I've got a bunch of crappy wire connections that I want to remake on my boat (so generally all 12v fairly low power/thin wire type stuff) and I need/want a new crimping tool.
I'm going to stick with old school mechanical butt connectors with a separate shrink over the top rather than the solder type as I've not had the best experience with the latter.
So what should I be looking for that's going to do a good solid job?
Provided it has a ratchet and the correct jaws I don't think it really makes any difference. My brother has to make numerous connections like this in the field on construction machinery and swears by Deutsche automotive connectors (or whatever AliExpress equivalent you can find). I don't think he'd ever use the traditional crimp / heat shrink these days.
Solder seal connectors. Wire in each end, heat, rejoyce.
Eg,
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gorffy-Connectors-Automotive-Electrical-Waterproof/dp/B0BPMH8DCS
Hmm I don't know what sort of vibration you get on a boat but for automotive connections Vehicle Manufacturers, and their suppliers, prefer crimped connections.
Solder creates a hard/stiff section in the wire. The hard/stiff section creates a stress-raiser in the flexible cable. Given sufficient vibration, that can lead to fatigue failure.
So crimped connections are superior in automotive (and maybe boat) scenarios 🙂
YMMV etc...
Solder creates a hard/stiff section in the wire. The hard/stiff section creates a stress-raiser in the flexible cable
🤔 A butt connector generally has a longer, stiffer section than one of the newer solder/heatshrink connectors no?
I'd have thought it would likely cause that issue more than a solder/shrink join which stays flexible in the shrunk section with only minimal solder keeping the wires together?
Don't know. I've used the solder ones a lot now. Really like them.
Hmm I don't know what sort of vibration you get on a boat
Way more than a vehicle - including big hits.
I think my issue with the [Cougar linked] solder connectors (which I still have a box of) has been down to not having the best heat gun to 'process' them.
My B&D heat gun isn't hot enough so I tried a gas torch which was a bit 'melty' and altogether a bit crap 😬
Maybe I need a better hot air gun?
automotive connections Vehicle Manufacturers, and their suppliers, prefer crimped connections.
Yup. We used crimped connections in our van conversion.
Way more than a vehicle - including big hits.
Aiming you're in the UK, are you comparing the High Seas to the average UK A road or motorway? I'm which case I'm not so sure of your statement.
are you comparing the High Seas to the average UK A road or motorway?
Yes the roads are very bad ..... but the statement stands
Wago connectors. Heat shrink over the top if you want belt and bracers approach.
I bought these years ago. Used lots for van conversion and bits and bobs, seem to do what I want. 
Knipex should have what you need from their extensive range of crimping pliers.
https://www.knipex.com/en-uk/products/crimping-pliers
Maybe I need a better hot air gun?
You can get cordless heat guns, most are bare, but if you’re already using a decent cordless drill then a heat gun from the same source would be a worthwhile investment.
Workzone do a neat little standalone cordless ‘gun that might do for what you’re doing, here’s a review of a bunch that are available.
https://www.bestproductsreviews.co.uk/cordless-heat-guns
I was considering buying one, the Makita ‘gun, for use at work, because I could share the battery with the chaps I was working with, but then things went sideways and the site closed down, sadly.
I was using a corded ‘gun for removal and application of decals for school of motoring decals, and when you’re working your way around a car, the cable dragging along a dusty/wet concrete floor is a royal pita, especially if you’re applying a protective decal on the roof.
Bought a small corded heat gun from Amazon and it does an admirable job on the solder connectors I have.
What did you get?
This one:
SEEKONE Mini Heat Gun 2... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08YYWQJ9Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Nice, I was just looking at that. Cheers.