Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our Resources section to download a copy of one of our current catalogs or brochures. For additional information, contact us.

To find a global distributor, visit Find a Distributor.

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.

You may search for the product by description or part number to locate the product specification sheet on our website.

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.

Yes. We have tested the majority of our product on certified metric cable, wire and conductor.

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

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.

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.

Click here for power and signal part  numbers naming information. For additional info, send us an inquiry. 

More than 95% of Nicopress products are made at our facility in Cleveland, Ohio USA.

Yes. Send us an inquiry and we will be happy to assist you with your requirement.

Yes. Send us an inquiry or contact customer service at 877-868-6080 to discuss your sampling/prototyping options.

Yes. We are the manufacturer and will be happy to provide you with our certifications.

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.

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.

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.

Die and jaw pairs must be kept together; however, head assemblies are interchangeable.

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.

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.

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. 

Lap splices typically require two sleeves in most applications; eye-splices only require one sleeve.

Yes, two sleeves hold better than one for lap splices but not for eye splices.

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.

Rotating a tool 180 degrees on every other press is not required, but may assist in preventing a sleeve from distorting.

Yes; but must they must be tested and a safety factor applied, if necessary.

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.

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.   

No.

We recommend gauging a sleeve after every press.

Gauges may be checked against a Gauge Customer Drawing for dimensional verification.

Several factors can influence efficiency including the type of termination used (e.g., swaging, splicing, clips), the quality of materials, the precision of the termination process, and the adherence to best practices and standards. Environmental conditions like corrosion and wear can also play a significant role.

This choice will depend on the application's load type, environmental conditions, and required strength and flexibility. Though swaging is often the preferred method for its strength and neat finish, you should always consult with experts for tailored advice.

Absolutely. An improperly executed termination can significantly reduce a wire rope's life span by introducing points of potential failure. Conversely, a well-executed termination can preserve the rope's integrity and extend its service life by ensuring even load distribution and minimal wear.

Recent advancements include hydraulic swaging tools with enhanced precision and speed, along with new materials and coatings for terminations that better resist environmental degradation.

Regular inspections are key to maintaining termination efficiency. Look for signs of wear, corrosion or damage. Also, ensure that terminations are kept clean and lubricated as appropriate. Re-terminating or adjusting terminations can also be necessary if there's significant rope wear or if operational requirements change.