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Installing coax cable end fittings is not very difficult. It may take a little practice but it is a simple process once you get the hang of it. I suggest that when purchasing coax cable end connectors buy a few extra. Once you crimp or compress a coax cable end it can't be used again.

                                                   Basic Tools

Top Left: A crimp tool is used with crimp type fittings.     

Top Right: A compression tool is used with compression fittings.

Bottom Left: A quality set of wire cutters is a must when cutting cable. It's important that the cable isn't crushed out of shape and the cut is clean.

Bottom Right: Wire strippers make the job of preparing the cable much easier.

Step #1

Adjust the wire strippers so the first cut is down to the center copper wire. Adjust the second cut so it cuts through the rubber jacket only but not through the wire braiding just below the rubber jacket. This may take several attempts to get the tool adjusted just right.

Step #2

With the stripper properly adjusted insert the cable into the strippers so the end of the cable is flush with the edge of the stripper. Spin the stripper around the cable until it turns freely. Pull the stripper away from the cable while lightly squeezing the jaws of the stripper onto the cable. You should now have a cable ready to install a connector.

At right is a properly prepared coax cable 
Be sure to fold the wire braid back
over the rubber jacket as shown

Crimp Fitting →

Step #3

Slide the proper coax cable connector onto the cable. This sometimes requires a pair of pliers to grip the connector if the fitting is stubborn is does not want to slide on easily.

Compression Fitting →

This is how a crimp connector should look when you're ready to crimp the connector. →

The white insulation surrounding the center copper wire should come flush with the whole in the inside center of the connector.

This is how a compression fitting should look when you're ready to compress the connector →

Crimp Fitting →

With the coax cable connector properly fitted to the cable insert it into the crimp tool as shown at right. When the connector is properly in place squeeze the handle to crimp the connector onto the cable. The first slot of the tool is for RG 59 cable and the second slot (as shown) is for RG 6 coax cable.

 Compression Fitting →

With the compression connector properly fitted to the cable insert the fitting into the compression tool copper wire first as shown at right. When the connector is in place squeeze the handle to compress the connector onto the cable.

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