Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneous location and termination of a plurality of stripped conductors in a connector is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a body having a connector orienting cavity, a conductor comb for aligning the stripped conductor, a conductor wiper assembly disposed parallel to said cavity and conductor insertion tooling disposed perpendicular to said cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making electrical connectors and, in one embodiment suitable for use with a multiplicity of parallel planar arrayed, spaced-apart insulated conductors, comprises means for and the steps of retainably positioning the conductor array above the crimp retainer portions of interconnected connector members, inserting the conductors into the connectors, positionally affixing the conductors to the connectors as by crimp means encircling the cable insulation and crimp means enveloping the exposed cable conductors, shearing the strips which interconnect the connector members to each other, and inserting the cables and their associated connectors into an associated connector block.

Abstract: In apparatus and method for installing a multi-contact electrical connector at the terminus of a multi-conductor cable, a plurality of electrical contacts are inserted in a dielectric body member of the connector with the installed adjacent contacts spaced apart a relatively short, accurately determined distance and the installation method and means provide for the insertion of the contacts sequentially, in interlaced groups of simultaneously inserted contacts, thereby enabling the adjacent simultaneously inserted contacts of each sequential group to be spaced apart a distance greater than the limited given distance during installation while maintaining the accuracy of the relatively short given distance between adjacent installed contacts.

Abstract: A telephone central office main frame system is disclosed in which jumper wire terminations are placed by an automatic mechanism in response to control signals. The terminals are laid out in vertical lines having troughs therebetween in which the jumper wires lie. By alternating rows of input and output terminals, a large degree of flexibility of interconnection is obtained. In particular, a rotating pick-up head secures a twisted jumper wire pair from a reel source, automatically terminates one end of the wire pair in one set of preselected terminals, runs the jumper wires through the trough to the vicinity of the other terminals and, finally, automatically terminates the other ends in the preselected terminals.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying connector terminals to a plurality of leads including tensioning means capable of individually tensioning the leads with a predetermined tension, while being gripped and advanced by clamping means for advancing the leads into a terminal. Also, the clamping means may define a forward end which carries a wire guide plate which, in turn, is adapted to be longitudinally slidable back and forth in the direction of advancement, and is spring-biased into an outward position. The leads pass through apertures of the guide plate for precise positioning, relative to the terminal or terminals. The guide plate is thus retractable to permit the free ends of the leads to project into the terminal. Also, a lead-lengthening probe may be provided.

Abstract: A cable harness assembly fixture having a crimping station and an elongate base plate movable with respect to the crimping station. A pair of spaced, parallel, locator support rails on the base plate are movable transversely of the base plate to vary the spacing between them and may be retained at selected spacings. A plurality of connector locators are supported on each of the locator support rails, are slidable along the rails and are securable to the rails. The connector locators are formed such that with the support rails set at a predetermined spacing two connector locators positioned in opposition, one on each of the supports reels, will engage and position the body of the cable connector on the base plate and will align the cable with the connector body.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which includes a carriage having mounted thereon tooling for trimming wires and inserting trimmed wires into electrical contacts successively along an electrical connector mounted on an anvil. A stepping motor drive transports and repeatedly stops the carriage and the tooling successively in alignment with the multiple contacts preparatory to insertion of corresponding trimmed wires therein. The tooling is quickly replaceable and follows along a reference surface of the connector for positive alignment with the contacts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an electrical harness. The harness generally includes at least one connector having a housing with insulation displacement type contacts loaded therein. Each contact is connected to an insulation clad wire, said wires being of different lengths with different segments of insulation removed from the wire ends opposite the connector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for joining a cap and base to form a modular telephone plug and terminating the wires therein. The machine includes mechanisms for advancing the strip-mounted cap to the work area, severing it from the strip, clamping and dressing the wires across the cap, means for placing the base onto the cap and welding the two together, mechanism for clamping the welded plug while other mechanisms trim the ends of the wires protruding from the front of the plug and fully insert terminals which had been partially inserted into the cap.

Abstract: A spring biased jig or the like for holding an electrical connector and a flat cable in position to terminate the cable.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously terminating a plurality of insulated conductors in the insulation piercing contacts of a multiple contact electrical connector is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for mounting a connector in conductor receiving position, means for aligning the conductors adjacent individual contacts of the connector, means for positioning the insertion tool adjacent the contacts, the insertion tool being movable in a non-arcuate path substantially perpendicular to the planes defined by the contacts of the connector. The apparatus will accommodate connectors of different transverse dimensions without the necessity of any adjustment and includes uniquely configured conductor aligning means which enhance and facilitate the terminating operations.

Abstract: A tool for simultaneously inserting each of a plurality of wires in respective non-deforming insulation piercing terminals disposed in a terminal retaining body. The terminal retaining body is supported in the tool so that each terminal is aligned with a guide slot through which the wires are forced by the action of insertion tabs. The ends of the wires are retained in coil springs which are coupled to releasing handles so that the springs may be extended to facilitate removal of the wires. As the insertion tabs are forced through the guide slots, a cutting member disposed in each of the slots cooperates with an edge of the insertion tabs to cut the wire at a predetermined point. The tool is adjustable to accept terminal retaining bodies of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: Fixture for supporting an electrical connector and positioning wires in spaced relationship to the connector in preparation for insertion of the wires into the connector comprises a channel-shaped frame member having a web and sidewalls. The external surface of the web serves as a supporting surface for the mating end of the connector. First and second connector clamping means are mounted against the external surfaces of the sidewalls of the frame and clamp the connector in a predetermined position. The clamping means extend above the external surface of the web and have aligned wire positioning slots in their free ends which position the wires in alignment with the connector. The fixture is intended for use with a tool which can be latched to the fixture and which, upon actuation, trims the wires and inserts them into the connector.

Abstract: A clamp-squeezing apparatus for automatically urging a cable-engaging clamp of an electrical connector into clamping engagement with a cable is provided. The apparatus is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with wire-terminating apparatus. The squeezing apparatus comprises a movable carriage including a slidable plate on which is mounted a connector nest and pivotal squeezing arms having cam followers and squeeze jaws on opposed ends thereof. Upon movement of the carriage and nest into a desired position, the cam followers are urged by cam tracks in which they ride to urge the squeeze jaws together and squeeze the connector cable clamp into engagement with a cable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for adapting between an insulation displacement connector of one pitch and a standard plug or socket connector of another pitch using conductor inserts uniformly stamped and accurately offset to accommodate the difference in pitch by insertion into a molded insert guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously terminating a plurality of insulated conductors in the insulation piercing contacts of a multiple contact electrical connector is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for mounting a connector in conductor receiving position, means for aligning the conductors adjacent individual contacts of the connector, means for positioning an insertion member adjacent the contacts, and resilient means forcibly engaged by the insertion member during the termination process. The apparatus allows sufficient displacement of the resilient means by the insertion member so as to accommodate various transverse dimensions of electrical connectors without the necessity of any adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for simultaneously terminating a plurality of insulated metallic conductors in the insulation-piercing contact members of a multi-contact connector. The apparatus includes a base which supports the connector in conductor-receiving position and a carriage which carries a reciprocating insertion tool. The carriage is pivotally attached to the base and moves between an open position and an operating position wherein the insertion tool is aligned with the connector. Locating means are mounted on the carriage in fixed spatial relation to the insertion tool to align the connector for the termination operation as the carriage moves to the operating position. Self-actuated latch means retains the carriage in the operating position and includes a release means which may be actuated while returning the carriage to the open position, all in a single operation.

Abstract: A field termination tool for electrical connectors includes a connector support which is positioned between a pair of rotatably mounted insertion arms. Each of the insertion arms includes a multiblade insertion rod for engaging and pressing insulated conductors into respective insulation-piercing contact portions carried by a supported electrical connector. The connector support is constructed as a one-piece comb structure, preferably molded from glass-filled thermoplastic material with metal conductor cutting strips molded in, which is releasably engageable with the frame of the termination tool, and likewise releasably engageable with a bench-mounted support so that electrical connectors can be positioned in the comb structure and have the insulated conductors aligned with respective insulation-piercing contact portions at a point remote from the insertion tool. An insertion control mechanism takes two forms.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for simultaneously terminating a plurality of insulated metallic conductors in the insulation-piercing contact members of a multi-contact connector. The apparatus includes a base which supports the connector in conductor-receiving position and a carriage which carries a reciprocating insertion tool. The carriage is pivotally attached to the base and moves between an open position and an operating position wherein the insertion tool is aligned with the connector. Locating means are mounted on the carriage in fixed spatial relation to the insertion tool to align the connector for the termination operation as the carriage moves to the operating position. Self-locking latch means retains the carriage in the operating position and includes a release means which may be actuated while returning the carriage to the open position, all in a single operation.

Abstract: A hand tool for use with a rotary splicing connector which can be used to terminate a plurality of insulated wires is disclosed. The connector consists of two mutually rotatable housing components. Insulated wires can be spliced during rotation of the two housing components. The hand tool includes a lever to generate the required torque on the connector members. The tool includes a magazine used to sequentially feed a plurality of connectors in tandem orientation.

Abstract: A termination tool is disclosed for assembling electrical cables, such as ribbon cables or the like, to an electrical connector which has receptacle means for receiving a cable in electrical termination with conductive contacts on the connector. The tool includes a base having a locator portion for properly locating a connector in position for receiving an electrical cable. A pair of spaced opposed clamping jaws are pivotally mounted on the base on opposite sides of the connector locator for movement toward and away from each other to engage a properly positioned connector to hold the connector in position during a termination operation. The clamping jaws are spring loaded and biased outwardly toward inoperative positions whereby a connector can be easily located therebetween. A reciprocally mounted stuffer means is mounted on the tool for movement toward and away from the base and locator means to drive a cable into the receptacle means of the connector.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for dispensing connectors from a multiple chamber magazine and for assembling the connectors onto multiple electrical wires. The tool includes a ram which is adjustable in size to accommodate different sized connectors. One handle of the tool incorporates a passageway having multiple walls which align and support each chamber of the magazine. A spring loaded ejector or thrust arm slideably straddles one magazine chamber and enters an open side of the chamber to urge the connectors therein toward a work station of the tool whereat the connectors are engaged by the ram for assembly onto the wires.

Abstract: An improved method and connector are disclosed for terminating twisted pair and ribbon cable. The connector has a base with a plurality of terminals mounted therein with insulation displacing portions extending from one mating surface and a cover with a central slot and a plurality of parallel grooves extending away from each side of the slot on a mating surface. A multi-conductor flat cable is fed through the slot in the cover and the individual conductors are sorted and routed into grooves which assure a proper alignment of the conductors. The conductors are then terminated by application of the base to the cover with the insulation displacing portions of each terminal engaging the appropriate conductor. The conductors can be simultaneously or subsequently sheared along the edges of the connector to form a finished termination.

Abstract: A hand-operated tool (50) for assembling stackable elements (52, 53 and 54) of a multicontact electrical connector (51) and for assembling conductors (56 and 57) to the connector includes a head (125) which is automatically positioned for effectively applying forces to the connector at each step of its assembly and to the conductors. An installer causes the head to be moved downwardly through a first incremental distance toward a support (109) into engagement with an element or conductors which are to be moved into secured engagement with an element held on the support. The movement of the head through the first incremental distance and the initiation of its movement through a second incremental distance causes the head to be spaced from the support a predetermined distance which is automatically determined as a function of the number of elements held on the support in that step of the assembly.

Abstract: A harness assembly apparatus is disclosed for sequentially applying, at the appropriate locations, multi-contact connectors to multi-conductor cable and, in a reverse operation, applying covers to the thus terminated connectors. The apparatus includes means for assuring proper alignment of the cable at the time of application to the connector as well as fixtures to be used at the ends of the harness to cut the cable adjacent the end most connectors. The subject apparatus can be manually or automatically indexed to the proper positions as noted by placing of a connector fixture at the proper locations on a frame assembly.

Abstract: A cable connector crimping apparatus is disclosed for use in combination with a standard vise or the like including means for positioning the apparatus on the front surface of one of the jaws of the vise, stop means for preventing the closure of the vise beyond a certain point so as to protect the connector from damage once the crimping of the connector has been completed, and including secondary spacing means for insuring that pins extending from the connector are also not damaged during the crimping of the cable onto the connector.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting the ends of a plurality of wires to the terminals in a connector comprises a press having a reciprocating ram and insertion tooling on the ram for inserting the wires into terminals in a connector located in an insertion zone beneath the ram. The wires are presented to the insertion zone by means of a slide member which is movable between a loading station, which is beside the insertion zone, and an insertion station. Connectors are delivered to the insertion zone during each operating cycle by a connector feeding means. The apparatus is of the manually assisted type in that an operator need only place the wires on the slide while it is at the loading station.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fabricating a multi-wire harness assembly are disclosed. The harness consists of a multi-contact electrical connector with a plurality of wires of diverse lengths attached thereto. The free ends of the wires have been differentially stripped for the application of electrical terminals. The fabrication apparatus consists of spaced wire insertion and stripping stations. Wire lengthening blades, located between the wire insertion and stripping stations, pull wires through wire stripping blades to differentially remove the insulation from one end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fully automatic fabrication of wiring harnesses is disclosed which is particularly suitable for twisted pairs of telephone wires. Such harnesses are fabricated using slotted-beam connector blocks for all terminations of the harness. Mass-termination to the slotted-beam connectors is accomplished with a pair-indexing head, a comb, and a presser head selectively terminating individual pairs of a bundle of pairs.An automatic connector block insertion station, harness lashing station, and a pair-cutting station, distributed along a moving connector block holding belt, permit continuous automatic harness production.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying a plurality of wires in predetermined co-planar relationship to each other comprises a templet plate having a plurality of wire-receiving grooves extending thereacross. The grooves diverge from each other so that wires positioned in the grooves will be located in predetermined spaced-apart relationship. The wires are pressed into the grooves by a roller which is movable across the templet plate. In order to control the wires and to ensure proper placement of the wires in the grooves, a controller member is disposed in front of the roller and movable with the roller across the templet. The controller elevates portions of the wires which are adjacent to the roller and approximately aligns the individual wires with the grooves into which they are to be pressed.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus is disclosed for manufacturing cable harnesses having a measured length of a multi-conductor flat flexible cable terminated by at least two electrical connectors. The assembly apparatus includes a conductor testing and cable cutting station, a connector crimp termination station, and a test fixture which electrically tests each connector for shorts and opens simultaneously with the crimping of the connector onto the cable.

Abstract: A cable connecting apparatus for locking of wires of a multipair cable in a cable connector comprises a base with longitudinal axis, a connector receiving station and a cable receiving station having supply side and product side and having first and second comb means on respective sides, means in the base for elevating the cable receiving station and rotatable arm means containing an anvil means, the arm means rotating about the axis of the base into a position above the cable connecting station.

Abstract: A wire terminating tool is provided which simultaneously effects termination of a plurality of wires in a variety of connectors. The tool employs a nest adapted to receive connectors of a plurality of different constructions and to so position each connector that wire-receiving channels therein are in alignment with a plurality of tool stuffing or insertion blades. The latter simultaneously force a plurality of wires, initially aligned by a wire-aligning comb, into said channels. The wires are cut to desired length and are restrained from axially moving in the course of termination to obviate wire withdrawal from the channels during the terminating step. A novel handle pawl insures a desired, complete terminating stroke of the stuffing blades by the tool operator.

Abstract: Comb means for continually directing a multiplicity of wires to the connecting station of a multiwire connecting apparatus for locking a multiplicity of wires in a multiwire connector.

Abstract: A field termination tool for electrical connectors includes laterally floating combs having edges which engage respective longitudinal slots on each side of an electrical connector to define a reference plane, the connector being urged toward the reference plane by a wave or blade spring carried on the connector support. The insertion tool is constructed to force insulated conductors into respective insulation piercing portions of connector contacts equally well for different connector widths by apparatus for positioning one of a pair of oppositely directed rotatable insertion arms with respect to the other and to the connector support and by providing a floating support structure to equalize forces across a connector. The comb slots each have a cutting edge which is cooperable in a scissor action with the cutting edges of the insertion blades carried on the insertion arms to cut the conductors immediately prior to insertion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool and a method for simultaneously staking a plurality of wires into an electrical connector of the type having two rows of contact members, one row overlying the other. More particularly, the tool includes a connector support assembly on the moving ram member. This moving assembly holds the connector so that the openings of the wire-in-slot blades face downwardly. A wire support assembly is positioned on the lower, stationary member. The wires to be staked into the contact members are dressed across a series of plates having functionally-related posts and slots. The connector is brought down onto the stationary assembly which supports the wires so that the wire-in-slot blades may be pushed onto them. Both assemblies include lateral restraining members which confine the blades during the staking operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying progressive force to a wire positioned in a plate slot in which the plate is positively positioned against stops on a reciprocating carrier and the force is applied by arcuate feet on a journalled roller, the roller and the carrier being mounted on a rigid frame and coupled to maintain a predetermined angular position of the roller for every linear position of the carrier, thus assuring proper relative movement when the roller is turned by a crank.

Abstract: A termination apparatus for electrical connectors, which includes an improved apparatus for applying operating forces from an apparatus operator to rotatable insertion arms, is provided for use in inserting a plurality of insulated conductors into respective insulation piercing contact portions of an electrical connector. The disclosed apparatus includes a frame, a removable support structure for a connector, which aligns the insulated conductors adjacent respective insulation-piercing contact portions of the connector, a pair of oppositely disposed insertion tools that are rotatably mounted on the frame for movement toward and away from each other and that carry insertion tools for inserting the insulated conductors into the connector, and an assembly that more effectively applies and distributes operating forces to the insertion arms during a termination cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing elongated lengths of material from a supply thereof, such as insulated wire mounted on spools or reels, into lengths, such as into electrical leads of predetermined lengths. The wire is drawn off continuously from the reel and is fed intermittently into the apparatus wherein it is cut off to lengths and gripped in the apparatus with the ends of the cut-off lengths a fixed distance apart and exposed. When the wire is thus cut off and gripped, it is moved at right angles to the length thereof along the apparatus while work operations are performed on at least one end of the lead, the work operations consisting of stripping insulation from the end of the lead and applying a terminal thereto. When the leads have been completely processed, the apparatus straightens the leads out in the direction of the length thereof and delivers them to a receiving station, and wherein the leads are counted and removed from the receiving station in batches of a predetermined number.

Abstract: Conductor positioning means intended for use with flat multi-conductor cable comprises a pair of opposed surfaces between which the cable is clamped. Each surface has parallel side-by-side flutes extending thereacross which are spaced-apart on center lines by an amount equal to the nominal spacing between adjacent conductors in the cable. Each flute has a center of curvature and a radius of curvature and the centers of curvature of alternate flutes on each surface are offset with respect to the centers of curvature of the remaining flutes on the surface. The geometry of the flutes in the two surfaces is the same but the offset flutes of one surface are opposed to flutes which are not offset in the other surface so that when the two surfaces are against each other, the centers of the openings formed by the flutes define a zig-zag pattern as viewed in cross section.

Abstract: A hand tool for assembling two or more articles along an extended plane. Arcuate motion of a movable handle is converted to axial movement of a presser plate to assemble the articles placed on an aligned platen. The movable handle controls a drive bar which is coupled to the tool frame by pivotally movable links which move the drive bar in two orthogonal directions and to the presser plate to move it in two orthogonal directions by means of pivotally movable links coupled to the drive bar. The movements along one orthogonal axis cancel one another and the movements along the other orthogonal axis are cumulative whereby the presser plate is moved only in the direction of the platen.

Abstract: A procedure and apparatus for accomplishing the conditioning and placement of a plurality of wires for the simultaneous termination of the wires of a multi-pin connector. Terminal sleeves are employed to both position and lock the several wires to the multi-pin connector. The sleeves are held fixed relative to one another in an identification block and wires are threaded therethrough. When positioned, the wires are held by a wire clamp cooperating with the identification block. Simultaneous cutting and stripping of the wires may then be performed in preparation for termination with a multi-pin connector. Once prepared, the wires are positioned adjacent a row of pins on the multi-pin connector and the identification block with the sleeves enclosed is forced toward the prepared ends of the wires and onto the connector pins.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for terminating insulation covered conductors in the individual contacts of a multiple contact connector. The apparatus includes a base or connector-holding jig and an insertion tool. The base includes means for holding the connector in conductor mounting position; stationary and retractable comb elements for aligning the individual conductors with the proper contacts of the connector; and shear means. The tool includes a transverse guide portion and a longitudinal blade which form a generally T-shaped tool head. The tool head is configured to cooperate with slots formed in and by the comb elements to position the tool in proper alignment for the trimming and mounting operations.

Abstract: A termination tool is disclosed of the type having a plurality of rams for simultaneously forcing wires laterally into terminals on opposite sides of a connector. The connector is mounted in the tool, in a holder assembly having side members which are laterally translatable in response to control apparatus to permit the connector to be inserted and removed from the holder assembly. The aforementioned wire or wires are properly positioned with respect to the ram end portions and the connector terminals by means of guides included in the side members. The rams are mounted on pivoted arms and are variably extendable therefrom to compensate for differences in thickness or width of various connectors.

Abstract: A wire terminating tool is provided which simultaneously effects termination of a plurality of wires in a variety of connectors. The tool employs a nest adapted to receive connectors of a plurality of different constructions and to so position each connector that wire-receiving channels therein are in alignment with a plurality of tool stuffing or insertion blades. The latter simultaneously force a plurality of wires, initially aligned by a wire-aligning comb, into said channels. The wires are cut to desired length and are restrained from axially moving in the course of termination to obviate wire withdrawal from the channels during the terminating step. A novel handle pawl insures a desired, complete terminating stroke of the stuffing blades by the tool operator.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting wires into terminals comprises a templet plate having wire-receiving slots extending therethrough from one surface to the opposite surface. The slots extend to one edge of the plate so that wires positioned on one surface adjacent to the edge will, when pressed progressively against the surface, move into the slots. Inserters move through the slots and insert the wires into a connector positioned under the other face of the templet. In accordance with a further aspect of the disclosure, a shuttle type wire feed is provided in combination with the templet plate and a second wire insertion apparatus is provided to produce electrical harnesses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for producing electrical harness assemblies and sub-assemblies of the type comprising at least one multi-contact electrical connector and wires secured to, and extending from, the terminals in the connector. The apparatus comprises an insertion zone through which the wires are fed and in which the wires are severed. Electrical connectors are fed into the insertion zone and positioned in alignment with the severed ends of the wires. The wires are connected to the terminals in the connector by moving the connectors laterally towards the wires and, at the same time, moving an insertion tool towards the wires and towards the connector to push the wires into the terminals in the connector. The wire feed means is programmable to permit selective feeding of the wires and/or the feeding of different wire lengths during each operating cycle so that a variety of types of harness assemblies and subassemblies can be produced.

Abstract: A pistol-type tool for making electrical connections comprises a slide arranged to grip a box-type electrical connector containing slotted plate terminals. The connector is fed into the slide from a magazine with the lid of the connector fully open, the slide is advanced to the forward end of the tool where the connector is loaded with wires manually, a nose member is moved out of the tool body partially to close the lid and is then retracted back into the body, the slide is retracted to position the connector under an open jaw which closes fully to close the lid so as to force the wires into the slots of the terminals in the connector and the jaw is finally opened to allow the connector to be removed from the tool.

Abstract: A field termination tool for electrical connectors includes a connector support which is positioned between a pair of rotatably mounted insertion arms. Each of the insertion arms includes a multiblade insertion tool for engaging and pressing insulated conductors into respective insulation-piercing contact portions carried by a supported electrical connector. The connector support is constructed as a one-piece comb structure, preferably molded from glass-filled thermoplastic material with metal conductor cutting strips molded in, which is releasably engageable with the frame of the termination tool, and likewise releasably engageable with a bench-mounted support so that electrical connectors can be positioned in the comb structure and have the insulated conductors aligned with respective insulation-piercing contact portions at a point remote from the insertion tool. An insertion control mechanism takes two forms.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting wires into the wire-receiving portions of terminals in an electrical connector housing comprises a wire-inserting press and a fixture means which is separate from the press and which can be mounted on the press during the inserting operation. The fixture means comprises a block-like member having wire-locating means and housing positioning means thereon arranged such that when the housing and wires are located on the fixture means, the wires will be in alignment with the terminals in the housing. When the fixture means and press are assembled to each other and the press ram is moved towards the fixture means, cooperative aligning pins and sockets on the fixture and on the press ram move into engagement with each other precisely to align the wires and the connector housing with the insertion punches on the press ram.