Rant: I bought a $60 'pro grade' compression tool that snapped on my 3rd fitting in Garland
Tried to save a few bucks instead of grabbing the $120 one my lead keeps in the truck, and the jaw bent clean off mid-press on a job in Garland. Anyone got a brand they actually trust for RG11, or am I just stuck eating the cost on cheap tools?
Bending a jaw means that tool was cast pot metal, not the forged steel it should be. The $120 one your lead carries probably has a hardened steel jaw that flexes and springs back instead of cracking. Same thing happens with cheap crimpers on big lugs too, the handles bow out and the dies chip. You get maybe ten good presses before it starts slipping. Spend the money once on a name brand and it outlives three cheap ones.