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Douglas Tool Operation
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 12:17 pm
by ScottS
Just starting some wire repairs on my M38 and found a Douglas Crimping Tool. No info 9n exactly how to use them. The Buchanan crimpers have additional adapters necessary for the tool to be successfully used. All the Douglas tools make no mention of them. So, are the Douglas crimped connections eyeballed? One size fits all? Any input would be great…Scott
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 1:54 pm
by RonD2
Hi Scott,
There's lots of models of crimp tools on the planet.
Which one are you asking about?
Can you post a photo?
If yours has "adapters" as you called them, I think they're "locators" or "positioners" and you have to have the correct size for the wire and/or terminal size you intend to crimp.
I use a Buchanan C-24. Very simple, no locators, positioners, or adapters. Great general purpose tool.
You can buy C-24's vintage on fleabay or brand new at your local big box store.
You can google "Buchanan C-24" and get tons of information how to use them.
You can also use the search button above and get lots of hits in this forum.
"Douglas" usually refers to the metal-shell connectors used on the M38 and other military vehicles.
A crimp tool is used to attach the center pin.
To my knowledge, "Douglas" isn't also the name of the crimp tool.
Good luck!
Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 2:19 pm
by RonD2
If it helps, here's a new C-24 tool like those most commonly used on M38 Douglas and Packard connector pins:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-Buchanan ... 1000663879

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 5:54 pm
by RonD2
Here's a photo that shows the crimp, and another that shows the grommet and bushing properly positioned over the terminal.
You should strip the insulation off the wire so that it bottoms out inside the end of the terminal with the insulation fitting into the barrel on the end of the terminal just above the crimp as shown.

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2023 11:01 pm
by wesk
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2023 1:03 pm
by JeepdaddyRC
Great info and photos.
Where do you source the correct black military grade 14 gauge wire for the M38?
Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2023 1:22 pm
by RonD2
JeepdaddyRC wrote:Where do you source the correct black military grade 14 gauge wire for the M38?
These guys always seem to have it in stock --->
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_ssn=fe ... 3561.l2562
Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2023 12:47 pm
by RonD2
I wonder if Scott got what he needed.
Kinds…
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 4:51 pm
by ScottS
What I was wondering about was just the pliers made by the Douglas Corp, which Wes put a pic up of. I know there are many other versions. The question was more about if you need locators for the Douglas version. Ie what gauge terminals are they for? Adjustable? Any knowledge from those who used that particular one. Btw I have seen Douglas versions that have a threaded adjustment at the bottom of the handles. The rest of the info was great, but maybe I should have been a tad more specific…
Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2023 7:51 pm
by wesk
Here's some info on the Daniels version. The old Douglas version is very simple to use. There are no settings or adjustments. Just squeeze.
Here's the link: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/
https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1766043.pdf