RG6 Compression Tools

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Reply # 598658 22-Mar-2012 13:59

Ha, yeah I did initially read that as you must first put your thumb in the tool....

Chevrolux, that tool photo you posted to is very similar to the Leema sourced one I was looking at. If that's the case you should be able to swap to PPC styled linear compression connectors. If your's is different again then it's probably a radial crimp type and may not be compatible with PPC ones.

Thanks all, as always I appreciate the comments.

DonGould

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Reply # 598678 22-Mar-2012 14:39

http://www.sigtech.co.nz/webapps/p/72000/105425/315429

That Sigtech web site is very cool too! I'm also after a radial crimper for freeview as I've been borrowing one and will need to give it back.

http://www.cdlnz.com/index.html?do=viewproduct&p=NC400&code=CT-H510B - I'd be keen to hear comments on that product.

CDL seem to have a whole range of this stuff: http://www.cdlnz.com/index.html?do=search&keyword=crimp%27&User_Choice=10&skip=10

http://www.cdlnz.com/productimages/pdfs/scs80.pdf - for those who are interested.

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Jaxson

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Reply # 598709 22-Mar-2012 15:17

Seriously, just watch that if you're going to the effort of getting a new tool (like me) that you get a linear compression one. Your first link etc is for a hex crimp and that's about as far as you can get from where you really want to be.

It is tricky though, given the suppliers even drop 'crimp' into their descriptions by mistake/are unaware as resellers what their products really are. Hex/Radial crimps are out and the linear compression approach is in. Right now I'm thinking Jaycar at $35, or it's then $80 for a fancier bit of kit similar to the tool Chevrolux has posted earlier above.

These guys at least have prices listed and include free shipping:
http://www.elive.co.nz/h-tools-compression-crimp-tool-cd0418.php

http://www.elive.co.nz/hanlong-crimp-tool-rg59-cd1734.php

Jaxson

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Reply # 598718 22-Mar-2012 15:49

Past links: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=83&topicid=83213

DonGould

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Reply # 598720 22-Mar-2012 15:53

Jaxson: Seriously, just watch that if you're going to the effort of getting a new tool (like me) that you get a linear compression one. Your first link etc is for a hex crimp and that's about as far as you can get from where you really want to be.

opps... my bad!

I know exactly what the tool is in that first link, I just posted it because it was cool. I borrow those tools from time to time as well, but my mate has about half a dozen of them in different sizes. That kit seemed to have everything in one box. Sorry, the link was a bit OT.

Jaxson:

It is tricky though, given the suppliers even drop 'crimp' into their descriptions by mistake/are unaware as resellers what their products really are. Hex/Radial crimps are out and the linear compression approach is in. Right now I'm thinking Jaycar at $35, or it's then $80 for a fancier bit of kit similar to the tool Chevrolux has posted earlier above.

Ok, I know what a hex crimp is, but what is a radial v's linear?

I confess I don't do enough of this stuff, like many I guess, I just ask a mate "what do I use to put a plug on this?" and he goes "this..." and hands me tool and bits. (Ya I know, lazy, but my brain is only so big... even if my head is bigger ;) )

Also, what's the cable Telstra use on the HFC? Is the same tool used? IIRC it's not RG6 but is a different RG size?

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xarqi

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Reply # 598721 22-Mar-2012 15:57

Jaxson:

http://www.elive.co.nz/hanlong-crimp-tool-rg59-cd1734.php

That's the one I have, that I mentioned above. Seems a durable unit.

chevrolux

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Reply # 598733 22-Mar-2012 16:40

Very good reading! Didn't realise my tool had been outdated lol. I too will be looking in to a new tool. Thanks for the info!

Pock

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Reply # 598800 22-Mar-2012 19:06

I have never seen so much discussion on coaxial connectors and tools in my life!

chevrolux

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Reply # 598845 22-Mar-2012 21:15

My tool is only similar to that one I posted in that the cable enters from the top and the tool forces the crimp up. I would definitely call it a 'radial' crimp. It forces the crimp in to a cone shape around the cable. I think if i tried puling a compression fitting through it 1) the connector will be too long anyway and 2) it would just destroy the crimp. I think $80 is not too much to spend on something that will last you forever. I don't do alot of tv work. Mainly have it for wiring houses so we can offer the 'full solution'.

Jaxson

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Reply # 598874 22-Mar-2012 23:08

Yeah, there are lots of options, each one stepping up from the $40 basic that Cyril and co recommend, up to the intermediate option at $60 and then one of the 2 $80 options. I've asked a SKY tech what he's using as an aside and will see what he comes back with too.

insane

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Reply # 598887 23-Mar-2012 01:00

I guess if you're into crimping a lot of these then getting the right tool makes sense, however if it's a one -ff job then I've seen the screw on type F connectors which simply screw onto the black sheath of the RG6 cable, using the center wire as the pin. Never had a problem with them myself. Used to get them at DSE.

Quick and easy.

xarqi

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Reply # 598888 23-Mar-2012 01:04

Those screw-on connectors are not suitable for exterior use as they offer basically no barrier to water ingress.

insane

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Reply # 598890 23-Mar-2012 01:22

xarqi: Those screw-on connectors are not suitable for exterior use as they offer basically no barrier to water ingress.

Obviously it's nicer to have the proper crimp, however you do get weather sealed screw type ones too with little rubber washers. If you're doing it professionally then obviously you wouldn't show up for a job with these, but for use in your own home ... why not.

Jaxson

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Reply # 598907 23-Mar-2012 08:14

insane: If you're doing it professionally then obviously you wouldn't show up for a job with these, but for use in your own home ... why not.

Because of all the reasons Cyril mentioned above, namely reliability, ability to withstand water ingress, to correctly maintain the signal shielding, achieve minimum insertion loss and for physical strength etc

DonGould

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Reply # 599301 23-Mar-2012 21:45

Jaxson:
insane: If you're doing it professionally then obviously you wouldn't show up for a job with these, but for use in your own home ... why not.

Because of all the reasons Cyril mentioned above, namely reliability, ability to withstand water ingress, to correctly maintain the signal shielding, achieve minimum insertion loss and for physical strength etc

If you're doing one run from the roof to your TV then I don't see what the fuss is about. If it fails then get busy and just change both ends. Just remember to put in enough cable slack to allow for chopping a few ends off and redoing it every so often.

However, if you've got an 8 way splitter in the roof space of a building with a shallow roof and very little crawl space, in a city where the ground sakes often (including while you're in said roof space) and you don't have any slack in any of the cables because it was all done with scrap bits that you got off your mate, who also gave you those screw on connectors, then I recommend getting a jib saw from Bunnings next time you're down there ;)

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