Our Top Picks:
Best Overall Crimping Tool: Penn Crimping Tool
The perfect tool for both beginners and pros, with high-quality construction and easy-to-use design.
Best Crimping Tool for Your Money: Crimping Tool Kit by Croch
An affordable option that comes with everything you need to get started, and its compact design makes it easy to bring along.
Best Crimping Tool with Wire Cutter: Stainless Steel Crimping Tool by JShanmei
Essential for any angler, this high-quality tool crimps and cuts wires with ease.
Like me, you must have used a fishing crimping tool to connect your monofilament line or leader. I found it difficult to make the right crimped connection without the right tool. As a result, I tested several brands of fishing crimping tools that claimed to make solid connections. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by most of them. It was then I realized that it is essential for the tool to be precise to ensure the perfect crimp, which is important to me.
For me, the importance is the perfect crimp. If the leader is heavier than the line, a 40% crimp will suffice, as the line will break before the crimp fails or the leader snaps. On the other hand, if the line is heavy, it requires nothing less than a 90% crimp. Otherwise, it will snap the moment a fish takes the bait.
Based on this, I have shortlisted five fishing crimping tools that I believe are the best on the market today and provide solid and good crimp so that you can celebrate your catch rather than walk away despondently after your fishing trip.
The 5 Best Fishing Line Crimping Tool
1. Saltwater Leader Fishing Crimping Tool by Penn
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for the best crimping tool for fishing leaders, this one by Penn is right up there. It worked well when I tested this tool on braided and mono lines. I did not have any problems. The tool enables you to grab the hooks from the fish’s mouth and tag the ends of the fishing line when you are trying to secure the lines. It also easily crimps the line very effectively, and there is no way you will lose your leader.
Product Specifications
It is made from stainless steel, making it rust-proof. To enhance the tool further, it has a black nickel titanium coating. It can be used as a bypass cutter for wire and mono lines. Its dimensions are 14” x 5” x 2” (LxWxH).
Our Verdict
I found it very easy to crimp leaders with this tool. Though it is designed for saltwater fishing, you can also easily use it in freshwater. I recommend washing it thoroughly after each use even though it has a stainless steel construct. I believe this crimping tool has the best lanyard and sheath out of all the tools on the market and is simple and effective.
Pros
- Strong and durable construction
- Locking mechanism to safely store the tool
- Non-slip grip
- Lightweight (1.1lb)
Cons
- Handle spaced too far apart
- The blunt nose may make it difficult to work with small-mouthed fish
Tips: It is advisable to rinse out the tool after going saltwater fishing to enhance its life.
Info alert: This fishing crimping tool can be used for jaw crimps ranging from 0.1mm to 2.2mm.
2. Stainless Steel Fishing Crimping Tool Kit by Croch
- Wide-range of single barrel sleeve sizes -- This hand crimper crimps from 1.4mm smallest to 2.8mm largest copper / aluminum sleeves. (300 pcs free copper single barrel sleeves are included in the package)
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing line crimping tool kit is what every angler requires in this fishing arsenal. It has a wide range of sleeves and can easily crimp from 1.4mm to 2.8mm. If you want to prepare your wire leaders and fishing rig, you will love these crimping pliers, sleeves, and steel leaders.
Product Specifications
The kit comprises a hand crimper along with 300 pieces of single-barrel copper sleeves and 10m of stainless steel leader. The crimper has six teeth; each one exerts pressure while crimping to ensure the crimps are secure and tight. It is made from hardened carbon steel, making it corrosion-proof. This tool can be used in freshwater as well as saltwater.
Our Verdict
I found the construction very solid. It is durable and enables you to crimp mono and fluorocarbon lines with ease. The crimps I made were secure and did not come off. I liked the non-slip grip of the handles. They are comfortable to hold and use, and I could crimp them using a single hand.
Pros
- Can crimp sleeve sizes ranging from 1.4mm to 2.8mm
- Solid construction
- Long-lasting and durable
- Easy to use
- Resistant to corrosion and rust
- It can be used in saltwater and freshwater
Cons
- It is just a crimper; you will need a separate cutting tool to cut the wire leader.
Tip: You can use the crimping tool to cut mono lines but not braided lines.
Info alert: You can join the wire without having the need to twist it.
3. Stainless Steel Crimping Tool Kit by JShanmei
- 【WHAT YOU GET】In this crimping tool set, it include a heavy duty fishing crimping pliers and 5 size 500pcs single double barrel crimp sleeve kit which packed in a plastic box.
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing line crimping tool kit has everything you need to crimp wires. It also functions as a cutter and can seamlessly cut up to 1mm wires. It can be used with copper crimps, snaps, thimbles, and swivels. The key is to select the diameter that is nearest to the wire.
Product Specifications
The kit comes with one crimping tool and one box of 500 pieces of crimp sleeves in various sizes. The tool is made from stainless steel and is coated to make it rust-proof. It can crimp sleeves from 0.1mm to 2.2mm.
Our Verdict
There is a reason JShanmei is one of the leading brands in the fishing gear and accessories industry. I found the crimper easy to use and loved its precision. Thanks to the superior quality stainless steel construct, it is durable and resistant to corrosion. I liked the non-slip grip and the self-locking mechanism. The tool has four positions for crimping and two for cutting the wire. So, you don’t need an additional tool when you invest in this crimper.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Solid construction
- Highly durable
- It can be used for saltwater and freshwater fishing
- It comes with a built-in cutter
Cons
- This crimping tool may not be able to accommodate very heavy mono lines
Tip: This fishing line crimping tool is perfect for tying knots of slightly (not overly) heavier fishing lines.
Info alert: The built-in cutter enables anglers to quickly make their leaders and rigs so that they spend more time fishing.
4. Fishing Line Crimping Tool Kit by Shaddock Fishing
- MATERIAL STYLE: High-carbon Steel Crimping Pliers Set and Stainless Steel Crimping Pliers Set
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This crimping tool kit comes with crimping pliers and one box of crimp sleeves. It is easy to use and can help crimp quickly so you can get on with your fishing without wasting time. This tool is specifically designed for saltwater fishing but can also be used for freshwater fishing.
Product Specifications
The crimping pliers are made from stainless steel and are about 10.3 inches in length. It can crimp wire sizes ranging from 0.1mm to 2.2mm. The pliers have a built-in cutter and can easily cut 1mm of steel wire to make leaders. The box of sleeves comes with 500 pieces, including 100 pieces of mixed beads.
Our Verdict
The fishing line crimping tool is strong and durable. It is also resistant to rust and corrosion. I found it easy to use, and it applied optimal pressure to crimp. I also found the grip ergonomic, even though this tool is long. It has a locking mechanism which makes it convenient to store the tool away when not using it. I liked the built-in cutter and did not have to use by standalone cutter as a result.
Pros
- Durable build
- Designed to last long
- It does not corrode or rust
- Easy to use
- Facilitates one-hand operation
Cons
- Some users complained of getting chrome-plated crimping pliers instead of stainless steel.
Tip: Wash and dry the tool well after your fishing trip to enhance the crimper’s life.
Info alert: This crimping tool can be used for copper crimps, thimbles, swivels, and snap.
5. Deluxe Fishing Line Crimping Tool with Sleeves by Hi-Seas
- All kits are sold in a sturdy plastic organization storage box with dividers
Last update on 2023-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fishing line crimping tool kit is designed for mono and braided fishing lines. It is easy to use, and the construction is quite solid. Made from stainless steel, it does not rust or corrode.
Product Specifications
This crimping tool kit comes in a solid plastic box with compartments. It has a crimping tool and various sleeves, including double-barrel sleeves made from aluminum or steel.
Our Verdict
I found the crimping tool easy to use. It crimped effortlessly, and I used it effectively for mono and braided lines. The assortment of crimps and thimbles, along with the high-quality crimping tool, make rigging, making leaders, and crimping an effortless task. This kit is something I would recommend all anglers invest in. It is easy to store, thanks to the storage box.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Easy to use
- High-quality fishing crimping tool
- Resistant to corrosion and rust
Comes with a variety of sleeves and thimbles
Cons
- Some users complained about the storage box being substandard
Tip: While the crimping tool is rust-proof and will last for years, it is advisable to rinse it well after saltwater fishing.
Info alert: This the perfect fishing line crimping tool for rigging heavy fishing lines.
Final Words
These are some of the best fishing crimping tools I found worth investing in. Out of these, you can select one fishing crimping tool that you think is the best. Let me know which one you selected and why.
FAQ
What is a fishing crimp tool used for?
A fishing crimp tool is used to secure the end of a fishing line by compressing a crimp sleeve around the line. This creates a secure connection between the line and other fishing tackle, such as a leader or hook.
Can you crimp without a crimping tool?
It is possible to crimp without a crimping tool, but it is much more difficult and can result in an uneven or weak crimp that could fail under the pressure of a fish.
How do you crimp properly?
To crimp properly, you should use the right size crimp tool for the size of crimp sleeve you are using. Place the crimp sleeve on the line, insert the end of the line into the sleeve, and use the crimping tool to compress the sleeve evenly around the line. Repeat the process to crimp the sleeve at least two times for a secure connection.
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Updated: March 22, 2023
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