I have done three things with large wires and lugs.  One is the West Marine crimper--with large Vise Grips--I think you get better control than with a hammer. (I have never really been enthusiastic about this tool.  Second is to use nicopress swedging tool.  These use a bolt on each side of the die that you are using and I use three crimps as I use with Nico press.  The third way is to fill the lug with solder, by sweat soldering with a torch--heating just the fitting.  Then put heat adhesive shrink wrap.

Yes there are battery stores in Spain, but the little towns I was usually in, didn't have much in the way of tools--many times cables would be metric (not a problem, if you have the correct metric fittings)

As Ron suggests there are rachet crimping tools, some of which have dies which fit specific wire sizes, using one frame with a set of dies.  One of the problems is that you really need a complete set of dies--ie #00 to #8 wire.

Bob Austin

http://www.greenlee.com/ is a great source for anything having to do with
wiring tools, crimpers, etc. This is the professional stuff, some very
expensive, but they do have lighter duty items. Check it out and make your
wish list. That being said, I've had good results using the hammer crimper
with a C-clamp to tighten it down instead of a hammer.

Keith
__
There's a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bob Austin" thataway4@cox.net

As Ron suggests there are rachet crimping tools, some of which have dies
which fit specific wire sizes, using one frame with a set of dies.  One of
the problems is that you really need a complete set of dies--ie #00 to #8
wire.