IDC crimp tool

[djacobow]

Tired of using pliers/vice to half-ass connectors onto IDC cable. Would like to get a proper tool. $15.95 "Amazon's choice" tool looks pretty sketchy. Apparently the plastic bits that hold the connector halves fall off and get lost.

Is there something that is a bit of a step up that is not a "professional quality/price tool?"

[RobertHolcombe]

There are cheap (sub $100) IDC specific pliers, and Panavise does the cheapest press that I'm aware of

You obviously want something affordable but whats your actual budget?

[djacobow]

There are cheap (sub $100) IDC specific pliers, and Panavise does the cheapest press that I'm aware of

You obviously want something affordable but whats your actual budget?

Oh, I was thinking like $75. $100 isn't too bad.

[rhodges]

It's been a while, but when I was making SCSI cables, I used an arbor press from Harbor Freight.

[ajb]

The $16 tools are awkward and annoying to use.  I would prefer a decent smooth-jawed vise to one of those. 

The Panavise press is nice, but close to $250 by the time you add their IDC tooling.  You can get by without a lot of it, but at the very least you'll need to add some sort of platten and spreader plate to the base $150 press.  An alternative is a $60 Harbor Freight arbor press plus some bits you make yourself, so I guess it depends on the tools you have available and how much you feel your time is worth.