The type that bolts together is time-intensive - much quicker to use the presses with handles. "Appropriate size" refers to the various sized holes at the end of the tool, which are marked for different sleeve sizes. I'm pretty sure Nicropress is just a brand name.

Most of the hydraulic pressed wires I've seen still have a thimble and swage at the top... so what's the difference? You still have a swage in the equasion. There are plenty of folks running around with wires they made up themselves. Double up and make sure you measure first, cut once with a good wire cutter to prevent leaving a "meat hook" sticking out of the sleeve when you're done. I bought a couple of beers for the shop manager at my local dealer and took advantage of his experience - nice neat ends and both shrouds are the exact same length, thimble to thimble.

Also, look at pre-made wires that are the length you need or just slightly longer - I paid a lot less by grabbing some H16 coated shrouds off the rack and trimming them just a bit.

Good luck - let us know how the furler comes out.