Instruction Sheet
Parallel Action Hand Tool
CAT-HT-203-2830-12
STS-M-203-2830-12
Rev. B
Date: 5/16/2014
Introduction
Parallel Action Hand Tool CAT-HT-203-2830-12 was designed to crimp CC03M or CC03R (SFSS, SFSD,
SFSST, and SFSDT Part Series) contacts on 28 or 30 AWG Wire.
This tool should only be used for the terminals and wire gauges specified on this document. The tool is
not adjustable. Variation in production batches of tools, connectors, wire stranding and insulation types
may affect crimp parameters. This tool is intended for conductor sizes listed on this document. The tool
may not give a good insulation crimp support for all wire insulation sizes of the same wire gauge.
Crimping Procedure
1. This tool can accept pins directly
from a reel; however, if strips are
preferred, Samtec recommends
using ~6” length strips.
2. Squeeze the handles until the
tool ratchet releases, allowing the
handles to fully open (Figure 1).
3. Slide the terminal carrier strip
under the contact holder plate
and align the carrier strip feed
holes with the locating ball detent
features. This tool is designed
for a double carrier strip terminal.
The top carrier strip cut-off tool
separates the terminal from the strip one-
strip-feed distance prior to the crimp
station (Figure 2).
4. Cycle the handle one or two times to
ensure the top carrier strip is separated
from the terminal. The terminal should
now be properly positioned and ready to
crimp (Figure 2)
5. Partially close the hand tool until you
engage the first click of the ratchet.
Figure 2
Figure 1
©Samtec, Inc.
CUSTOMER SERVICE +1-800-726-8329 (+1-812-944-6733)
Page 1
Instruction Sheet
Parallel Action Hand Tool
CAT-HT-203-2830-12
STS-M-203-2830-12
Rev. B
Date: 5/16/2014
6. Insert a pre-stripped wire over the terminal crimp barrels; align the wire in the groove on the locator
plate.
7. Close the handles together until the ratchet mechanism has
completed the cycle and the handles release to the fully opened
position.
8. Remove the crimped contact from the tool.
9. Manually feed the strip to locate the next terminal for crimping.
CAUTION:
Should a terminal become stuck or jammed in a partially
closed position, DO NOT use force to open or close the handles.
The tool will easily open by pushing the ratchet release lever up
(Figure 3).
Figure 3
Tool Maintenance
It is recommended that each operator of the tool be made aware of, and be responsible for, following
these maintenance steps:
• The tool was engineered for durability. However, for maximum service life and trouble free crimping,
establish a good process of scheduled maintenance and lubrication.
• Remove dust, moisture and other contaminants with a clean brush or soft, lint-free cloth ONLY.
• Make certain all pins, pivot points and bearing
surfaces are protected with a thin coat of high quality
machine oil. Do NOT oil excessively (Figure 4).
• Wipe excess oil from the hand tool, particularly from
the crimping area.
• It is recommended to use light oil on all pivot points
every 5000 crimps, or every 3 months.
• When tool is not in use, keep the handles closed to
prevent objects from becoming lodged in the crimping
area.
• Store the tool in a clean dry place.
Figure 4
©Samtec, Inc.
CUSTOMER SERVICE +1-800-726-8329 (+1-812-944-6733)
Page 2
Instruction Sheet
Parallel Action Hand Tool
CAT-HT-203-2830-12
STS-M-203-2830-12
Rev. B
Date: 5/16/2014
Adjusting the Handle Pre-Load
The tool is calibrated at the factory to the optimum pre-load required to achieve a proper crimp. It may
become necessary, over the life of the tool, to adjust the handle pre-load force.
Follow the steps below to adjust the crimping force of the hand tool to obtain proper crimp parameters
(Figure 5):
• Remove 2 mm locking screw
from the adjustment wheel using
TORX head wrench.
• Using a small screwdriver, turn
the adjustment wheel to the next
marked position.
• The tool uses an eccentric axle
linkage mechanism. To increase
the handle pre-load, move the
wheel clockwise to the next
highest odd number, or
counterclockwise to the next
highest even number.
Figure 5
• Turn the wheel until the desired number is located over the 2 mm tapped hole.
• Replace the 2 mm locking screw, aligning the nearest notch in the setting wheel.
• Check the crimp against the specifications, and conduct a pull test after the tool handle pre-load force
is adjusted. Repeat the steps until the desired crimp performance is obtained.
©Samtec, Inc.
CUSTOMER SERVICE +1-800-726-8329 (+1-812-944-6733)
Page 3