I am looking to get some tools to make my coax cables. For the most part it
will be regular cable feed with F connectors. But I might also use BNC
connectors for other things down the road so I want to get something more
than a "disposable" tool.

After some research I think the best place to get one is on Ebay to get a
better quality yet used ones. But I am surprised these tools have such a
variation in price - from $12.95 to $250 and above and I can't tell the
difference?

Also some of the tools are described as "compression crimp tool". I thought
there are two kinds - those you crimp (compresses the metal to bite into the
wire all around - usually results in a hex shape connector) or those you
compress (which compresses the connector lengthwise) no?

Someone suggested Snap-N-Seal connectors to me, are those special
connectors? Will those require a special tool to install?

What about strippers? Is it better to buy a separate stripper or go for
those tools that have the crimp/compress/strip all in one piece?

Thanks,

MC

"miamicuse" wrote in message
...
I am looking to get some tools to make my coax cables. For the most part
it
will be regular cable feed with F connectors. But I might also use BNC
connectors for other things down the road so I want to get something more
than a "disposable" tool.

After some research I think the best place to get one is on Ebay to get a
better quality yet used ones. But I am surprised these tools have such a
variation in price - from $12.95 to $250 and above and I can't tell the
difference?

Also some of the tools are described as "compression crimp tool". I
thought
there are two kinds - those you crimp (compresses the metal to bite into
the
wire all around - usually results in a hex shape connector) or those you
compress (which compresses the connector lengthwise) no?

Someone suggested Snap-N-Seal connectors to me, are those special
connectors? Will those require a special tool to install?

What about strippers? Is it better to buy a separate stripper or go for
those tools that have the crimp/compress/strip all in one piece?

Thanks,

MC



For example, what is the difference between this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RCA-F-BNC-CO...c mdZViewItem

which is $19.95

versus this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Compression-... QcmdZViewItem

which is $39.95

versus this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/RADIAL-360-COMPR...c mdZViewItem

which is $89.95?

Does anyone has a special stripper and compression tool to recommend if I
would like to spend less than $75.00 total for both?

Thanks,

MC

"miamicuse" wrote in message
...
I am looking to get some tools to make my coax cables. For the most part
it
will be regular cable feed with F connectors. But I might also use BNC
connectors for other things down the road so I want to get something more
than a "disposable" tool.

After some research I think the best place to get one is on Ebay to get a
better quality yet used ones. But I am surprised these tools have such a
variation in price - from $12.95 to $250 and above and I can't tell the
difference?

Also some of the tools are described as "compression crimp tool". I
thought
there are two kinds - those you crimp (compresses the metal to bite into
the
wire all around - usually results in a hex shape connector) or those you
compress (which compresses the connector lengthwise) no?

Someone suggested Snap-N-Seal connectors to me, are those special
connectors? Will those require a special tool to install?

What about strippers? Is it better to buy a separate stripper or go for
those tools that have the crimp/compress/strip all in one piece?

Thanks,

MC

I prefer compression tools, your description as the hex variety. Squeezing
the cable is not a good idea or practice. Sure someone who does it every
days has the "touch" I do not do it every day.

http://www.jensentools.com/product/s...imper&x=27&y=9

Your references are from tools that would be for a hobbyist to production
work.
Your spec was for F connectors, look for a tool that has changeable heads.
They are out there.
I do not know why you would even want to consider bnc's connectors. I have
had lots of problems with them in the past. Quit using same cause of the
problems.

I like the ratchet crimpers, they tend to give consistent crimps every time.
More so over the other kind.

Your budget and amount of the crimps would be my guide.
Try to find a store so you can get hands on for something that you like.
Then look for the price on the web.
The Jensen store is just a half mile from me.

miamicuse wrote:
"miamicuse" wrote in message
...

I am looking to get some tools to make my coax cables. For the most part

it

will be regular cable feed with F connectors. But I might also use BNC
connectors for other things down the road so I want to get something more
than a "disposable" tool.

After some research I think the best place to get one is on Ebay to get a
better quality yet used ones. But I am surprised these tools have such a
variation in price - from $12.95 to $250 and above and I can't tell the
difference?

Also some of the tools are described as "compression crimp tool". I

thought

there are two kinds - those you crimp (compresses the metal to bite into

the

wire all around - usually results in a hex shape connector) or those you
compress (which compresses the connector lengthwise) no?

Someone suggested Snap-N-Seal connectors to me, are those special
connectors? Will those require a special tool to install?

What about strippers? Is it better to buy a separate stripper or go for
those tools that have the crimp/compress/strip all in one piece?

Thanks,

MC




For example, what is the difference between this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RCA-F-BNC-CO...c mdZViewItem

which is $19.95

versus this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Compression-... QcmdZViewItem

which is $39.95

versus this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/RADIAL-360-COMPR...c mdZViewItem

which is $89.95?

Does anyone has a special stripper and compression tool to recommend if I
would like to spend less than $75.00 total for both?

Thanks,

MC



For F connectors, the difference is the type, RG-59, RG-6, and if
outside sealed types, etc. I use a crimper that is all metal that has
two size holes in a HEX pattern that will crimp both regular RJ-59 and
RJ-6 types. I think I bought a Radio Shack several years ago for about
$25 then. Can find at some electrical/electronic supply places, seem
some at a few of the home improvement centers.

BNC connectors widely vary between manufacturers and crimp types.
Usually there is a specific tool for most BNC type crimp connectors.
Each manufacturer having their own tool to match.

I have only used BNC connectors with 50 ohm coax cables for electronic
instrumentation. F connectors are usually used on TV cable rated at 75 ohm.