Tools for securing connectors using explosive charges and methods for using the same

A method for using a tool for securing a connector on a conductor using an explosive charge, the tool including a first tool member, a second tool member movably mounted on the first tool member, a breech chamber defined in at least one of the first and second tool members, the breech chamber being adapted to receive the explosive charge, a breech opening defined in at least one of the first and second tool members, the breech opening communicating with the breech chamber, and a drive member, wherein the tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive member responsive to an explosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) sliding the second tool member relative to the first tool member along a slide axis;
• and
• b) pivoting the second tool member relative to the first tool member about a pivot axis transverse to the slide axis;
• such that the second tool member is moved from a closed position, wherein the breech opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the breech opening is open to allow loading and unloading of the explosive charge into and from the breech chamber.