How To Strip Coax Cable

Stripping the cable is not very difficult and can be done with a little practice.While tools designed specifically for this purpose are available for relatively little cost, this wiki will explain how to strip the cable and satellite TV cable with a common razor knife and cutter.

Step 1: The end of the cable will be pointed away from your body if you hold it in one hand.

Step 2: If you don't extend the blade already, hold the razor knife in your dominant hand.

Step 3: Press the edge of the blade into the cable at a right angle, about an inch from the end.

The object of this cut is to cut through the outer jacket, layers of foil and braids, and the center conductor, which is usually white in color.As the blade sinks deeper into the cable there will be some opposition.The pressure of the blade should be reduced when it approaches the halfway point.This will happen when the center conductor of the cable is at the halfway point.It is important that the center conductor is not damaged by nicking it with the blade.

Step 4: Run the blade halfway around the cable.

As you cut around the center conductor, do not allow the blade to nick the conductor.

Step 5: Reposition the cable so that the blade can easily be moved around to continue the cut, while still being held in a comfortable position.

Step 6: Put the tool down after you return the blade to the storage position.

The cable needs to be grasped between the end and the fresh cut.Pull the end off the cable while twisting it back and forth.

Step 7: Pick up the stray wires from themetallic shield or braid by removing the cable end.

Step 8: Use a knife or wire cutter to cut off braid wires that extend beyond the jacket.

Step 9: Make sure the center conductor is free of nicks.

If it is nicked, you will have to repeat the steps until you can perform them without damaging the conductor.If never attempted before, it may take 6 to 10 attempts before it can be done successfully.

Step 10: If there is film or foam remaining from the center conductor, it is a good idea to remove it with a fingernail.

The center conductor should be clean all the way around.

Step 11: Prepare for the removal of the outer jacket by holding the cable again.

There are different ways to attach a "F" to a cable.Unless you are using a different version of the "F" connectors, they should be attached to the cables prepared with the dimensions used here.

Step 12: The blade on the jacket needs to be aligned back from the cut made in the previous step.

This cut is to leave the braid intact and only penetrate the jacket.The cut will be the same as the first cut.Many "F" connections specify that the braid should not be removed.It can be removed later if needed, so leave it in place for now.The braids are woven around the length of the foam and lie beneath the jacket.The wires that make up the braid are small and easy to cut.In the same way as in the first cut to the center conductor, gently press the blade into the jacket and run it around the cable.Press the tip of the blade against the jacket at the cut and gently cut the cable.Don't cut the braid.

Step 13: Put the tool down when you return the blade to the storage position.

Remove the 16 inch jacket from the cable and braid it.

Step 14: The braid should be folded over the jacket.

The center conductor is surrounded by the dielectric.There is no reason to worry if the braid wires were cut.If there are any requirements for the "F" connector you will place on the end of the cable, check them.

Step 15: Look at the end of the cable.

It is important that there are no wires between the center conductor and the braid.Anything that can easily be bridged between the two parts should be shown by the white dielectric.Don't remove anything found.

Step 16: The end of the cable has a "F" connector on it.

If you want to make a final inspection, look into the connector.Before securing to the cable, make sure there is no debris between the center conductor and the "F" connector.

Step 17: When viewed from the end, the "F" connector is fully seated on the cable if the dielectric is flush with the bottom.

It should not be more than 16 inches from the bottom of the connector.The center conductor should not be in contact with the "F" connection.

Step 18: Attach the "F" connector to the cable with a tool designed for it.

The Coax compression tool is a crimping tool.

Step 19: Inexpensive tool.

Step 20: Cut the center conductor so that it extends beyond the "F" connection.