crimp pliers are normally HEAPS cheaper than visegrips. id recommend investing in some. you dont need an expensive pair...
Absolutely, if you don't have a pair head on over to HOme Depot or Lowes, radio shack, wall mart I think may even have them in their automotive dept.
I think Home Depot's most expensive pair of crimps, with a nice cooshy comfy handle is $8. Their cheapest pair is like $4 (the same pair you get with Ultimarc's wiring kit). Both pairs work just as well, it's just the more expenvie pair has a bit better feel to them if you're doing a *LOT* of crimping.
Vise Grips will run you anywhere from $10 for a real cheapo pair, up to $25 - $35 bucks for real vise-grip brand or craftsman.... Snap-on and Mac tools can run you up to $60 if you want the ability to have then hand delivered to you in a big Snap-on or Mac tools truck.
enjoy!
Mike B
PS
The only foolish question is the one that you don't ask :-)