flexwatt question..

I have a question. I just need one piece of 11x24 flexwatt. Do I need the special crimping tool or can something else work? Can't I use regular pliers? I think I read somewhere that flexwatt wont be accurate unless crimped by the special tool. Is this true?

I have no one around that can solder it for me. It would be so much cheaper to go the flexwatt rout than to order an ultratherm.

thanks in advance :)

Too clamp mine I used two 1/8" thick pieces of steel that are about 1"X1" squares to keep pressure equal across the connector during the crimp and a pair of vise girps for clamping. It worked pretty good. I actually prefer the crimp connectors to solder. The solder connections are a pain to insulate correctly. If I keep messing with the flex watt I will probably weld the two pieces of steel to a pair of vise grips to make it a little easier.

hmm thats a good idea. where would one find the steel squares?

also, I need this flexwatt (11x24) for a 'bator im planning to make, the back & sides of the mini fridge aren't flat, they have grooves for the shelves. will that pose a problem with the flexwatt? i was told 11x24 is what I would need. do you all agree on that?

heres a photo of the inside of the mini fridge so you and others can see what I'm talking about. How can I use flexwatt in this?

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k4...y/DSC05140.jpg

thanks,
Maizie