Editing Electrical connector (section)

===Crimp-on connectors===
[[File:Crimping tool 04.jpg|thumb|A wire and connector being crimped together with a crimping tool]]
{{main|Crimp (electrical)}}
'''Crimped connectors''' are a type of solderless connection, using mechanical friction and uniform deformation to secure a connector to a pre-stripped wire (usually stranded).<ref name="ieee" /> Crimping is used in [[line splice|splice]] connectors, crimped multipin plugs and sockets, and crimped coaxial connectors. Crimping usually requires a specialised crimping tool, but the connectors are quick and easy to install and are a common alternative to solder connections or insulation displacement connectors. Effective crimp connections deform the metal of the connector past its [[Yield (engineering)|yield point]] so that the compressed wire causes [[tension (physics)|tension]] in the surrounding connector, and these forces counter each other to create a high degree of [[static friction]]. Due to the elastic element in crimped connections, they are highly resistant to [[vibration]] and [[thermal shock]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rfcoaxconnectors.com/technical-crimp-vs-solder.php |title=Crimp vs Solder: Pros and Cons |date=1 December 2004 |access-date=1 July 2019 |website=RF Connectors |archive-date=1 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701075755/http://www.rfcoaxconnectors.com/technical-crimp-vs-solder.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Crimped contacts are permanent (i.e. the connectors and wire ends cannot be reused).<ref name="crimp-vs-solder">{{cite book |section-url=http://www.avielelectronics.com/Downloads/Catalog/Ref-Crimp-vs-Solder.pdf |title=Aviel Electronics Catalog |date=2013 |section=Crimp vs. Solder |access-date=1 July 2019}}</ref>

[[Crimp (electrical)|Crimped]] plug-and-socket connectors can be classified as ''rear release'' or ''front release''. This relates to the side of the connector where the pins are anchored:<ref name="nykcs-circular" />
* '''Front release contacts''' are released from the front (contact side) of the connector, and removed from the rear. The removal tool engages with the front portion of the contact and pushes it through to the back of the connector.
* '''Rear release contacts''' are released and removed from the rear (wire side) of the connector. The removal tool releases the contacts from the rear and pulls the contact out of the retainer.