How to Strip a Connected Coaxial Cable Safely and Accurately

Coaxial cables are essential in many electronic applications, from TV reception to internet connectivity. In scenarios where you need to work with a connected coaxial cable, it's crucial to strip it carefully without damaging critical components. This article will walk you through the step-by-step process of safely stripping a connected coaxial cable, ensuring your repairs are precise and reliable.

Tools and Materials Needed

Razor knife Razor blade storage tool Wire cutters or diagonal pliers Cricket trimmer or similar Coax compression connector tool Coax connector crimping tool Optional: Film remover, nail file, or similar

Step-by-Step Guide

Begin by holding the razor knife in your dominant hand, extending the blade if necessary. Ensure the blade is not touching the point, as the objective is to cut the outer jacket of the cable.

Press the edge of the blade into the cable at a right angle, perpendicular to the cable surface, about an inch from the end. This cut aims to penetrate through the outer jacket and potentially the braids and dielectric foam surrounding the center conductor. There will be some resistance as the blade cuts through these layers. Take care not to damage the center conductor, which is at the cable's halfway point. Ease up on the pressure as the blade nears the center conductor.

Rotate the blade halfway around the cable, ensuring the blade does not nick the center conductor as it continues to cut. Adjust the cable in your hand as needed to keep the blade comfortable and in control.

Return the blade to its storage position and put the tool down. Gripping the cable between the cut end and the fresh cut, firmly pull the end off while twisting it back and forth to ensure a clean separation.

Discard the cut end and carefully clean up any loose wires or filaments around the cable.

Cut off any stray braid wires that extend beyond the cable jacket so that they are flush with the jacket, using the knife or wire cutters.

Gently inspect the center conductor for any nicks. If a nick is found, repeat the stripping process. It may take multiple attempts to achieve a clean strip without damaging the conductor.

Use your fingernail or a film remover tool to carefully scrape the remaining dielectric foam from the center conductor, ensuring the entire length of the conductor is clean.

Repeat the cable preparation steps by holding the cable, positioning the razor blade as before, about 1 and a half inch (0.8 cm) back from the previous cut. This time, the goal is to penetrate only the jacket, leaving the braid intact. Make a perpendicular cut, then return the blade to storage and lay the tool down.

Peel off the remaining jacket, exposing the braid that covers the dielectric around the center conductor. Some braid wires may be cut in this process, but it's not critical.

Reorient the cable so the braid is folded back over the outer jacket. This exposes the dielectric surrounding the center conductor. Inspect to ensure there are no filings or other debris between the center conductor and the braid. Clean any found.

Place the cable in the corresponding connector, ensuring that the center conductor is not in contact with any conductive parts and that it does not extend more than 1 and a half inch (0.8 cm) from the bottom of the connector.

Finalize the connection by using a coax compression connector tool and coax connector crimping tool. Secure the connector to the cable firmly but carefully, following the manufacturer's guidelines.

Clean up any additional debris or filaments around the cable. The final check is to inspect the connector, confirming no conductive debris is present and that the center conductor is properly seated.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can strip a connected coaxial cable efficiently and accurately, ensuring a professional and reliable repair job. Whether you're a hobbyist, DIY enthusiast, or a professional, this guide will prove invaluable in maintaining and servicing your coaxial cables.