How to Crimp Coax

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Coaxial cable, commonly referred to as coax, guards against interference from outside noise by wrapping a single conductor with a tube of metal foil and mesh. This tube runs coaxially over the signal conductor. Maintaining the integrity of this shielding tube requires a special crimp termination method for coax. Use this wikiHow guide to learn how to crimp coax.

Steps

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    • Cut off the end of the coax. Use small, sharp wire cutters. Create a squared off surface, rather than a beveled surface.
    • Mold the end of the coax using your fingers. The cylindrical cable will be distorted by the pressure of making the square cut. Mold the end of the cable back into a cylinder.
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    These tools are available at hardware and electrical stores. Make sure that the end of the coax is flush against the wall or guide on the stripping tool. This will ensure proper strip length.
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    Smoothly spin the tool around the coax 4 or 5 times, or until you no longer hear the sound of metal being scored. Keep the rotation in 1 place on the cable. Do not apply any force that would pull on the cable insulation coating.
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    This strips the insulation to expose the wire. The tool will have made 2 cuts. Use your fingers to gently pull off the material nearest the end of the cable. This will expose the bare center conductor. Use your fingers to gently pull off the outer insulation that has been cut free. This will expose a layer of foil.
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    This will expose a layer of metal mesh.
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    Do not tear the layer of foil that is under the metal mesh. The foil must be left in place around the inner insulation. Bend the mesh all the way back so that it is molded over the end of the outer insulation.
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    F connectors are available at hardware and electrical stores. Make sure that the white inner insulation can be seen pressing against the front flange of the connector. If you can't see the insulation, jiggle and continue to push the coax and the connector together. Use straight pressure only. Do not twist the coax in the body of the connector.
  8. 8
    Crimp the connection with a crimper. Place the F connector into a coax crimping tool. Coax crimping tools are available at hardware and electrical stores. Fully squeeze the tool handle and release. Remove the finished crimp connection from the tool.
    • Gently pull on the wire to make sure it holds within the connector.
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  • Question
    What is the length of the insulation I need to remove from the end of the cable?
    Community Answer
    If it is a normal wire, then maybe 1/2 inch.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Wire cutters
      • Coax cable stripping tool
      • F connector
      • F connector compression tool

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Charlie R. Risto

        Jun 29, 2016

        "I am very familiar with electronics and coaxial cables, but never have made a coax connector. The simple ..." more
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