Description
Cembre HNKE16 Crimping Tool
The Cembre HNKE16 crimping tool is a professional mechanical hand crimper for wire ferrules and end sleeves from 4–16mm².
Part of Cembre’s CRIMPSTAR® range, the HNKE16 produces a trapezium-shaped crimp on compatible bare and pre-insulated end sleeves.
In addition, its compact manual design makes the tool well suited to switchboard construction, industrial electrical work and flexible conductor termination.
Cembre HNKE16 Ferrule Crimping Tool Features
Key features include:
- Crimp range from 4–16mm²
- Dedicated 4, 6, 10 and 16mm² crimp positions
- Suitable for wire ferrules and end sleeves
- Suitable for bare and pre-insulated end sleeves
- Trapezium crimp geometry
- Manual mechanical operation
- CRIMPSTAR® series
- Treated steel crimping jaws
- Factory-set ratchet mechanism
- Automatic handle opening after completion
- Emergency release lever
- Ergonomic non-slip grips
- 491g operating weight
- Compact 236mm overall length
The ratchet controls the crimping cycle during normal operation. Therefore, the handles remain engaged until the tool reaches the required closure.
If necessary, however, the emergency release allows the operator to reopen the jaws before completing the crimp.
Cembre HNKE16 Crimping Tool Range
The HNKE16 provides dedicated crimp positions for the common larger ferrule sizes:
| Ferrule / Conductor Size | Crimp Profile |
|---|---|
| 4mm² | Trapezium |
| 6mm² | Trapezium |
| 10mm² | Trapezium |
| 16mm² | Trapezium |
As a result, one hand tool covers the common 4, 6, 10 and 16mm² wire ferrule sizes without interchangeable dies.
Cembre identifies the overall tool range as 4–16mm².
Cembre HNKE16 Crimping Tool Specifications
| Specification | HNKE16 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cembre |
| Part Number | HNKE16 |
| Series | CRIMPSTAR® |
| Tool Type | Mechanical Crimping Tool |
| Application | Wire Ferrules / End Sleeves |
| Crimp Range | 4–16mm² |
| Crimp Sizes | 4 / 6 / 10 / 16mm² |
| Crimp Geometry | Trapezium |
| Operation | Manual |
| Ratchet Mechanism | Yes |
| Emergency Release | Yes |
| Weight | 491g |
| Dimensions | 236 × 73 × 18.3mm |
These figures match Cembre’s current HNKE16 product data.
Wire Ferrule & End Sleeve Applications
Wire ferrules help prepare flexible stranded conductors for connection into compatible terminals, terminal blocks and electrical equipment.
The HNKE16 covers larger ferrule sizes commonly found in:
- Switchboards
- Control panels
- PLC cabinets
- Industrial machinery
- Power distribution equipment
- Terminal blocks
- OEM equipment
- Flexible cable terminations
- Panel building
- Electrical maintenance
For example, the 10mm² and 16mm² positions suit larger flexible conductors where smaller ferrule hand tools no longer provide enough capacity.
Bare & Pre-Insulated End Sleeves
Cembre specifies the HNKE tool family for compression of both bare and pre-insulated end sleeves.
Therefore, the HNKE16 can crimp compatible:
- Bare copper end sleeves
- Insulated wire ferrules
- Bootlace ferrules
- Selected Cembre end-sleeve products
The same trapezium crimp geometry applies to the compatible ferrule selected for the conductor.
Always confirm the ferrule size and conductor before crimping.
Trapezium Ferrule Crimp Profile
The HNKE16 forms a trapezium-shaped crimp around the ferrule barrel.
During compression, the jaws form the sleeve tightly around the conductor strands. Consequently, the finished termination creates a compact conductor end for insertion into compatible electrical equipment.
Cembre specifically identifies trapezium as the HNKE16 crimp geometry.
Ratchet-Controlled Crimping
Cembre equips the HNKE16 with a factory-set ratchet mechanism.
First, select the correct ferrule for the conductor. Next, strip the cable to the required length without damaging the conductor strands.
Then place the ferrule into the matching 4, 6, 10 or 16mm² crimp position and fully insert the conductor. Finally, close the handles completely until the ratchet releases.
As a result, the tool helps ensure the operator completes the full mechanical crimping cycle.
Cembre also warns that the HNKE series must not be used on live conductors.
HNKE16 vs HNKE4
The HNKE4 and HNKE16 use the same general CRIMPSTAR ferrule-crimping concept but cover different conductor sizes.
HNKE4
Crimp range: 0.5–4mm²
HNKE16
Crimp range: 4–16mm²
Therefore, the two tools overlap at 4mm².
The HNKE4 suits smaller control and instrumentation conductors, while the HNKE16 extends coverage through 6, 10 and 16mm² ferrules.
HNKE16 vs HNKE50
For even larger ferrules, Cembre offers the HNKE50.
HNKE16
4, 6, 10 and 16mm²
HNKE50
25, 35 and 50mm²
Consequently, the HNKE50 takes over where the HNKE16 range finishes.
Cembre lists all three HNKE tools within its current CRIMPSTAR mechanical crimping range.
Cembre HNKE Ferrule Crimping Range
Together, the three CRIMPSTAR tools provide:
| Tool | Ferrule Range | Crimp Type |
|---|---|---|
| HNKE4 | 0.5–4mm² | Trapezium |
| HNKE16 | 4–16mm² | Trapezium |
| HNKE50 | 25 / 35 / 50mm² | Trapezium |
This makes it easy to choose the tool according to the required ferrule range.
For panel builders working across many cable sizes, the three tools provide a logical progression from small control conductors through to large flexible power conductors.
HNKE16 vs HNN & HN Crimping Tools
The HNKE16 is specifically designed for wire ferrules and end sleeves.
It should not be confused with the other CRIMPSTAR families:
HNKE Series – wire ferrules and end sleeves
HNN Series – pre-insulated electrical terminals and connectors
HN Series – uninsulated electrical terminals and connectors
Therefore, conductor size alone does not determine the correct tool. You also need to match the crimper to the terminal or connector type.
This distinction is particularly useful now that you are adding the Cembre PC insulated and PCU uninsulated pin connectors to the website.
Other Cembre Hand Crimping Tools
Engineering Supplies stocks a growing range of Cembre Hand Tools for professional electrical termination work.
The range includes crimpers for:
- Wire ferrules and end sleeves
- Pre-insulated terminals
- Uninsulated terminals
- Flat pin connectors
- Copper terminals and connectors
- Specialist electrical connections
For larger hydraulic and battery-powered equipment, browse our Cembre Crimping and Cutting Tools range.
Cembre HNKE16 Crimping Tool Manufacturer Information
For current technical specifications, visit the Cembre HNKE16 Mechanical Crimping Tool.
Cembre identifies the HNKE16 as a CRIMPSTAR mechanical crimping tool for end sleeves from 4–16mm², with trapezium crimp geometry and manual operation.
Buy Cembre HNKE16 Crimping Tools in Australia
Engineering Supplies supplies the Cembre HNKE16 crimping tool for professional electrical termination applications.
The tool suits compatible 4, 6, 10 and 16mm² wire ferrules and end sleeves, making it particularly useful for switchboard builders, OEMs, industrial electricians and maintenance teams.
For pricing, availability or assistance matching the HNKE16 to the correct Cembre ferrule, contact Engineering Supplies on (08) 9258 8444 or email sales@engsup.com.au.
