Abstract: A crimping machine is disclosed for making a crimp connection of an electrical connector with an electrical conductor. A fixed tool receives the connector with crimpable prongs in a position for receiving the electrical conductor therebetween. A movable tool crimps the prongs against the conductor by a reciprocating stroke and a strain gage senses the force transmitted between the tools. A control device responds to a predetermined value of force for terminating the crimping stroke and measuring means measures the length of the crimping stroke. Indicating means indicates when the length of the stroke of the movable tool deviates from a predetermined stroke length as an indication of a defective crimp connection.