RF Industries RFA-4009-20 — Heavy Duty Piston Action Crimp Tool Handle
The RF Industries RFA-4009-20 is a professional-grade,
open frame piston action coaxial crimp tool handle engineered
for high-volume, heavy-duty crimping applications. Manufactured by
RF Connectors, a Division of RF Industries, Ltd.
(San Diego, CA), this handle-only unit is purpose-built for installers and
technicians who require consistent, reliable crimps on larger ferrules —
including low-loss coaxial cable up to 0.6" diameter.
Unlike ratchet-style crimp tools suited for occasional use, the RFA-4009-20's
piston-driven mechanism is designed to handle
thousands of crimps over its service life, making it the preferred
choice for production environments, field installation teams, and professional
RF technicians.
Key Features
- Heavy-Duty Piston Action: Open frame, piston-driven design delivers consistent crimping force across thousands of cycles.
- Handle Only — Interchangeable Die System: Accepts a full range of RF Industries RFA-4009 Series die sets, allowing one tool to serve multiple cable types and connector sizes.
- Versatile Application: Designed to crimp ferrules, coaxial connectors, contacts, terminal lugs, and splices to various sizes of cables and wires.
- Large Ferrule Capability: Handles larger ferrule sizes, including low-loss coaxial cable with approximately 0.6" diameter.
- Secure Die Locking: Interchangeable dies align via a bottom rail slot and can be permanently secured using removable lock pins (included with each die set).
- Professional Build Quality: Blue anodized aluminum frame construction for durability and corrosion resistance.
- Ergonomic Handles: Black rubber-grip handles for reduced hand fatigue during extended use.
- Spring-Return Mechanism: Stainless steel spring for consistent, smooth handle return action.
Product Specifications
| Manufacturer |
RF Industries, Ltd. (RF Connectors Division) |
| Part Number / SKU |
RFA-4009-20 |
| Product Type |
Crimp Tool Handle Only |
| Action Type |
Heavy Duty Open Frame Piston Action |
| Application |
Ferrules, coaxial connectors, contacts, terminal lugs, splices |
| Compatible Cable |
Various sizes; includes large ferrule capability up to ~0.6" diameter (e.g., LMR-600 low-loss coax) |
| Die System |
Interchangeable RFA-4009 Series die sets (sold separately) |
| Die Retention |
Bottom rail slot alignment; optional removable lock pins (included with die sets) |
| Frame Color |
Blue anodized aluminum |
| Handle Color |
Black rubber grip |
| Electrical Insulation |
NOT insulated against electrical shock — use electrically insulated gloves |
| Warranty |
90-Day Limited Warranty (defects in material and workmanship) |
| Category |
Crimp Tools / Tools |
| Manufacturer Location |
7610 Miramar Road, San Diego, CA 92126 |
Compatible RFA-4009 Series Die Sets
The RFA-4009-20 handle accepts the full RF Industries RFA-4009 Series of
precision die sets. Die sets are available separately or as pre-configured
tool kit bundles. Select the correct die for your specific cable group and
connector type:
| Die Set Part # |
Hex Cavity Dimensions |
Compatible Cable / Application |
| RFA-4009-01 |
.610" |
LMR-600, Cable Group L2 |
| RFA-4009-03 |
.042", .068", .255" |
See die set specifications |
| RFA-4009-06 |
.068", .100", .213" |
Cable Group C, C1, C2 |
Note: Die sets are sold separately. Complete tool kit bundles (e.g.,
RFA-4009-201, RFA-4009-206) include the RFA-4009-20 handle plus specified
die set.
Die Installation Instructions
- Align die halves so that the rail slot is on the bottom.
- Place dies over the rail in the crimp handle.
- For permanent installations, secure dies using the removable lock pins supplied with each die set.
- Caution: Ensure all lock pins have been removed from the tool before attempting to change dies.
Safety Warning: This tool is not insulated against
electrical shock and should be used with electrically insulated gloves.
This tool is not to be used for purposes other than its intended crimping application.
Why Choose the RFA-4009-20?
RF Industries' own technical literature recommends the RFA-4009-20 piston-action
crimp handle when you anticipate thousands of crimps over the
tool's service life. Its open-frame piston mechanism ensures even crimp pressure
distribution around the connector — a critical requirement for maintaining
consistent RF performance and signal integrity. A properly crimped ferrule will
be slightly flared at the mouth, confirming full, uniform contact.
The modular die system means a single RFA-4009-20 handle can service a wide
range of coaxial cable assemblies — from small-diameter miniature coax to
large low-loss cables like LMR-600 — simply by swapping die sets,
making it a cost-effective, versatile addition to any professional RF toolkit.
About RF Industries, Ltd.
RF Industries, Ltd. is a U.S.-based manufacturer of high-quality RF connectors,
cables, and related tooling, headquartered in San Diego, California. RF Connectors,
a division of RF Industries, designs and manufactures a comprehensive line of
coaxial crimp tools, die sets, and custom tool kits for professional RF technicians
and installers worldwide.
