Propellant-driven device for crimping large size wire and terminals

A propellant-driven device for crimping a terminal into encompassing engagement with a wire, which comprises:

• a. a housing having an elongated chamber with a first and a second end;
• b. a fixed die positioned at the first end of the chamber;
• c. a movable die slidingly positioned in the chamber which cooperates with the fixed die;
• d. a lateral opening into the chamber for allowing the positioning of a terminal between the fixed and movable dies;
• e. propellant means positioned at the second end for propelling the movable die toward the fixed die;
• f. removable closure means for closing the second end of the chamber;
• g. detonating means for detonating the propellant means, said detonating means positioned in the closure means;
• h. a passage extending from the chamber adjacent the second end with a gas release pin slidingly positioned therein and adapted to removably seal the passage;
• and
• i. safety means pivotally connected to the closure means so that as it is pivoted outwardly it forces the gas release pin into sealing engagement in the passage.