp edges after the excess cable tie is cut off. Plastic cable ties are also often less resistant to temperature range and various common chemicals. For these and other reasons, the US military has approved LaceLok, but prohibited the use of plastic cable ties on aerospace wire harnesses per the Joint Services Manual NAVAIR 01-1A-505-1.
LaceLok combines the ease of cable ties with the abrasion and chemical resistance of lacing tape. The LaceLok system consists of LaceLok and the LaceLok Installation Tool. LaceLok is constructed with the same Nomex® lacing tape used in hand-tied lace. The Nomex lace is attached by aramid fiber thread to an ultra-high temperature thermoplastic fastener head. LaceLok can withstand extreme temperatures from -76°F to 500°F and is resistant to hydraulic fluid, jet fuel, lubricating oil, and isopropyl alcohol. LaceLok is offered in a variety of lengths from 6" to 24" long and can be wrapped once, twice, or three times around wire bundles to provide tensile strengths of 55 lbs to 165 lbs.
Using LaceLok is simple and ergonomic. The user wraps LaceLok around the bundle and squeezes the trigger 2-3 times to tighten, lock, and terminate the fastener. The resulting loop force is controlled by the fastener, not the user.