Not really, without resorting to the $$$ stuff from TE, etc.
Several other tool manufacturers that focus on electrical tools or components (Weidmüller, Phoenix Contact, Vogt, Greenlee, etc.) sell crimp tools, but they’re no cheaper than Knipex (and some may in fact be rebadged Knipex), so I don’t see much point in it.
FYI, if you encounter the Rennsteig brand, that’s Knipex’s subsidiary that actually makes their crimp tools. So if you should encounter the equivalent Rennsteig tool for less money than the Knipex, go for it! It’ll just be black and green instead of blue and red.
However, one very happy way to get the $
$$ T
E/AMP tools (or other major manufacturers like Molex) for $ is to get them on eBay (or local equivalent) or classifieds. I’ve managed to get multiple $$ crimp tools ($300-500 each) for $60-120
brand new in box, and a $700 DMC indent crimper used for $150. The downside is that this may require patience. Since Fastons have been around since forever, I expect there are a
lot of the tools on eBay, as long as you’re OK with the tool looking kinda beat up, and the time needed to search the listings.
Finally, I will say that Fastons used with thicker wire (perhaps 16AWG and up) are among the most forgiving crimp contacts, so one of the best Chinese crimpers (like IWISS) will usually do an OK job on them. (I’ve had less consistent results with thinner wires.) But you won’t have a locator, and it’s a bit of a crapshoot whether a given tool will produce good results, or produce them consistently. (I’ve largely written off Chinese crimpers, as I have come to value my time and sanity — and the satisfaction of a good tool — over saving a buck.)
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