How important is 360 degree compression on connectors?

I'm not sure I see a difference.

The tool "needs a slot" to get the cable in, and out, so how could one be true 360 degrees?

Compressing the metal parts of the connector will have the compressed part done all the way around.

I've used a similar tool to those shown and it did the job quite well. What I liked about it over another was how it supported pressing in the coax firmly, by its shape.

One that looked more like pliers was at 90 degrees and horrible support for pushing the coax fully in.

veryoldschool said:

I'm not sure I see a difference.

The tool "needs a slot" to get the cable in, and out, so how could one be true 360 degrees?

Compressing the metal parts of the connector will have the compressed part done all the way around.

I've used a similar tool to those shown and it did the job quite well. What I liked about it over another was how it supported pressing in the coax firmly, by its shape.

One that looked more like pliers was at 90 degrees and horrible support for pushing the coax fully in.

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I agree about the "slot" that is needed for the cable, but there are models where the two supports spread apart when the cable is pushed in, and then close back up, thus giving it 360 degree support. Like these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PCT-TRS-Ser...672?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4abca2a558

or this tool
http://www.pctstore.com/F_connector_tool_cable_crimper_PCTTRSCTAS_p/pcttrsctas.htm
where the little "gate" closes behind the connector.

See what I mean? Don't know how much better it is than the PPC VT200.

Maybe it's not enough of a difference to be worth worrying about.

longrider said:

I see what you are referring to but I really dont think it matters. When you compress the sleeve down onto the connector it provides 360 degree compression on the cable, I really cant see how 360 contact on the sleeve while compressing would make a difference. I have used this tool for years and have never had a problem with a connector:

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Yeah, that's a very similar design to the PPC VT200, that I linked too, so I guess it will be fine. Maybe the 360 degrees being referred to is on the cable, like you say, and I'm reading into it wrong, and assuming they're talking about the support behind the connector, not really sure. I appreciate the input.

What brand is yours, by the way?

VOLBEAT said:

I agree about...

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The point [and what impressed me] about your first link verses the eBay link/tool, is the curved end that fits in your hand. This was what "felt much better" as I used one over the other.
Cramming coax into connectors all day long, I'd think the curved end tool would be worth it.

veryoldschool said:

The point [and what impressed me] about your first link verses the eBay link/tool, is the curved end that fits in your hand. This was what "felt much better" as I used one over the other.
Cramming coax into connectors all day long, I'd think the curved end tool would be worth it.

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Yeah, that's a good point, and makes perfect sense.

With WildBlue, it's one connection at the dish, two at the ground block, and one more at the modem, so with a couple installs a day, maybe 3 when I get good, it's not too bad.

Not that I care for this type
http://www.pctstore.com/F_connector_tool_cable_crimper_9030US_p/9030us.htm
but the first line under "Features and benefits" is what I'm curious of the importance of:
• "Spring-loaded cable positioners provide 360 degree support against the connector ensuring uniform compression while minimizing faulty connections"

That's the claim made behind all the 360 degree compression tools I've seen, so that's what got me curious. There are also thousands of connectors out there that were installed with tools that don't have 360 degree support, that are just fine.......so there must bne some really cheap tools that offer only partial support during compression, thus possibly causing non uniform compression.

The VT-200 works fine for PPC, Belden, and Perfect Vision connectors. It would probably work well for others, though I haven't tried.

It doesn't work well for PCT connectors. PCT connectors when compressed using it has the metal that isn't supported bend away from the area that it should compress to.

dielray said:

The VT-200 works fine for PPC, Belden, and Perfect Vision connectors. It would probably work well for others, though I haven't tried.

It doesn't work well for PCT connectors. PCT connectors when compressed using it has the metal that isn't supported bend away from the area that it should compress to.

Click to expand...

Yeah, I just ordered the VT-200. I guess that's what happened when I tried to compress the PCT connector with my Ideal tool......it broke in half. That explains it.