Do I really need a ratcheting crimper instead of plier-style?

For repeatable, consistent crimps on insulated or non-insulated terminals, specialist communities like r/electricians and r/Tools strongly favor ratcheting designs because they apply full crimping force every cycle and only release once the crimp is complete. Plier-style crimpers work for occasional DIY use but vary with hand strength, which is why most pro-leaning reviewers we read recommend stepping up to a ratchet.