DeWalt 20V MAX Dieless Cable Crimping Tool Kit

Why I reached for a dieless crimper in the first place

Large-cable terminations are where jobs speed up or slow down. Between die selection, calibration checks, and documenting each crimp for QA, I’ve lost more time digging through die boxes than I care to admit. That’s why I was curious to put the DeWalt dieless crimper to work. It promises a universal 4-pusher crimp mechanism that covers everything from #8 to 750 MCM in copper and aluminum without swapping dies, while logging crimp data for traceability. After multiple installs and some shop testing, here’s how it stacked up.

Setup, ergonomics, and build

The kit arrives ready to work: two 4.0 Ah 20V Max batteries, a fast charger, shoulder strap, and a hard case. The tool itself sits in the “heavy but manageable” category. Bare, it’s under 15 lb; with a battery and head, you feel it after a long day, yet it’s balanced enough to operate one-handed when needed. The pistol-grip layout is familiar, and both forward and reverse triggers are reachable without shifting your hand. I appreciated that in cramped switchgear and overhead pulls.

The head rotates 360 degrees, which matters more than you think. I used the rotation constantly to keep the tool body clear of obstructions while aligning the connector. DeWalt adds small guard rails around the crimp head; they’re subtle but prevent the pushers from catching on skinny cable or snagging insulation when you’re positioning the work. The housing is aluminum and feels stout, with no flex in the frame under full load.

Two practical notes:
- At full reach, the tool’s length can crowd you inside compact enclosures. Plan your approach angle before committing to the squeeze.
- The shoulder strap and integrated attachment points are not fluff. If you’re climbing or moving between panels with a handful of connectors, they keep the day sane.

Power and cycle behavior

This is an electric-hydraulic tool. You get consistent push, predictable release, and none of the workout that comes with manual heads. The motor is brushed, which isn’t as low-maintenance as brushless, but service intervals are straightforward. Noise is present (it’s a pump), yet I found it easy to communicate over, even in a mechanical room.

Cycle speed is brisk for a 6-ton class crimper. You’re not waiting around for pressure to build, and the control over the ram—feathering forward, bumping back—lets you “sneak up” on a connector without overdriving it. The integrated work light does what it should in a cabinet or vault; it’s not a flashlight, but it removes the guesswork from lining up a mark.

Battery life was predictable. With two 4.0 Ah packs in the kit, I didn’t run out on typical installation days. Larger aluminum terminations take more out of the battery than smaller copper, as expected, so swapping packs becomes more frequent on the big stuff. The status LEDs for state-of-charge are clear and accurate.

The crimping experience: dieless done right—within its lane

The universal 4-pusher system applies a symmetric indent crimp. That means no die swapping, no die code matching, and no hunting for a missing half of a die in the bottom of a case. The workflow advantage is real. I moved from lug to lug faster, especially when alternating between copper and aluminum or bouncing across sizes.

Crimp quality was solid when used with dieless-rated connectors. On mid-size copper and large aluminum conductors, the finished profiles were uniform and repeatable, with no rocking or distortion that would raise eyebrows in an inspection. Pull tests in the shop were in line with expectations, and the tool’s force monitoring gave me confidence that the hydraulic system is hitting the target pressure.

However—and this matters—dieless does not mean “works with everything.” Not every connector family is approved for a universal indent profile. Some jobs require a prescribed die-coded hex or circumferential crimp to maintain the UL listing and meet project specs. If you show up to a site that mandates a specific die imprint, you’ll need a die-based tool to match the connector manufacturer’s instruction sheet. That’s not a flaw of the DeWalt; it’s the nature of using a dieless system. The responsible approach is:
- Verify the connector is rated for dieless/indent crimping and your conductor material/strand class.
- Follow the manufacturer’s strip length and crimp count for multi-indents on longer barrels.
- Document the crimp data for QA (more on that below).

On smaller conductors (#8–#2), the tool still performs, but its physical size can feel like overkill if you’re working in a shallow panel. If most of your terminations live in that range, a lighter-class tool might be more comfortable. For large service conductors and feeders, the DeWalt hits a sweet spot between force, reach, and speed.

Diagnostics and documentation: the underrated differentiator

DeWalt’s integrated logging—Crimp Connect reporting—is the feature I didn’t realize I needed as much as I do. The tool records time, date, applied force, cycle success, and tracks calibration/service history. Practically, that means:
- You can verify each crimp reached pressure rather than relying on “feel.”
- You can produce a records trail for a commissioning package or QA audit.
- You get a heads-up on service intervals instead of waiting for a failure in the field.

The status LED interface shows battery state and flags service/calibration needs. In my experience, the prompts are conservative rather than intrusive, which is what I want—nudge me before I drift out of spec.

If your company does any work that requires test packs or weld logs, this kind of data integrity feels familiar. For electrical terminations, it’s increasingly valuable, especially in critical facilities.

Maintenance and service

Hydraulic crimpers live or die by seals, calibration, and respect. This model’s brushed motor is serviceable, and DeWalt backs the kit with a three-year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. I like that the tool keeps its own calibration and service history in the log. Keep your batteries healthy, wipe the tool down after aluminum work to avoid contamination, and store it in the case—basic habits go a long way.

One note: while the tool body is robust, the pusher faces are your precision surfaces. Avoid using them as a “hold” or prying point while aligning a lug.

What I liked

• True die-free workflow across a very wide range (#8–750 MCM, Cu and Al).
• Consistent, symmetric indent crimps with force monitoring.
• 360-degree rotating head with helpful guard rails for positioning.
• One-handed forward/reverse control and a bright, well-placed work light.
• Onboard diagnostics and logging that support QA and maintenance.
• Complete kit: two 4.0 Ah batteries, fast charger, strap, and case.

What could be better

• Physical size and weight can be cumbersome in tight panels at the small end of its range.
• Brushed motor means eventual brush maintenance; brushless would be a nice upgrade for longevity.
• As with all dieless systems, compatibility with connector specifications must be confirmed—this is an operational constraint, not a defect, but it’s easy to overlook.

Who it’s for

• Industrial and commercial electricians who terminate a mix of large copper and aluminum conductors.
• Utility and infrastructure crews who need fast, repeatable crimps with traceable documentation.
• Teams standardizing workflows across multiple sizes without managing die inventories.

If your projects demand die-specific imprints or you’re mostly working in the #8–#2 space within cramped enclosures, you may prefer a lighter, die-based tool or keep both in the truck.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt dieless crimper for crews that prioritize speed, repeatability, and documentation across a broad conductor range. Its universal 4-pusher system eliminates die changes, the 360-degree head and one-handed controls simplify positioning, and the onboard logging removes guesswork while supporting QA requirements. You still need to verify connector compatibility with a dieless profile—there’s no getting around specification—and the tool’s size is more comfortable on mid to large conductors than tiny ones. Within those parameters, it’s a dependable, efficient crimper that legitimately streamlines large-cable terminations.