A terminal applicator (50, 160) for attaching electrical terminals (52, 164) to a wire includes a terminal hold down device (90) for limiting movement of the terminal during the crimping process. The hold down device (90) includes a hold down arm (92, 200), a pair of guide rods (102), and a removable standoff (136). The guide rods (102) are carried by a reciprocating ram (62, 202) and are arranged so that when the standoff abuts a travel limit block (148) the hold down arm (92, 200) remains in close proximity to the terminal (52, 164) while the ram (62) continues its motion to complete the crimping cycle.