Crimping tool with excellent tutorial video.

[geneb]

http://hansenhobbies.com/products/conne ... /crimp_dx/

The crimp tool shown is a ratcheting type - that's how the user is able to hold the empty pin in place long enough to insert the wire without it falling out.

The demo shows the process for doing 3 wire servo leads, but the mechanical process is the same for our four lead stepper motor wiring.

You can use this same technique with the Jameco crimp tool if you're careful not to apply too much pressure to the connector while you're inserting the wires.

Personally, I'd purchase the ratcheting crimp too simply because a) it's a great excuse for a cool little tool and b) it makes crimping pins and sockets a much less painful task.

g.

[Polygonhell]

The one gotcha with those tools is that the width of the crimping area is such that if the connector is not seated all the way in the tool will crush the functional part of the connector.
I also find that you want to position the wire in the connector before placing both into the crimping tool, or you can fairly easily not push it in too far or not far enough.

[geneb]

Like anything worth doing, there's a learning curve.

g.