Attaching Connectors to Coax

[vachief]

OK, this is probably going to sound like a very dumb question....but I am not sure how to use the tools I got to attach the connectors to RG-6. I ordered some tools, figuring this would be rather simple...but they didn't come with any instructions, and they aren't intuitive (to me) on how to use.

Could someone explain how I am supposed to use this stripper:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10509&cs_id=1050903&p_id=3354&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

...and also, how do I use this compression tool?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10509&cs_id=1050902&p_id=3358&seq=1&format=1#largeimage

Any other tips/info you could provide would be extremely appreciated.

[sswheeler]

Make sure the 6 is showing, place cable in stripper making sure that the side you are stripping is the side that will strip ogg. It should show which side of the toll it will strip. The compression tool it easy. Just place the connector on the end of that stripped cable and place in tool. The is a stop on the back where the connector will sit and then the stripped portion of the cable stinger will go into the hole on the tool. Sorry couldn't make it easier to expalin.

[vachief]

Not sure what you mean by making sure the 6 is showing. It shows 59, 6, 7, 11. I assume that the 59 and 6 are the same setting and 7 and 11 are the other setting. Right? OK, so there are many places that it looks like you can put the cable in. Should I put it between the 59 and 6? I tried that, but it only strips down to the silver part.

[doctor j]

Try these sites.

1) Stripping:

http://www.swhowto.com/CoaxStrip.htm

2) Compression:

http://www.hometech.com/learn/coaxterm.html

Doctor j

[vachief]

2) Compression:

http://www.hometech.com/learn/coaxterm.html

Doctor j

Thanks for the links. I think I am making some progress. For the compression part, I am using PPC EX6XL connectors. On the link above, it looks like they are using an SNS connector that has two seperate pieces. I am stuck at the "Untwist the black ring from the SNS connector part". It doesn't appear that the EX6XL connectors come apart. Is there a different method to attaching these? I can't seem to figure out how to get them on securely.

[xzi]

Thanks for the links. I think I am making some progress. For the compression part, I am using PPC EX6XL connectors. On the link above, it looks like they are using an SNS connector that has two seperate pieces. I am stuck at the "Untwist the black ring from the SNS connector part". It doesn't appear that the EX6XL connectors come apart. Is there a different method to attaching these? I can't seem to figure out how to get them on securely.

I know the compressing fittings I used didn't have 2 parts, just put it over the top loosely (but completely over the end) and compress. Viola!

[vachief]

I know the compressing fittings I used didn't have 2 parts, just put it over the top loosely (but completely over the end) and compress. Viola!

OK, I am trying this, it compresses...but then the connector falls right off. So frustrating!

If anyone has pictures/vidoes or a step by step guide specifically using EX6XL connectors, I'd find that very helpful. I think they only way I am going to understand this is by seeing someone else do it. Had I realized how difficult this was going to be, I would have just had DirecTV come and do it. My DIY skills obviously stink. :)

[TigersFanJJ]

It sounds like you aren't pushing the connector onto the cable far enough. The connector shouldn't fall off. It should grab onto the cable even before you crimp it.

1. Strip the cable as shown in the picture.
2. Insert the cable into the connector. Twist the connector as you are pushing it onto the connector to make it slide on easier.
3. Push the connector on until the dielectric (the white center part of the cable) is flush with the inside of the top of the connector. Not the screw on part, but the top of the hole that you see if you are looking into the screw on part.
4. If the connector doesn't want to push all the way on, you may need to pull the cable back out and try again. Sometimes the dielectric gets caught on the center sleeve inside the connector, making it hard to get the connector onto the cable.
5. Once you get the connector on properly, the copper center pin should be sticking out past the screw on cap approximately 1/8th of an inch. Cut off the excess if sticking out further than that. If it doesn't stick out past the end, cut the cable and start over, making sure to strip more of the cable.
6. Open the handle on the compression tool, insert the center pin into the hole as you are sliding the connector into place, and compress.

Hope this helps.

[TigersFanJJ]

Found a decent instructional video here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caLcqZ8cJsQ).

There is only a couple of things I'd do differently than shown. First, PPC recommends that you do not cut off the excess braid that is showing when you strip the cable. They say to to fold it back as it helps the connector to grip the cable. Also, don't cut the center conductor flush with the end of the connector. Leave it sticking past the end of the connector approximately 1/8th of an inch as I said earlier and you will save yourself from having problems later on.

[vachief]

How long should the two levels of stripped wire be? It seems like the RG-6 doesn't go in very far into the connector. Once it gets past the stripped part, there is only about a 1/4" left for the fully covered section. I am inserting 1/4", but that doesn't seem to hold, it still slides off easily.

[tworivers1]

The 59 and 6 cable use diameter size connectors. I cant remember but one will just slip right off when your finished compressing it. If you put the two type connectors together you can see the difference in the hole inside for the white part is different.

[vachief]

The 59 and 6 cable use diameter size connectors. I cant remember but one will just slip right off when your finished compressing it. If you put the two type connectors together you can see the difference in the hole inside for the white part is different.

Ahhh... I think that maybe my problem. I was practicing on an old piece of cable that I had, before I went to do the real thing. I have no idea if it is 59 or 6...but given that it pretty old, it is likely 59. I know that the cable that I use in my actual hookup is 6, so I will go and give it a shot. I am such an idiot! :)

[jdspencer]

The stripper should strip the outer insulation and cut the inner insulation to the proper length. When you put the connector on the cable the outer cover of the cable will bottom out in the connector. If you look into the connector you'll see the inner insulation right at the level of the inside bottom. Then the conductor will extend about 1/8 inch from the connector.

[vachief]

Yes, my problem was that the scrap cable I was practicing on was RG-59. I went out to do it on my real cabling, which is RG-6 and it was a piece of cake.

Thanks to everyone who chimed in with help and suggestions. This is a really great forum with some very helpful folks on here. You guys are the best!

[Davenlr]

Found a decent instructional video here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caLcqZ8cJsQ).


Thanks. Ive never tried compression connectors, always thought they were voodoo cuz I didnt understand them. After watching this video, Im slapping myself at how simple it is. Gonna go out and get some, and replace my old coax with crimped on connectors, with some nice, cut to length compression ones.

[taz291819]

Thanks. Ive never tried compression connectors, always thought they were voodoo cuz I didnt understand them. After watching this video, Im slapping myself at how simple it is. Gonna go out and get some, and replace my old coax with crimped on connectors, with some nice, cut to length compression ones.

Been using compression connectors for years, they work like a champ. Give 'em a shot, you'll never go back.

[wallfishman]

one thing that i see new guys do all the time is get the silver braid wrapped around the copper center conductor. when you are done stripping it you need to peel back the silver looking braid, all of it. then slide on your connector, crimp it and check it again. If 1 tiny piece of that braid is touching that center piece of copper that fitting will short out your whole setup causing bad readings, wont work, etc. double check that everytime. the other thing to check is after you compress it that the black plastic piece you see on the fitting is compressed up in there as far as it will go. different tools are made for different fittings etc. I have a few that are fixed and a few that are adjustable for this. if that piece is not all the way compressed as far as it will go that fitting will come loose.