Do I NEED a special tool to put ends on this coaxial cable?

[ManBearPig]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10216&cs_id=1021603&p_id=3035&seq=1&format=2

I was told I need a compression tool. Really don't feel like spending more money. Is there anyway I can put at end on without the tool?

Thank ye

 

[FleshLight]

If it is as pictured, you don't need anything.

 

[Kaervak]

Seems from the description that it already has ends on it. However if it doesn't, yes I'd get a compression connector tool. You can use screw on F connectors but, IMO, they're garbage. When I switched my RG-6 from crimp connectors to compression connectors the signal levels for my cable modem improved quite a bit. Compression connectors are a much more solid connection.

 

[BoomerD]

Hit your local Radio Shack. You should be able to get a cheap crimping tool similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ace-Coax-Crim...FC/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1329681001&sr=8-31

 

[mcvickj]

I agree with Kaervak. Compression is the way to go if you need to replace the F connectors. I had terrible results with the screw on kind.

 

[ManBearPig]

Does the quality of the crimper make a diff? I wouldn't mind getting the $6 one but if it sucks, no thx. If its just harder to use then that is fine.

 

[edro]

They also make push on connectors too.
I used on for a satellite coax and it works fine.

As long as the shield mesh is making contact with the outer shell of the connector, it is fine.

 

[Doppel]

I always use screw. Just because the others are technically better does not mean you need that. Screw will not come undone unless you are arthritic and lack finger strength and interference comparison is minimal at best. For the most part all these things are doing is holding the cable in place.

 

[BoomerD]

Does the quality of the crimper make a diff? I wouldn't mind getting the $6 one but if it sucks, no thx. If its just harder to use then that is fine.

Does it make a difference? Probably...but you're not going to be using it day in/day out, making your living terminating coax...for the occasional use, that one should be fine. I have one that I bought maybe 20 years ago...it's a horribly cheap piece of crap...but for no more often than I use it...it's fine.

 

[Ichinisan]

At first glance, it looks like it's already terminated.

 

[mobobuff]

Who told you you needed a compression tool? The cable in the picture already has connectors (cheap looking connectors, but they should do the job). If you plan on making multiple custom length cables from that, then I'd suggest compression connectors and a compression tool. You'll also need a stripper tool. Here's a picture of my babies.

 

[ManBearPig]

Err...wanna let me borrow your babies for a little while? :awe:

 

[allenk09]

Before I knew what coax actually was before becoming a ham radio operator, I stuck the center conductor right in the center conductor of the TV input, done.

F Connectors are stupid IMO. Just cut some off, but leave like an inch of center conductor, then cut the insulation off leaving the foil or braid, stuff it all in and get some pliers and crank down on it. Done.

 

[mobobuff]

Err...wanna let me borrow your babies for a little while? :awe:

If you've got a project going that you can make use of them, I wouldn't mind paying the postage to get them to you. I don't have anymore connectors though, and I haven't found any suppliers that carry the type I used to use, but these should work just fine. As long as you can post the tools back to me whenever, it should be a solid deal. If you haven't already purchased the 100ft cable, I might also be able to include a 100+ft of stock RG6 cable to use as you wish.

 

[Modelworks]

Get the compression tool. It is more money but is the right way to do F connectors. Crimping is the old way and not a good way, it deforms the shielding and changes the capacitance at the connector. Compression connections are also available with an o-ring for weatherproofing.

 

[Eug]

If you need to put on new connectors, get the compression tool and good quality compression type connectors.

You can get the compression tool from Monoprice for cheap:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050902&p_id=3358&seq=1&format=2

You'll need a coaxial cable stripper too:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050902&p_id=3360&seq=1&format=2

You can get Thomas & Betts connectors from eBay for a decent price. However, sizing is important. For RG6 (not quad-shielded) I've used the red SNS1P6U "Ultimate" connectors and the regular blue SNS1P6 connectors:

http://www.specialized.net/Specialized/Assets/ProductSpecifications/272X838.PDF

 

[ManBearPig]

If you've got a project going that you can make use of them, I wouldn't mind paying the postage to get them to you. I don't have anymore connectors though, and I haven't found any suppliers that carry the type I used to use, but these should work just fine. As long as you can post the tools back to me whenever, it should be a solid deal. If you haven't already purchased the 100ft cable, I might also be able to include a 100+ft of stock RG6 cable to use as you wish.

Uh WOW! I might be sending you a PM soon my friend! I actually do need cable too. :awe: My old parents love to watch channels on FTA satellite so I'm changing all the RG59 wire to RG6, drawing a new line to their room, getting a new LNBF, and adding a couple of new satellite boxes.

Needless to say, I had no idea what I was getting myself into before I started. I didn't know you needed all these tools lol. So my budget I set got completely blown away which I can't really afford.

Anyway, thanks for the opportunity and I'll shoot you a PM so we can work something out (if not, that's cool too)! Appreciate it!

You can get Thomas & Betts connectors from eBay for a decent price. However, sizing is important. For RG6 (not quad-shielded) I've used the red SNS1P6U "Ultimate" connectors and the regular blue SNS1P6 connectors:

http://www.specialized.net/Specialized/Assets/ProductSpecifications/272X838.PDF

Thanks for the info and mentioning the connectors, totally forgot about that. I think I only need like...6 connectors lol.

 

[Eug]

If you're just starting out, you'll probably need twice as many. You'll probably screw up a few the first time around.

 

[Ichinisan]

You'll need a coaxial cable stripper too:

My prep tool is like that. Doesn't work very well either. Probably needs to be adjusted.

 

[ManBearPig]

If you're just starting out, you'll probably need twice as many. You'll probably screw up a few the first time around.

I figured it would be pretty straight forward lol. Guess not heh.

 

[BoomerD]

I still say that for a small job like he has, (6 ends to crimp) he doesn't need a dedicated stripper or a fancy crimper.
He can strip the coax with a simple knife,(I use a utility knife) and a cheap crimper.

 

[Imp]

Crimp is shit. I bought a crimoer and some F-connectors to screw around way back when. Didn't buy the stripped though... Anyways, piss poor connection and the compression is the one cable people use.

 

[mobobuff]

Uh WOW! I might be sending you a PM soon my friend! I actually do need cable too. :awe: My old parents love to watch channels on FTA satellite so I'm changing all the RG59 wire to RG6, drawing a new line to their room, getting a new LNBF, and adding a couple of new satellite boxes.

Needless to say, I had no idea what I was getting myself into before I started. I didn't know you needed all these tools lol. So my budget I set got completely blown away which I can't really afford.

Anyway, thanks for the opportunity and I'll shoot you a PM so we can work something out (if not, that's cool too)! Appreciate it!



Thanks for the info and mentioning the connectors, totally forgot about that. I think I only need like...6 connectors lol.

Shouldn't be a problem. I'll have to double-check to see if I've still got that spool of RG6 and I'll get back to you.

 

[ManBearPig]

Shouldn't be a problem. I'll have to double-check to see if I've still got that spool of RG6 and I'll get back to you.

Alright, thanks a ton man! No rush, i'll probably wait a little while (until I get the LNBF)!

Alternatively I suppose I could buy and return a tool, but I'm against doing that kind of stuff.

 

[lord_emperor]

If you just need to do it a few times, you can get by with pliers or vise grips. I did low-voltage electrical installation for a few months.

On the other hand if you're wiring your house or something, the proper tool is going to pay for itself in the time you save crimping and cutting off + re-doing the ones your pliers ruin.