RG6 Coax Connectors & Tools

[rckowal]

Can some one, with experience in this subject, please comment on a good compression (NOT CRIMP) tool to buy for DIY & hobby use. I'm looking for one that is reasonable in price (don't want - nor can I afford the best) and capable of installing more than just it's own band of connectors.

I'm currently considering the Paladin "SealTite" PAL901024 tool. Can any one comment on this one - especially from personal experience with it? Can it install other brands of quality connectors like Digicon, Thomas & Betts Snap N Seal, PPC EXXL, etc. that are available for less than $0.75/each? With a little shopping around, this tool is available for $31.00.

There is also a DIY "Zenith brand" compression tool; model ZDS5061, available at Lowes & other stores for about $12.00. Drawback is that they claim it MUST be used (yea sure! - or maybe?) with their connectors; model ZDS5062, which sell for $4.00/pack of two. Has anyone used this tool with other brands of connectors? If so, which ones? By the way, don't confuse this brand new Zenith tool with its predecessor (?ZDS4041 - I think?) which fell apart after the second use. They were recalled a few months ago.

Any & all help will be much appreciated.

[SimpleSimon]

I got my Stirling RG-6 compression tool & 100 Stirling connectors from a local supplier for $71. It has never failed me. Note that the tool was around $30, which means 100 connectors for $40 - that's a lot less than 0.75 each.

You should consider getting a coax stripper, too. I got a gray plastic one from like Home Depot or Lowe's for $12. Once it's set right, a couple of spins on the end of the cable and you have a perfect strip - center & shield. Here's a pic:
http://www.hometech.com/tools/200004.jpg

[rckowal]

Thanks for the reply SimpleSimon, it's appreciated.

I've seen the Stirling advertised (as I recall) for about $40. How do you like the Stirling connectors?

I have a coax stripper identical to the one in your post. Both Home Depot & Lowes sell them locally around here.

Best!

[SimpleSimon]

As I said, my Stirling tool & connectors have never failed me. Maybe they're not the best (or maybe they are), but they sure do work. :)