Application Tooling

• I have a Molex terminal part number; how do I find the tooling I need?
• What is an ATS (Application Tooling Specification)?
• How do I find the ATS (Application Tooling Specification) & documentation for tooling on molex.com?
• Does my tool crimp any other terminals?
• Where can I find crimp height, pull force, and strip length?
• Where can I find information on spare tooling and replacement parts?
• I know the name of my press (TM42, AT200, e.g.) but not the part number. How do I find information about that press's replacement tooling or part number?
• How do I find information on the insertion/extraction tool?
• I have an old tool that may work with a new terminal. How do I determine if my legacy tool works with this terminal?
• Pull force does not meet specification, what could be the problem?
• Why do I have to buy a new hand tool when I only need a replacement die set?
• There are multiple hand tools or applicators listed. Which do I use?
• What is the difference between the Molex ServiceGrade hand tools versus Molex PremiumGrade hand tools?
• What is the advantage of a Terminator Die over a Fine-Adjust applicator?
• What are the tool differences between loose piece and reel part numbers?
• Does Molex provide a warranty with their tooling?
• Does a specific die accommodate a double crimp?
• Will Molex tooling work with a competitor's product?
• Does Molex carry Waldom tooling?
• Does Molex have instruction manuals/videos for tooling use and repair?
• Why are some Molex tools shipped with a calibration sheet and others are not?
• Where can I find information on directly leasing a tool from Molex?
• TM40 and TM42 presses for Terminator Dies (T2).
• Warranty Information.

I have a Molex terminal part number; how do I find the tooling I need?

• If you know the terminal part number, key that part number into the search box at the top of the page on www.molex.com.

• Once you have reached the part number datasheet, click on Application Tooling to open the application tooling list.
• You will need to choose the tool you require from the list.

What is an ATS (Application Tooling Specification)?

• An ATS is a tooling document with specific tool part-numbers specification information.
• These documents are linked on the Molex web under each specific tool part number.
• These documents have all the critical and non-critical tool information.
• These documents are also shipped with each tool.

How do I find the ATS (Application Tooling Specification) & Documentation for tooling on Molex.com?

• If you are looking for an Application Tooling Specification, Tooling Manual, or other type of tooling document, simply key in the part number of the hand crimp tool, applicator, or die into the search box located at the top of the page.
• Click on application tooling.
• Choose the tool you require.
• Click on ATS for the document.
• You will be taken to a datasheet page that contains a list of Application Tooling documents.

Does my tool crimp any other terminals?

• Key your tool part number into the search box located at the top of the page.

• Once you get to the terminal part number datasheet, scroll down to the bottom of the page, and you will see a part-number list of the other terminals that your tool will also crimp.
• All the terminals that can be crimped on a tool can also be seen on the ATS document.

Where can I find information on spare tooling and replacement parts? 

• In the ATS (Application Tooling Specification). Key your tool part number into the search box at the top of the page.
• Click on the ATS document and look for the exploded view and parts list.

I know the name of my press (TM42, AT200, e.g.) but not the part number. How do I find information about that press's replacement tooling or part number?

• It is best to have the Molex part number; however, you can use the search box to find search terms or trade names.
• If you have the Molex part number and the part is obsolete, the web shows the replacement part number (if applicable) or states No Replacement.

How do I find information on the insertion/extraction tool?

• Not all Molex connector products have tooling currently developed and released.
• Molex will develop and release application tooling if a customer requires a tool.
• There is no development cost to the customer, just the standard purchase price.
• Not all terminals require extraction and insertion tooling, but a customer should inquire if they need one.

I have an old tool that may work with a new terminal; how do I determine if my legacy tool works with this terminal?

• We do not have this information on molex.com. Please check the ATS document for the tool to see if the part number is listed.

If the pull force does not meet the specifications, what could be the problem?

• Using the wrong Molex tool part number with the proper Molex terminal.
• Using a non-Molex tool on a Molex terminal.
• The wrong Molex terminal part number was used in the proper Molex tool.
• Using the wrong crimp nest in the proper Molex tool.
• Using the wrong gauge wire with the terminal.
• Using the improper pull force specification - it is listed in the ATS.
• It is using a pull force machine that is not calibrated properly.
• You are incorrectly using the pull force machine.
• Wire does not have the proper strip length.
• Wire has cut or missing strands.

Why do I have to buy a new hand tool when I only need a replacement die set?

• Due to our manufacturing process, Molex does not offer hand tool die sets.
• After reviewing with our distributors and catalog houses, we found that the volume does not warrant the carrying and manufacturing costs for a few hand-tool die sets.
• It is almost as expensive to purchase the die set as the complete tool from Molex.

There are multiple hand tools or applicators listed; which do I use?

• There are never two tools of the same type where we actively offer both. There is always a difference in quality or the tool capability/specification. The difference can be many things like:
  • Wire AWG
  • Wire insulation thickness range
  • Terminal series may be different for both tools

What is the difference between the Molex ServiceGrade hand tools versus Molex PremiumGrade hand tools?

• ServiceGrade is a lower-quality hand tool used in the aftermarket for limited crimping, and the tool frames have been tested to approx.1,000 cycles.
  • ServiceGrade hand tools have no warranty, have a limited quality life, and can NOT be used in the OEM or manufacturing markets.
• PremiumGrade hand tools are high-quality hand tools used at OEMs, and the tool frames have been tested to a minimum of 50,000 cycles.
  • PremiumGrade tools will maintain quality over time, provided they are cared for properly. They will meet the crimping specification over the life of the tool, which Molex requires for OEM crimping, and cost more due to their high quality.
  • Terminal locators will have a shorter life span than the hand tool—approximately 500 to 1500.

What is the advantage of a Terminator Die over a Fine-Adjust applicator?

• Please note that Molex no longer sells or supports the TM40 and TM42 presses. Customers should move over to the TM3000 press and applicators.
• The Terminator dies are used in a TM-40 / TM-42 press and are exclusive to this press as no other manufacturer's tools work in the TM-40 / TM-42 press.
• A customer would want to purchase a Molex TM-42 press and or Terminator die set(s) if:
  • They were only going to use 1 terminal dedicated to the press.
  • They already have a TM-40 or TM-42 press in their facility.
  • They already have a large number of Terminator dies in their facility.
  • On average, the dies cost the customer less than the applicators. Still, the press is much more expensive and exclusive to Molex, so the customer cannot use other manufacturers' tools in the TM-40 or TM-42 presses. Also, the customer cannot use the Terminator dies in other manufacturers' presses.
  • There is no lease option for the Terminator dies, only a purchase option
• Most customers want to purchase our TM-3000 or TM-4000 press and applicators.
  • The Molex TM-3000 and TM-4000 presses are universal presses that will accept industry-standard applicators.
  • Our Molex TM-3000 and TM-4000 presses can be purchased or financed - no lease options exist.
  • Our Molex Mini-Mac and FineAdjust applicators are industry standard and will work in most industry-standard presses.
  • Our Molex applicators can be purchased or leased.

What are the tool differences between loose piece and reel part numbers?

• Only hand tools for loose parts will be linked to those terminal part numbers on the Molex web.
• Both the hand tool and applicators will be linked for reeled part numbers.
  • A terminal from a reel can be cut off and used in a hand tool, but a loose part can NOT be used in an applicator.
• Are all reeled terminal part numbers linked to hand tools on the Molex web?
  • No, but we are trying to get as many as possible and are updating the links constantly.
• If I have the terminal reel part number, how do I find the hand tool if it is not linked to the reeled terminal part number?
  • You will need to find the loose piece terminal part number and search the Molex web—the hand tool should be linked to the loose part number on the Molex web.
  • Hand tools will not be linked to terminals that have a center carrier. It is not possible to cut the terminals from the carrier strip accurately enough for the hand tool to function correctly.

Does Molex provide a warranty with their tooling?

• Yes, the warranty is generally 30 days to 1 year, free from manufacturer defects. The warranty depends on the tool type.

Does a specific die accommodate a double crimp?

• Customers can crimp double and test for themselves based on their specific application. Molex has a small selection of terminals that can be double-crimped; these will appear on the ATS document for the tool.

Will Molex tooling work with a competitor's product?

• Our applicators will work in competitive presses, but you cannot use our tooling to crimp competitors' products.

Does Molex carry Waldom tooling?

• No, and we do NOT support Waldom tooling.
• If a customer is using Waldom tools, they void their Molex product warranty on the connectors.

Does Molex have instruction manuals/videos for tooling use and repair?

• We do have a tooling DVD that shows tooling setup and repair.
• Videos are available in the resources tab.

Why are some Molex tools shipped with a calibration sheet and others are not?

• Molex hand tools for closed barrel products are shipped with a calibration certificate/sheet at the end of the ATS.
• Molex hand tools for open barrel products are not shipped with any calibration certificate/sheet.
• Calibration certificates/sheets are a function of a UL requirement under which closed barrel or industrial terminals fall.
• Open barrel or commercial terminals do not fall under the UL standard.
• The calibration certificate/sheet has little meaning as it is a snapshot in time. It is a proper quality procedure for the operator to check each tool before, during and at the end of production.
• Dropping the tool or unknown misuse can cause a tool not to work or "lose" its calibration, so a sheet shipped with a tool that could have been packaged 6 months ago ONLY states that when it left the manufacturer (Molex), it was in proper working condition. The user or customer must verify when they receive and throughout the tool's daily use.
• The operator uses the critical specifications listed in the ATS for the specific part number of the tool being used.
  • Closed barrel uses go / no go specification with the listed pull force specification in the ATS.
  • Open barrel uses crimp height specification with the listed pull force specification in the ATS.

Where can I find information on directly leasing a tool from Molex?

• Leasing information can be obtained from ToolingLeases@molex.com
• Molex only leases tooling in the USA.

TM40 and TM42 presses

• These two presses are now obsolete and are not supported by Molex for service and spare parts.
• The T2 dies, and all the perishable tooling parts are still available to support existing tools.
• Customers are advised to make the change to the TM3000 press part number 63801-7200 or 63801-7300 and the section of applicators Molex. This update of tooling will help our customers for many years to come. 

Warranty Information

• Molex application tooling is qualified to fully comply with Molex product engineering requirements for form, fit and function.
• Molex product engineering will certify for functionality, electrical and environmental testing etc and approve Molex tooling.
  
• Qualifications such as UL or USCAR, etc. requirements are fully met for Molex tooling for the terminal and wire within product specification. Any deviation from OEM tooling, OEM connector, and correct wire combination will void the UL, USCAR, etc. qualifications and void all Molex guarantees and product warranties.
  
• All Molex termination designs and crimp profiles are IP (intellectual property rights of Molex) and solely owned by Molex. They are not shared with third-party companies.
  
• Automotive crimp tooling information is often shared on engineering drawings. Any tooling manufacturer that uses this information to produce tooling must take responsibility for all qualifications and warranties. For third-party tooling, the third-party manufacturer is fully responsible and liable for all aspects of the finished crimps.
• Any customer has the choice to use Molex OEM tooling or third-party tooling. Third-party tooling is not covered by any Molex guarantees or warranties. In this case, customers should go to the third-party tool supplier for any warranties or global approvals. This is not Molex's responsibility.
  
• Any customer requiring clarification on this subject should contact ToolingSupport@molex.com