Abuse indicator for excessive handle loading

Abstract

A crimping tool comprises a pair of handles, cooperating metal jaws, dies, and/or die nests positioned at one end of the handles, and in alignment with each other, to receive a connector therebetween. Strengthening metal links and bolts secure the cooperating dies to the handles, so that the operation of the handles forces the jaws toward each other to impart radially directed crimping force to the connector. The handles are molded of an impact resistant plastic, and a unique, hourglass-shaped indicator link, formed of aluminum, a composite plastic, or other another material, may be incorporated into each handle near its upper end. A larger hole may be defined near the upper, exposed end of each link, while a smaller hole is defined near the lower end of each link, which is encased in plastic. When the crimping tool is subjected to abusive treatment, such as when the tool handle is used as a pry-bar, the encased end of each link elongates and/or collapses, providing an accurate visual indication through apertures provided in handles and of improper, abusive handling of the crimping tool. Furthermore, the indicator links are operatively associated with the mechanical linkage joining the handles to the working head of the tool, so that the indicator links enhance the strength of the tool, particularly under tensile loading.