Show me a little tail, please

The crimp oval on the left is done with a bit of the cable exposed above the metal, as it should be.

On the right, we have one that came-up a bit short.  To get full strength out of the crimp it must be compressed down around ALL of the cables.

Copper crimp ovals are preferred over aluminum ovals due to reports of cracks and splits in the softer aluminum.  Check your cable terminations regularly to see that they holding-up and were done correctly.

Common tool manufacturers for compression fittings are:

• Loos Company (www.loosnaples.com)
• Nicopress (National Telephone Supply Company) (www.nicopress.com)

Also notice the split link used to connect the chain back to itself.  This device is not rated for overhead lifting and, therefore, should not be used for stage rigging.

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