Cap crimpers are tools used to connect pyrotechnic fuses to detonators for explosive charges in mining, construction, and military demolition. They are made of non-ferrous metals to prevent sparking and apply enough pressure to complete the crimp without damaging the cap. Detonator crimpers are single-use or multi-tools with a cap crimp attachment. Pyrotechnic fuses are used to avoid premature detonation of electrical detonators due to static interference. Care must be taken when using cap pliers as detonators contain explosive compounds.
A cap crimper, or more correctly a detonator crimper, is a dedicated tool or part of a multifunction tool designed to crimp or connect a pyrotechnic-type explosive fuse to a detonator or detonator. These detonators or detonators are then used to detonate, detonate or detonate commercial explosives used in mining and construction or military explosive charges used for demolition. A cap pliers is a specially designed and constructed tool to help connect these fuses and caps efficiently and safely. These tools are made of non-ferrous metals, which prevent sparking, and are designed to apply only enough pressure to complete the crimp without damaging the cap.
Most commercial and military explosives are designed to be inherently stable and immune to shock, heat, cold, and even fire. They can only be ignited or detonated by the application of extreme shocks such as those provided by a detonator or by direct contact with other detonating explosives. There are several types of detonators in use to facilitate explosive detonation, most of which are electrically operated. However, pyrotechnic type fuses are still used frequently and it is in these applications that cap crimpers are used.
Detonator crimpers are typically single-use tools designed specifically for crimping detonators only. However, several multi-tools available include a cap crimp attachment as one of their features. Dedicated detonator crimpers are similar in appearance and function to electrical connection crimpers and are usually constructed of a non-ferrous metal to prevent accidental sparking. These crimpers work by evenly applying a concentric or equal indentation around the hollow copper blast cap that holds the fuse securely in place.
Detonators designed for use in conjunction with pyrotechnic fuses are primarily used in applications where there is a danger of possible premature detonation of electrical detonators due to static interference. These detonators consist of a hollow copper tube closed at one end and filled with a small explosive charge. The tube is hollow for a short distance towards the open end and it is into this cavity that the fuse is inserted and crimped into place with the cap crimper.
Pyrotechnic fuses are typically hollow plastic tubes filled with a combustible mixture which is ignited with a simple flame. These fuses provide the catalyst needed to detonate the detonator and, in turn, detonate the primary explosive charge. The plastic ignition lead (PIC) is a common form of pyrotechnic fuse and is used extensively in mining and construction blasting operations.
Due to the fact that detonators contain an explosive compound, care must be taken to avoid crimping the explosives when using the cap pliers. Detonators should always be held away from the face and body when using the cap pliers to avoid accidental injury in the event of an unexpected cap explosion.
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