Get a grip - a really tight grip

Tools for crimping compression ovals onto wire rope cable can be, shall we say, a bit unwieldy at times.  Actually, almost always.  An if you are not built like a linebacker, they can flat wear you out if you have dozens - nay hundreds - of crimps to perform.  Enter a really workable solution from Nicopress:  The
Nicopress® Model 5606.  Much cooler than Luke Skywalker's Light Saber (but only because you can actually own one of these).

Features:
• One hand operation; lightweight & slim
• Visible orange weather resistant housing
• Audible bypass when predetermined pressure is achieved
• Crimping jaws can be opened mid-cycle to adjust connection
• Crimp cycle time:  Less than 6 seconds
• Battery charge time: Less than 1 hour, about 250 sleeves for 1/4" wire rope can be compressed per charge.
• Jaws rotate 360 degrees for ease of use in confined spaces.
• Weight: 6.75 lbs. with Lithium Ion Battery
• Dimensions: 20.5" L x 4" H x 2.5" W
• Wire Rope Die Sizes: 3/64" thru 5/16" diameter

The top button (thumb) initiates the crimp action, and the bottom button releases the jaws.

Interesting side note:  The crimp dies for 1/4" wire rope only require two compressions, unlike the hand tool's three, so when you are doing inspections, and find fewer crimps, it doesn't necessarily mean that it was done wrong, but instead it may have been done with a different tool / die than what you are accustomed to seeing.

Info at:  www.nicopress.com/products/toolh-wr-5606

Wire rope cable termination gone wrong - very wrong

(Sigh) What can I say that this picture doesn't? Obviously, the proper way to terminate a wire rope was not in this person's skill set. Good intentions mean little if someone gets injured due to a rigging failure.

• Know your load.
• Know your cable strength.
• Know how to apply a safety (design) factor for live loads vs static loads.
• Know the efficiency (derating) of the termination method (Crosby's are different than Nicopress).
• Know how to install a cable thimble.
• Know how to terminate it for maximum safe load carrying capacity.

If you use cable clips ("Crosby's"):

• Know how to install them ("Never saddle a dead horse" means don't install the forged cable grip over the unloaded tail of the cable).
• Know how many you need.
• Know the spacing required.
• Know the torque of the bolts/nuts and use a torque wrench to achieve it.

If you use crimp-on sleeves ("Nicopress"):

• Know how to install them.
• Know how many you need.
• Know the spacing required.
• Know which axis of the compression oval is to be crushed (crimped).
• Know how to check and adjust the crimping tool so the die properly siezes the compression oval.
• Use a Go / No-Go gauge to check your finished crimps.

{Photo courtesy of 'Curiousbrandt' on Flicker}