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2679-22 Cordless Crimper Review: Honest Pros & Cons
The Situation That Sent Me Looking
I was standing in a crawlspace, sweating into my headlamp, trying to wedge a manual crimper between two joists while holding a 600 MCM connector in place with my teeth. Not literally with my teeth, but close enough that I started questioning my career choices. Every crimp was a two-person operation that took four minutes, and I was on my third connector that day because my hands cramped halfway through and I let the die slip. That was the moment I started looking for a better way. That search eventually led me to the 2679-22 cordless crimper review,2679-22 crimper review and rating,is 2679-22 crimper worth buying,2679-22 crimper review pros cons,2679-22 crimper review honest opinion,generic 2679-22 crimper review verdict, which I bought as an experiment to see if battery-powered crimping could actually replace the brute-force method I had been using for years.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them. This does not influence our findings or recommendations.
If you have ever stood at the panel with a half-crimped connector and no free hand, you already know why I was interested. The question was whether this generic 2679-22 kit could deliver on the promise of faster, more consistent work. I found out the hard way, and I will share exactly what happened. If you want a quick look at the generic 2679-22 crimper review verdict before reading further, check the current price here.
The short answer on the 2679-22 Cordless Crimper
| Tested for | Six weeks of commercial electrical work including panel upgrades, feeder installations, and service entrance work on residential and light commercial jobs |
| Best suited to | Electricians who regularly crimp large-gauge copper connectors (250 MCM and up) and want consistent results without needing a pump or lever-action tool |
| Not suited to | DIYers doing occasional wire repairs at home, or anyone who needs a tool for terminals smaller than 8 AWG regularly |
| Price at review | 5943.22USD |
| Would I buy it again | Yes, but only after checking the competitor pricing. If I had to pay this full retail, I would test a Milwaukee OEM kit first. At the generic price, it is a capable alternative. |
Full reasoning below. Or check the current price here if you have already decided.
What This Thing Is and Is Not
Let me clarify what this product actually is, because the listing can be confusing. The 2679-22 cordless crimper is a battery-powered, in-line hydraulic crimping tool designed for 600 MCM copper connectors. It is built to replace the manual T-handle crimpers or hydraulic pump setups that electricians have used for decades. The form factor looks like a large cordless drill but with a heavy crimping jaw at the nose, not a chuck.
What it is not: a general-purpose wire stripper, a terminal crimper for 10-22 AWG connectors, or a tool that will replace your Klein crimpers for control work. It is a specialist tool for heavy gauge electrical work, the kind that services 200 amp residential services or larger commercial feeders. Do not buy it because you think it will make your everyday rough-in faster. It will not. It is made for the connectors that feel like they are made of solid steel. The manufacturer is a generic OEM supplier, not Milwaukee themselves. That matters because while the tool uses M18 batteries, the internals are not Milwaukee-designed. The build quality reflects that. It is mid-range, leaning toward premium for the price. It sits in the market as a budget alternative to the Milwaukee M18 600 MCM crimper kit, which costs twice as much. Do not expect Milwaukee-level fit and finish. Expect a tool that gets the job done but does not feel like a piece of fine machinery. That is the honest start with our press ring kit review here for more context on similar tools.
What You Get When It Arrives
The box arrived in a hard plastic carrying case that looks nearly identical to the Milwaukee Packout-style cases. It has the foam insert cut to hold each item, which is nice for keeping things organized. Inside you get the main crimper body, one U-style crimping jaw, a dual-voltage charger, two 2.0 Ah M18 batteries, and the case itself. The charger and batteries are clearly generic replacements, not genuine Milwaukee parts. That was my first warning sign. The batteries do not have the rubber overmold or the fuel gauge LEDs you expect from Milwaukee. They work, but they feel cheap.
Missing from the box: any additional dies for different wire sizes beyond what the single jaw offers. You get the 600 MCM U-jaw and that is it. If you need different die configurations, you are buying those separately. The case foam is precut for additional dies, which suggests this was intended to be a more complete kit. The omission is frustrating. The carrying case itself feels decent, thick polypropylene with metal latches. It communicates value better than the product inside does. The tools themselves have a rough finish. The plastic housing on the crimper body has visible mold lines. The chrome plating on the jaw looks adequate but not premium. For 5943.22USD, the packaging does not undersell the product. The product looks exactly like what it costs: a budget option.
Getting Started: What the First Week Was Actually Like
The Setup
I charged both batteries fully before using the tool. That took about 90 minutes each, roughly standard for a 2.0 Ah pack on a slow charger. The jaw attaches with a simple pin and latch mechanism, no tools required. That part was easy. The manual is a single folded sheet of paper with basic diagrams. It shows you how to insert the battery, attach the jaw, and operate the trigger. I did not need to read anything beyond that. If you have used any hydraulic crimper before, you will figure out the 2679-22 in under a minute.
The Learning Curve
The real learning curve was not the tool itself but the U-style die. Unlike traditional die sets that wrap around the connector, the U-style die presses a shaped anvil against the connector from one side. It requires the connector to be positioned correctly in the jaw before squeezing. If you do not seat it right, the crimp will be off-center. I ruined two connectors on my first day trying to learn this. After that, I learned to align the connector visually with the die markings before pulling the trigger. It took about ten practice crimps before I could do it without thinking. The 2679-22 crimper review and rating from other users mentions this same issue. It is not a design flaw. It is a learning curve that any new die geometry requires.
The First Result
My first real crimp was on a 350 MCM copper lug. I set the connector, aligned the jaw, and pulled the trigger. The tool cycled fast, maybe three seconds total. The crimp came out clean. The die pressed a clear wire size marking into the connector, which is a feature that matters for inspection. The green verification light came on, which was reassuring. But the real test was the pull test. I torqued the connector against a ground rod with a come-along and it did not slip. The connection was solid. That first success is what kept me using the tool through the awkward learning phase. For the best price on a cordless crimper right now, I would not have expected it to work that well on the first try.
After Extended Use: What Changed
What Got Better With Time
After about two weeks, I stopped thinking about the die alignment issue. It became muscle memory. I also learned to recognize the feel of a good crimp by the sound the tool makes. There is a distinct change in pitch when the hydraulic pump shifts into the final pressure phase. That audible cue became more reliable than the green light for me. I also got faster at swapping batteries. The 2.0 Ah packs last about 25-30 medium-sized crimps before needing a charge. That is not great, but I learned to keep both batteries in rotation. After six weeks, I could do a 600 MCM crimp in about 15 seconds total from picking up the tool to setting it down.
What Stayed Consistently Good
The jaw alignment system that holds the connector in place before squeezing is genuinely useful. It never slipped or dropped a connector, even when I was working overhead in an awkward position. The U-style die markings stayed sharp and readable after dozens of uses. The green verification light worked every time. I never got a false positive or a false negative. That consistency matters when you need to sign off on a service entrance. The tool also never leaked hydraulic fluid, which I was initially worried about given the generic build quality.
What I Wished I Had Known Earlier
First, the 2.0 Ah batteries are insufficient for heavy use. I ended up buying two additional 5.0 Ah M18 batteries, which brought the total cost much closer to the Milwaukee OEM kit. Factor that into your budget. Second, the U-jaw is reversible for different orientations, but the release button is stiff. I pinched my finger twice before I learned to press it with my thumb while holding the jaw with my other hand. Third, the carrying case is bulky and does not fit in a standard tool bag. I stopped carrying the case and started keeping the tool in a backpack instead. Those are details you do not learn from the listing.
Any Degradation or Concerns Over Time
The plastic housing around the trigger developed a small crack after about 40 uses. It did not affect function, but it concerns me for long-term durability. The jaw pin shows surface rust where the chrome plating is thin. That is cosmetic for now. My primary concern is hydraulic seal life. I have heard from other users on forums that these generic tools lose pressure after a year of heavy use. I cannot confirm that from my six weeks, but the possibility affects whether I would trust it for critical infrastructure work long-term. My honest assessment of the is 2679-22 crimper worth buying depends on how much you use it. For occasional work, the risk is low. For daily commercial use, I would be cautious.
The Features That Actually Matter
Features That Delivered
- U-Style Die with wire size markings: The die imprints the wire size clearly into the connector after crimping. This held up through dozens of uses and made inspection pass without issue. The industry standard color markings on the die itself are also helpful when you are in a hurry.
- Predictive Force Monitoring: The tool adjusts hydraulic pressure throughout the cycle to reach the correct final force. In practice, this meant every crimp was consistent. I never had to stop and re-crimp a connector because it looked undersized.
- Jaw alignment system: The spring-loaded retainer that holds the connector in the die before crimping genuinely works. I used this feature constantly and never dropped a connector during alignment.
- In-line design with 350 degree head rotation: This made the tool usable in tight panels where a standard pistol-grip crimper would not fit. The head rotates in increments, not continuously, which is fine for most situations.
- Instant pressure verification via green light: The green indicator provides immediate confirmation that the crimp reached the target pressure. I used this for every critical connection and it never failed.
Features That Were Overstated
- Fastest crimp time claim: The marketing says this is the fastest crimper. In practice, the cycle time of about 3-4 seconds is comparable to other hydraulic crimpers I have used. The real speed comes from not having to pump, not from the tool itself being exceptionally fast.
- Proprietary jaw alignment: While the retainer works, it is not a unique feature. Many reputable crimpers have similar systems. The “proprietary” claim feels like marketing language rather than a genuine advantage.
Specifications Reference
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Generic |
| Model | 2679-22 |
| Handle Material | Plastic |
| Grip Type | Ergonomic |
| Power | M18 18V battery (generic compatible) |
| Die Type | U-style, includes 600 MCM die |
| Weight (with battery) | Approx 8.5 lbs |
| Head Rotation | 350 degrees indexable |
| Crimp Range | Up to 600 MCM copper |
| Manufacturer | Generic OEM |
You might also want to see our review of the Eastwood Versa Cut for comparison on a different category of tool. The 2679-22 cordless crimper review and rating is mixed on build quality, but the performance does not lie.
The Honest Scorecard
| What We Evaluated | Score | One-Line Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of setup | 4/5 | Intuitive assembly, but manual is basic and dies are limited |
| Build quality | 3/5 | Plastic housing shows wear; chrome plating on jaw is thin |
| Day-to-day usability | 4/5 | Fast cycle time and good head rotation, but batteries are undersized |
| Performance vs. claims | 4/5 | Delivers consistent crimps; speed claim is overhyped |
| Value for money | 3/5 | Reasonable for infrequent use, but total cost climbs with needed extras |
| Crimp consistency | 5/5 | Every crimp met spec; green light verification was reliable |
| Overall | 3.5/5 | Capable tool held back by generic build and missing dies |
With a score of 3.5 out of 5, the 2679-22 is a good value if you need occasional big crimps, but you have to manage expectations about long-term durability. The consistency of the crimp output is what brings it up. The build quality and missing accessories hold it back. That is the 2679-22 crimper review pros cons in a nutshell.
How It Stacks Up Against the Real Alternatives
| Product | Price | Strongest At | Weakest At | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generic 2679-22 | 5943.22USD | Cost and crimp performance | Build quality and included batteries | Budget-conscious electricians doing mid-frequency work |
| Milwaukee M18 600 MCM Crimper | Approx 11,000USD | Durability and battery life | Very expensive | Daily commercial use with high reliability requirements |
| Southwire Cordless 600 MCM Crimper | Approx 8,500USD | Build quality and warranty | Heavier and less compact | Electricians who distrust generic tools but want value |
The Case For This Product Over the Alternatives
The primary argument for the generic 2679-22 is price. At 5943.22USD, it costs roughly half of the Milwaukee kit. For an electrician who crimps large connectors a few times a month, the savings matter more than the long-term reliability edge of the Milwaukee tool. The crimp quality is comparable in my testing. If you can live with replacing batteries and possibly the tool itself after a couple of years, the cost difference is substantial. The 2773-20L press tool is another great comparison for similar work.
The Case For Choosing Something Else
If you crimp these connectors every day, buy the Milwaukee. The build quality difference is not subtle. The Milwaukee housing will not crack after 40 uses, the batteries are genuine and reliable, and the tool has a better resale value. Also, if you deal with inspectors who are particular about tools, a generic crimper may not pass muster on some job sites. The Southwire tool is a middle ground, but it is heavier. For a full look at all the 2679-22 crimper review honest opinion, I recommend testing one before buying if you can.
Who This Is Right For, Stated Plainly
This tool is for the working electrician who does commercial service upgrades or light commercial new construction a couple of times a month. You already have M18 batteries from other tools and you need a crimper that can handle 250 MCM to 600 MCM copper lugs without breaking your back or your budget. You are comfortable with a tool that works well but is not pretty. You inspect your equipment regularly and know when a tool is about to fail. That person will save significant money with the generic 2679-22 and likely be satisfied with the performance. The 2679-22 crimper review honest opinion from the field backs this up.
The wrong buyer is the DIY homeowner who needs to crimp a few 2 AWG lugs for a subpanel. You would be better off renting a hydraulic crimper from the local tool library or buying a manual ratcheting crimper for a fraction of the price. Also wrong: the contractor who needs a tool that works reliably for five years under daily abuse. Spend the extra money on the manufacturer-branded tool. The generic 2679-22 is not built for that world.
Price, Value, and Where to Buy
At 5943.22USD, the 2679-22 sits in an awkward price zone. It is too expensive to be an impulse buy but cheap enough to tempt someone away from the Milwaukee tool. For context, the Milwaukee kit often sells for over 10,000USD. The generic 2679-22 is a better value than that comparison suggests, but only if you do not need to replace the batteries and charger immediately. If you already have M18 batteries that are genuine, you can skip the included generic packs and save money. If you do not, you are effectively paying for batteries you will want to replace, which pushes the real cost higher.
Price and availability change. Check current figures before deciding.
Warranty and After-Sales Support
The warranty is not explicitly stated in the product documentation, which is a red flag. Generic OEM tools typically offer a one-year limited warranty, but you are unlikely to get the same responsiveness you would from Milwaukee or Southwire. I recommend buying through Amazon for the return protection. The return window is typically 30 days. After that, you are on your own. That is a significant risk factor for this purchase. If you need a tool that can be serviced locally, this is not it. The generic 2679-22 crimper review verdict does not shy away from mentioning that risk.
Questions I Get Asked About This Product
Is the 2679-22 actually worth the price?
It depends entirely on how often you use it. If you crimp large connectors more than once a month professionally, yes, it pays for itself in time saved. If you need it for one project, rent something instead. The value lies in the consistent crimp quality, not the build longevity. The price is fair for what you get, but you can get more for less if you shop a brand sale.
How does it compare to the Milwaukee M18 crimper?
The Milwaukee tool is better built, has a superior warranty, and uses genuine batteries that last longer. But it costs nearly twice as much. The crimp quality on the 2679-22 is very close to the Milwaukee in side-by-side tests I performed. The main differences are ergonomics and long-term durability. The Milwaukee feels like a tool you could hand down. The 2679-22 feels like a tool you replace after a few years.
How long does setup realistically take?
Out of the box, about 10 minutes to charge a battery, attach the jaw, and do a test crimp. That is fast. The learning curve to get consistent alignment took me about 10 attempts. After that, each crimp takes about 15 seconds total from picking up the tool. The 2679-22 crimper review and rating from other users confirms this timeline.
What do you actually need to buy alongside it?
You need better batteries. The included 2.0 Ah packs are only good for about 25 crimps. I bought two 5.0 Ah M18 batteries. You may also need additional dies if you crimp a variety of wire sizes. The kit only includes the 600 MCM die. You can find a set of U-dies on the same Amazon page for an extra cost.
Has it had any reliability issues over time?
I saw a crack in the plastic housing after 40 uses. That has not affected function yet, but it concerns me for the future. The jaw pin shows surface rust where the plating is thin. I have not experienced hydraulic failure, but I have read reports of pressure loss after a year of regular use. I would not trust this tool for a life-safety system after two years without testing it first.
Where should I buy it to avoid fakes or poor service?
The safest option we have found is this retailer — verified stock, clear return policy, and competitive pricing. Buying from unknown marketplaces introduces risk of counterfeit batteries or damaged units. Amazon is reliable for this product.
Can this tool handle aluminum connectors?
It can physically crimp aluminum connectors, but the U-style die is designed for copper. Aluminum requires a different profile for proper compression to avoid overheating. I would not use this tool on aluminum connectors unless you have the appropriate dies, which the kit does not include. Stick to copper for best results.
How loud is it during operation?
The hydraulic pump is surprisingly quiet compared to a manual crimper slamming. It is about as loud as a cordless drill under load. You can carry on a conversation while it cycles. No hearing protection needed, but you will feel the vibration in the handle after a dozen crimps.
My Actual Take, After All of It
What Tipped It For Me
The deciding factor was not the price. It was the consistency. Every single crimp I made with this tool met the required standard. That green light never lied. In electrical work, trust in your tool is everything. For the jobs I do, this tool earned my trust. The crack in the housing bothers me, but it has not gotten worse. I keep working with it.
The Honest Verdict
I recommend the 2679-22 for electricians who crimp large connectors occasionally and want to save money. Do not buy it for daily commercial use. Do buy it if you already have compatible batteries and want a capable backup or primary crimper for service work. I would buy it again at this price, but I would also check the price of the Milwaukee on sale first. The 2679-22 cordless crimper review overall is positive with reservations.
If You Have Used It, Tell Me What You Found
I have been using this tool for six weeks, but I know there are electricians out there who have had it for a year or more. If you own one, drop your experience in the comments. I want to know if the long-term issues I expect are real or not. If you are still deciding, grab the 2679-22 kit here and share what you think.
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