Coaxial cables are common in modern homes and workplaces, transmitting various signals for the Internet, television, and other applications. If you’ve ever needed to set up a new cable connection or repair a damaged one, you’ll know that properly terminating these cables is crucial. That’s where crimping comes in – securely attaching connectors to coaxial cable ends.
The ability to crimp coaxial cables can be a convenient skill, saving you the hassle and cost of calling a technician for something you can do yourself. With the right tools and some guidance, crimping becomes a simple task that anyone can master.
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to crimp coaxial cables of various types accurately. We’ll cover the essential tools and materials needed, explain the different components of a coaxial cable, and guide you through each phase of the crimping process with clear instructions and visuals.
What is a coaxial cable?
The coaxial cable design was pioneered by English engineer and mathematician Oliver Heaviside way back in 1880. This ingenious copper cable features a shielding layer that acts as a gatekeeper, blocking external electrical interference from impacting the signal traveling through the core.
At its core, a coaxial cable consists of a solid or twisted copper channel that carries data, surrounded by an insulating layer and an outer braided shielding. This construction allows for reliable transmission of information across long distances by preventing electrical noise from degrading the signal.
Unsurprisingly, coaxial cabling became the standard for applications like cable TV, telephone lines, and internet connections, where maintaining a clear, uninterrupted signal is paramount. Different coaxial cables are rated for specific impedance levels – commonly 50, 52, 75, or 93 ohms.
The RG-6 format with 75-ohm impedance and dual or quad shielding has emerged as an industry favorite thanks to its widespread use with cable modems and TV receivers. Previously, the slightly smaller RG-59 cable held that mantle for closed-circuit TV signal distribution.
In today’s high-bandwidth world, RG-6 coaxial cabling is recommended for transmitting data from modern devices that demand faster speeds and higher frequencies above 50 MHz. So whether you’re streaming 4K video or gaming online, a properly terminated RG-6 cable ensures a smooth, uncompromised experience.
What do I need to crimp a coaxial cable?
While coaxial cables can be purchased pre-terminated, tackling internet or cable TV installations often requires cutting the cable to length and installing new connectors yourself. This crimping process is a very doable DIY job with the right tools and materials.
To get started crimping coaxial cables at home, you’ll need a few essential items:
- F-Type Coaxial Connectors – These are the industry-standard internet and cable TV signal transmission connectors. The male connectors are used for output sources, while the female ports receive incoming signals.
- Coaxial Cable Stripping Tool – This specialized tool lets you precisely strip away the cable’s outer jacket and expose the precise length of the inner conductor needed for a solid connection.
- Compression Crimping Tool – After prepping the cable end, this tool ensures a tight, secure crimp between the connector and cable to maintain signal integrity.
- Basic Pliers/Cutters – A good all-purpose tool for any rough cutting of cable lengths as needed.
With these relatively inexpensive supplies gathered, you’ll have everything required to terminate coaxial cables right at home properly. This core skill lets you adapt existing cable runs, make repairs, or even build a new coaxial network from scratch.
How to Crimp a coaxial cable?
1. Using a primary cable cutter or pliers, cut the coaxial cable squarely, and close to the end you’ll be terminating.
2. Insert the cable end into the smallest notch. Take your coaxial cable stripping tool. Adjust it to score through the outer jacket, braided shield, and insulation down to the center conductor but not damage the conductor. Rotate the tool several times until you’ve cut through all those outer layers.
3. Carefully remove any loose pieces of the jacket, braided shield, and insulation, leaving only the bare copper conductor exposed.
4. Next, place the cable into the more prominent notch of the stripping tool. Rotate to score a ring just through the outer plastic jacket layer.
5. Fold the exposed braided shielding back over the cable jacket. Only the white dielectric insulator around the conductor should extend past the shielding.
6. With moderate force, insert the prepared cable end into the F-type compression connector, ensuring the folded-back braided shielding remains over the outer jacket.
7. Give the cable a gentle twist as you push it fully into the connector’s inner sleeve to help set it securely before crimping.
8. Finally, use a compression crimp tool designed explicitly for F-connectors to complete the termination, clamping the connector down tightly around the prepared cable end.
Follow these steps meticulously, using the right tools, and you’ll achieve reliable, tight crimps on coaxial cable runs every time.
Can I crimp a coaxial cable without the tools?
You might be tempted to use tools like knives or other pliers to crimp coaxial cables. However, doing so can lead to problems like poor signal quality or even damage to the cable.
That’s why using the right tools for the job is best. Investing in proper pliers and other instruments mentioned in this guide will save you trouble in the long run.
Now that you know how to crimp a coaxial cable don’t forget to share these tips with others who might need them.
