Easily Identify Tooling with DMC’s Tool Selection Search

Date Posted: 4/23/2025

If you've ever faced the challenge of finding the correct crimp tool for your specific contact, terminal, splice, RF/coax/circular connector, you're not alone. We understand how overwhelming it can be to sort through dozens of tools and specs to find the right tool for your project. That’s why we’ve created the Tool Selection Search, an innovative search tool that provides a simple and intuitive way to match your components with the right tooling.

Get Started at dmctools.com/toolsearch

Our Tool Selection Search makes it easy to find the exact tooling you need. Simply enter the part number of your contact, terminal, splice, or coax connector, and the system will show you compatible tools—including crimp tools, insertion/removal tools, accessories, and more.

Let’s walk through a few examples so you can see how it works.

Search Tooling for Contacts

Start by visiting dmctools.com/toolsearch and select “Contacts.” For this demonstration, we’ll be looking at M39029 military contacts.

Search by either the full contact part number or by entering the BIN code. BIN stands for Basic Identification Number and can be determined by the colored bands on the wire barrel end of the contact.

In our example, the contact has the following bands: orange, blue, red. Use the dropdown menus to select these colors and click “Search.”

You'll then be shown:

Helpful contact identification information
Compatible crimp tools and accessories
Compatible insertion/removal tools
Related connectors

It’s common to see multiple tool options, so you can choose based on your preferences or existing equipment. The crimp tool accessory is located to the right of the tool frame.

Find Tools for Terminals

To search for a terminal, return to the Tool Selection Search and click “Terminals.” Select the base specification and dash number. This information is typically found on the packaging or your receipt.

For instance, we’ll use MS20659-116. After clicking “Search,” you’ll see:

Wire size
Terminal insulation details
Plating and temperature rating
All compatible crimp tools and accessories

Identify Tooling for Splices

Next, let’s look at splices. We’ll search for M81824/1-01. The system will display key technical data followed by compatible tools and dies. Like with contacts, multiple tool options are often available for a single splice.

Find Coax/RF Connector Tooling

For Coax/RF tooling, you’ll need:

Full coax connector part number
Inner contact number
Outer ferrule number

In our demo, we’ll use M39012/56-010. After reviewing the tooling for the inner contact, return and search for the corresponding dash 50 number to find tooling for the outer ferrule.

Find Contacts for Your Connector

To find which contacts are compatible with your connector, use the connector search feature.

You’ll need the full part number, which is typically printed on the connector or available on the manufacturer’s data sheet. We’ll use a common MIL-DTL-38999 Series III connector.

Select it from the dropdown and click “Search.” Use the data sheet to locate:

Shell size
Insert arrangement

From there, you’ll be able to see all contact sizes that fit your connector. Click the appropriate hyperlink to see compatible tooling for your contact size.

Whether you’re working with contacts, terminals, splices, or connectors, DMC’s Tool Selection Search can help you find the right tooling fast.

Try it now at dmctools.com/toolsearch

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