Coax Cable Tools

[BQuicksilver]

Well, here's another that I swear has been discussed, but I certainly coudn't find it.

Just curious as to what tools everyone prefers for working with coax cable. It seems the two main tools are a cable stripper and crimping/compression tool depending upon the type of ends you use.

I picked the brain of a cable tech the other day when he came over and he noted that he uses PCT compression connectors almost exclusively. A little more research showed that RG6 quad shield cable is the way to go, as RG59 is significantly poorer (esp for internet/digital cable) and RG11 is overkill with minimal advantage over RG6.

In particular, I'm interested in your experience with various cable strippers. I can't decide what to use. Any other cool tools are always welcome for discussion.

 

[Dave Carney]

I use the spin gizmo that has the 2 razor blades mounted in it for stripping, neat and quick, and inexpensive. Then for crimping, I have one of the good crimpers that has the dies that are about a half inch thick. Those cheapy crimpers are junk.

 

[Flathead Youngin']

i use the same two....i think both are from radio shack....buy the thicker crimpers as stated......i started with the thinner ones...

i bought about 5 huge packages of silicon crimp on ends about 8 years ago...been using them every since....also pick up a pair of the heavy duty crimpers to for like a $1.....after i paid about $30 for the other pair about a year prior...bought them anyways

I use the spin gizmo that has the 2 razor blades mounted in it for stripping, neat and quick, and inexpensive. Then for crimping, I have one of the good crimpers that has the dies that are about a half inch thick. Those cheapy crimpers are junk.

 

[BQuicksilver]

Can you guys elaborate on the thin vs thick crimpers? I assume you don't use compression fittings?

I have this thing - toward the bottom the 30-633
http://www.hometech.com/tools/coax.html#GC-COMP

 

[chad s]

I work for the family business that does AV, I crimp coax connectors every day. We use the standard 2 razor blade strippers you can buy at home depot, and they last a long time. The good one should run around $15. As far as the crimper, on that page you linked to, the model number 30-603 is what we use. Every other contractor have come accross, including the local cable company (Comcast) all use that one. That crimper is not made by Ideal, I forget the actual manufacturer, but I'll check my crimper tomorrow, you can find them for around $60. That unit works easier, faster than anything else.

Also, very important, get one of the "T" handles you screw the connector onto, to aid in pusing the connector onto the RG6, otherwise, its a real pain in the neck. A pair of spark plug boot pliers also helps for stubborn connectors. RG6 cable is definately the best way to go.

 

[BQuicksilver]

Thanks Chad! Darn, I was looking blankly at those T handles today trying to figure out what they'd do. You're right, I do have trouble pushing the connectors on that last little bit.

 

[wilbilt]

I bought a spin-type stripper off the Snap-On truck many years ago (I think it's actually a Blue Point rebadged from someone else). It has adjustable, replaceable blades.
It has survived a few years of homeowner use, followed by a couple of years of daily DishNet/Starband intsallations, and more occasional use.
It came with an envelope containing spare blades, but I have yet to install them.
I give it a

 

[1fastvx]

BQuicksilver...I highly recommend the F-connector ends at the link below. These are the one that most cable companies use. I use them exclusively in any work I do. They work great and are super strong!! The twist on types from the local box stores will degrade and come loose over time. Oh and definitely use the Quad Shielded RG-6.

Thomas and Betts SNS F-Connectors:
https://www.tselectronic.com/thomandbetts/sns1px.html

Tool to compress the fittings:
https://www.tselectronic.com/sargent/dp3195ct.html

John

 

[BQuicksilver]

1fastvx: I'd already purchased these before you posted. Hopefully they're decent?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150116218085

 

[1fastvx]

Unfortunately those dint look they are rated for quad shielded RG6. Also the seller has a 99.1 feedback. Either way I would consider just trying to sell those off locally and get a quality connector. Trust me you wont want to have to go back and do it again. I did a drop in every room in the house and setup a video distribution system. It was a ton of work and there was no way I was going to do it twice!! So I spent a few $$ up front and got a quality connector.

John

1fastvx: I'd already purchased these before you posted. Hopefully they're decent?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150116218085

 

[engnerdan]

I have the dual blade stripper like everyone else mentioned but I bought a different tool for putting the ends one.

Mine are like this

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1KUB1

There is no crimping involved, it compresses the connector lengthwise. It also makes a watertight connection. This tool requires special ends but it is a lot cheaper then the nice crimping tools. I bought mine at Home Depot for about $15.


-Dan

 

[BQuicksilver]

John, I went with PCT b/c the last tech (who seemed pretty intelligent - sent him out to chase 3 fuzzy channels with a lot more equipment than the usual Brighthouse guy) said he uses them exclusively. Are you sure they're junk? I have no issue selling them if so.

So you need connectors that explicitly say they're for quad shield RG6, not just RG6?

 

[BQuicksilver]

I have the dual blade stripper like everyone else mentioned but I bought a different tool for putting the ends one.

Mine are like this

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1KUB1

There is no crimping involved, it compresses the connector lengthwise. It also makes a watertight connection. This tool requires special ends but it is a lot cheaper then the nice crimping tools. I bought mine at Home Depot for about $15.

-Dan

I have that same unit, Dan. Are you sure it requires special connectors? I've had decent luck with all the compression fittings I've tried.

 

[1fastvx]

Well I dont have any experience with those connectors myself so I couldnt tell you how good or bad they are. You do need connectors that specifically say they are rated for quad-sheilded cable. If you look at the ad they seem to spec only up to tri-sheilded.

The Ebay ad says...
RG 6 PCT-DRS-6 Connectors Series 6, 60 o/o Thru Trishield

John

 

[helgrind]

For coax (usually dealing with RG-6 and -59) I use either Harris snips (or Kline) or a 'spinner'. The one I have is some yellow thing I got from a buddy at work. You can find good stuff from Markertek or Petra.

For connectors I use compression if I have them on hand. They have a much better contact area. hmmm... whatever my boss gives me, usually digicons

 

[Jbullfrog]

I have a Yellow handled push coupler like the $60 Ideal listed. I find browsing the big bins of tools and things at the Pawn shops great for expensive cable and phone tools. I picked up the Ideal push coupler and a hollow 7/16 coax driver for $10. I also have one of the short sockets that is great for running coax nuts down on connectors. I have been buying the Ideal black or blue ends at HD when they are on sale. If anyone is interested, I have an extra push connect tool for sale.

 

[engnerdan]

I have that same unit, Dan. Are you sure it requires special connectors? I've had decent luck with all the compression fittings I've tried.

What I meant was that you need the compression fittings not the crimp on fittings.

 

[mylesc]

I'm using Data Shark Compression crimpers on RG6 Quad shield and like them alot:

http://www.datasharktools.com/view_tool.php?id=488&pid=261

For strippers I'm using one of the spin type from Ideal, works ok.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I know it doesn't really matter, but does anyone have a favorite coax cable cutter they use, and why?

 

[BQuicksilver]

Well, I'm doing another project and thought I might update this thread.

- The PCT connectors I purchased do seem to be very high quality, but they seem to be too tight for RG6 Quad. I'm going to try some Red T&B.
- I have a spin tool now, and just like everyone else feel it does a good job.
- I do not like the Ideal economy compression tool. It just compresses one side, then you need to flip it over to get the other. I like the feel/style, but want a similar tool that compresses all the way around. Maybe this is another PCT issue??

 

[alex71]

The SNS connectors are nice. If I'm not mistaken these are the original compression connectors. There are a multitude of different ones now, some good, some junk.

The ratcheting compression tool in the link below is the one I have, but if I were to do it again today I'd get something else. It was the best available years ago, but now there are many cheaper, and more compact tools out there.

BQuicksilver...I highly recommend the F-connector ends at the link below. These are the one that most cable companies use. I use them exclusively in any work I do. They work great and are super strong!! The twist on types from the local box stores will degrade and come loose over time. Oh and definitely use the Quad Shielded RG-6.

Thomas and Betts SNS F-Connectors:
https://www.tselectronic.com/thomandbetts/sns1px.html

Tool to compress the fittings:
https://www.tselectronic.com/sargent/dp3195ct.html

John

 

[boro_boy70]

I work for a cable company (beep beep) I work on just the trunk/fiber now, but did installs and trouble calls for 10 years or so. Check out PPC compression fittings if you can find them. We have used them for 6-7 years now and they work great. Also the crimping tool we use is like the one that chad s recomended, made by Ripley /Cablematic.

The fittings are part # EXT6 I believe. Not sure about the crimper part number.

A little trick for putting the fittings on is after you strip the cable and peel back the braid, push the fitting on backwards first(the threaded end) and give it a little twist. That will kind of flatten out the braid, and make the connector go on easier. Then put it on the right way and crimp.

I'll do a quick search and see if I can find some links

 

[boro_boy70]

Here is the tool we use:
http://www.mjsales.net/items.asp?FamilyID=558&this_Cat1ID=266&Cat2ID=39&Cat3ID=55

These are the fittings:
http://www.mjsales.net/items.asp?FamilyID=505&this_Cat1ID=266&Cat2ID=38&Cat3ID=48

We use the EX6XL. You can get them on ebay I think.

 

[1fastvx]

Just get this set and be done with it. I am telling you they work great and are worth the couple of extra $$!!

Thomas and Betts SNS F-Connectors:
https://www.tselectronic.com/thomandbetts/sns1px.html

Tool to compress the fittings:
https://www.tselectronic.com/sargent/dp3195ct.html

John

 

[1fastvx]

FYI...Quad sheilded needs the purple Thomas and Betts SNS F-Connectors.

John

 

[BQuicksilver]

I believe T&B also sells "ultimate" red connectors for RG6Q, at least their website says it works. Not sure what the diff is between the regular and ultimate versions.

After handling one at Lowes today, I'm going to go with the onmiseal pro. Compact and full radial compression.