[Paul E Fox II]

Some weeks back, I remember seeing a thread discussing the tools used to create RG6 cables...including recommendations for a good cable crimper. I don't need the latest, greatest, most-expensive device in the world but I would like to be able to make good quality, secure RG6 cables.

Any suggestions (links if possible) for what I should be look at and where to find it?

 

[houskamp]

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=133432&highlight=cable+tools
Or search this forum for "cable tools"

 

[David MacLeod]

I knew there was a post I had seen, but I searched using crimper for some reason .. thanks for linking that.

 

[Paul E Fox II]

I knew there was a post I had seen, but I searched using crimper for some reason .. thanks for linking that.

Exactly what I did...

Thanks for the link.

 

[BUCKMEISTER]

Homemade H.D. cables are great. Just assure that you use quad RG6 with solid copper center conductor that is swept for 3GHZ, and use waterproof 3 GHZ approved compression F connectors. Ohm the cables before use to detect any shorts, also record the resistance from center to center, and braid to braid end to end. I also number all RG6 cables at each end. Then you can know where each is going if problems arise. Hope this helps.
Ron

 

[flipptyfloppity]

I can put it a lot more simply. You want the blue RG (58/6) crimper that works like a hand stapler. It is sold by Datashark in the US and is VERY affordable. It comes in a clamshell (see-through plastic) pack and the cardboard behind it is blue and yellow, very visible. Home Depot carries it I think. It only makes F connectors (i.e. RG), but really that's all you'll ever use. BNC connectors (the other kind of things that are commonly crimped) aren't really used in any home situation.

For a stripper, the ones pictured that are blue are just okay. It is a single-action stripper, so you have to strip each end twice, once for the sheath, once to expose the center conductor.

You want the blue plastic one that has a ring on the end where you put your finger in. It also has a black block you can take out and flip around to do RG 58/6/etc. It does an end in one pass. I believe this is also available at Home Depot. One good thing about it is that you rarely need to adjust it when changing cable. There is a black plastic fully adjustable double-action stripper that is commonly found (you can recognize it because you the printed name (58 or 6) through a little circular window as you adjust it) and it would appear to be a premium product. It's not. It is difficult to adjust correctly and it is common to have to readjust it when changing to other cables that are even slightly different.

All these strippers have a small blade they want you to use to actually cut cable (i.e. before crimping). To be honest, none of them really fill the bill. You're going to need a good pair of steel dikes if you want to make more than a few cuts. This is also good because the blades these strippers have are not rated to cut CCS (steel conductor) cable (which is common), and will dull and deform very quickly if you do so. This is not an issue when just stripping, as a stripper doesn't cut the center conductor back.

Unless you live near a strong radio transmitter or are running very long cables (over 200'), you don't really need quad shield. I often use it anyway, if I can find it.

 

[flipptyfloppity]

For example, you don't want this stripper:

http://www.altex.com/Paladin-DataShark-Coaxial-Cable-Stripper-70002-P140010.aspx

Because it is too fiddly (requires multiple actions) and not adjustable at all.

You want one like this:

http://www.altex.com/Prestige-Coaxial-Cable-Stripper-RG58-RG59-RG62-24-7737P-P140015.aspx

Although not necessarily that particular one.

There are metal strippers out there too, but unless you are into sharpening blades, you're just going to throw out your stripper after a while anyway (or you'll lose it), so a plastic one probable makes more sense.

 

[rudeney]

FlipptyFloppity is right about that the one he recommends. Just be careful that after each use, you check for any stray insulation and shielding remnants. One small piece can cause the stripper not to work right. Also, before installing the connector, inspect the stripped end to make sure the center conductor is completely free and clear of and shielding. Make sure the shielding mesh is pushed well away from the conductor and any foil was clearly cut away. When you do push the end on, make sure the center white insulator is just even with the “seat” of the connector. This will prevent the center conductor for being able to make contact with the ground.

 

[Grentz]

and a tip I learned awhile back, use a good set of scissors and cut the center conductor at an angle to make a point. Makes inserting it easier (into components).

 

[joe diamond]

Been usin a knife & pliers most of ma career!............When them damn Russians blue up it was because they tried to use American crimpers! You cut the wire with a good carpet knife and crunch it with a $12.00 Chinaman crimp tool and you will do well. For HD crunch hard.......that signal is 23,000 miles out and then 23,000 miles back. We don't want no leaks!

Joe

 

[joe diamond]

and a tip I learned awhile back, use a good set of scissors and cut the center conductor at an angle to make a point. Makes inserting it easier (into components).

So you are he one!

I bleed on white carpet because YOU cut the center wire at an angle..and left about a mile of "stinger".........when 1 / 16" was enough.

How do you get a beer in this place.........grrrrrrrrr........wife gone to bed...........gotta go!

Joe