Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I get a catalog?
Visit our Resources section to download a copy of one of our current catalogs or brochures. For additional information, contact us.
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How do I find the name of my local authorized Nicopress distributor?
To find a global distributor, visit Find a Distributor.
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How can I get a quotation?
Send us an inquiry about a product in which you are interested or find a distributor in your area. If you prefer, you contact customer service directly at 877-868-6080. We appreciate the opportunity to quote your requirements.
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Where can I find a copy of a product’s specification?
You may search for the product by description or part number to locate the product specification sheet on our website.
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For what size conductors and cables do you manufacture product?
Nicopress standard electrical-mechanical connectors work with conductors ranging from sizes 24 AWG to 7/8” O.D. (19.No.5). Our mechanical cable connectors range from 0.03125” O.D. to 0.625” O.D. We also manufacture custom connectors for wire as small as 0.008” O.D.
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Does your product work with metric sizes?
Yes. We have tested the majority of our product on certified metric cable, wire and conductor.
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With what materials do your connectors work?
Our connectors work with ferrous and non-ferrous materials including:
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
- Elgiloy
- MP35N
- A range of synthetic and natural fibers
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What type of connection do I need?
The connection system you will need depends upon your application. Contact us or call customer service at 877-868-6080. We can assist you to determine what configuration will work best in your application.
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To what qualifications are your connectors tested?
Depending upon the conductor or cable you are using, we manufacture and test to customer specific requuirements, and the applicable military, federal and industry standard specifications.
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What Is the naming/numbering convention for Nicopress products?
Click here for power and signal part numbers naming information. For additional info, send us an inquiry.
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Where are your products made?
More than 95% of Nicopress products are made at our facility in Cleveland, Ohio USA.
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Do you manufacture custom engineered connection systems?
Yes. Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to assist you with your requirement.
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Can you make samples &/or prototypes?
Yes. Send us an inquiry or contact customer service at 877-868-6080 to discuss your sampling/prototyping options.
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Can you supply manufacturer’s certifications?
Yes. We are the manufacturer and will be happy to provide you with our certifications.
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Are your products DFARS compliant?
Most of our military specification products are manufactured to qualify to DFARS requirements. If you require DFARS product, notify customer service at 877-868-6080, send us an inquiry. or write a note on the quotation or order.
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Will your product qualify to the Buy American Act?
Yes. We can provide product that qualifies to the Buy American Act. Advise customer service at the time of quotation or order that your requirement is to the Buy American Act.
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How often should a tool be calibrated?
A tool should be calibrated at the beginning of every job, at least once per year, and as required so that pressed sleeves are able to be gauged consistently.
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Can I interchange heads/dies?
Die and jaw pairs must be kept together; however, head assemblies are interchangeable.
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When should a tool be refurbished or replaced?
A tool should be refurbished/replaced when it can no longer be adjusted/calibrated properly, when there is obvious wear or damage, or the tool does not press to gauge.
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Why is the tool not pressing to gauge?
Incorrect selection of wire rope/sleeve/tool groove, improper calibration, improper selection of gauge slot, and and misuse causing damage will cause a tool not to gauge correctly.
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In what order should presses be made?
Each tool instruction sheet indicates the recommended procedure and pressing order for sleeves. Instruction sheets can be downloaded on this website. If you prefer, send us an inquiry or contact customer service at 877-868-6080.
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Are two sleeves ever required?
Lap splices typically require two sleeves in most applications; eye-splices only require one sleeve.
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Do two sleeves hold more/better than one sleeve?
Yes, two sleeves hold better than one for lap splices but not for eye splices.
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What do stop sleeves hold?
Typically up to 50% RBS and some custom stop sleeves are available up to 100% RBS. Typical holding strength is published in both our Connection System: Sleeves and tools for wire, fiber & synthetic rope (Catalog No. 5) and on Customer Drawing No. 121-871HCC. To download Catalog No. 5 visit Resources and to download customer drawings click here. For more info and special requirements, contact customer service at 877-868-6080 or send us an inquiry.
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Should I rotate the sleeve 180 degrees every press?
Rotating a tool 180 degrees on every other press is not required, but may assist in preventing a sleeve from distorting.
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Will Nicopress sleeves work with other constructions of cable?
Yes; but must they must be tested and a safety factor applied, if necessary.
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Will Nicopress sleeves work with synthetic cable?
We offer our 1700-Nicopress series aluminum sleeves specifically engineered for synthetic cable. Its tensile capacity varies and depends on each cable's material specification.
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If a sleeve does not gauge, can I press on top of a previous press?
No, one should not press on top of a prior press.
Typically no. However, if only one press has been made on the sleeve, the tool may be re-calibrated, then pressed over the same crimp until it gauges properly.
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Do I need to hold a press for any period of time?
No.
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How frequently should I gauge?
We recommend gauging a sleeve after every press.
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How do I calibrate my gauge?
Gauges may be checked against a Gauge Customer Drawing for dimensional verification.