Satellite Cable Crimpers.

[Bahco]

I would like to get a proper tool for crimping female connectors onto a satellite cable properly so they don't keep falling off

I would appreciate a link to the tool I need please.

Many thanks.

 

[Spark123]

What sort of connector are you crimping on? I have only used male ones with a female-female adaptor. The male F-type connectors screw onto the cable and will take a bit of abuse before coming off.

 

[Fred_Fanackapan]

Normally MALE connectors are use on satellite cable. These are F connectors and use the co-ax inner as the pin. If a female connector is required then a Male F connector is used with a Female to Female barrel.

 

[breezer]

clicky

 

[Lectrician]

clicky

Thats for BNC's and TNC's aint it!

 

[Bahco]

THESE are what I need to attach onto the cable.

Thanks Breezer for link but I don't really want to spend that much for occasional use.

 

[plugwash]

those are twist on plugs, you do not need any kind of crimp tool to put them on. you wrap the braid back over the sheath and then twist the plug onto the cable. Make sure you buy the correct size for your cable, an undersized plug won't fit, an oversized plug will probablly fall off.

You can get crimp on F connectors which are more reliable and faster to put on but the tools are too expensive for occasional use.

 

[SeanT]

Maplin do a slightly cheaper version of that tool, about 16 quid or so, I have one, but if buying again I'd get the slightly more expensive one as the one I have doesn't fit as many sizes of connector, and is a sod to do BNC centre pins with.

 

[toasty]

Those screw on ones are good, as long as they are the right size for the cable. Last time the sky+ man came round he was using them - so they must be good.

I've got them at home and they stay on a treat, if you are unsure then you can wrap tape over the cable and plug (once installed) to stop them unscrewing and just to provide a bit more strength (I use the tape to colour code them at the same time - handy if like me you've got quad LNBs or whole house aerial distribution systems.

I've got a picture somewhere - http://www.yourmissus.com/lighting/pages/dimmerrack2.html There! You can just about see the amplifier there (sadly most of the F plugs go in at the top) but they are all screw on and have been there for a few years with no problem (that amp is a good one too, if you are looking to install anything similar)

Maplin are very expensive for both cable and the plugs, I got mine from tlc, very reasonable

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXSATP.html - plug
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CAPF100B.html - cable


It is really important that the cable matches the plug, or else they a) fall off b) won't go on. I can say from experience that the above products fit nicely - i.e it's a bit of an effort screwing the plugs on, but they stay on.


Good crimpers are expensive, cheap ones are not worth the money, screw on plugs are a nice solution I think.
-Dan

Hope this helps
-Dan

 

[Chri5]

Dan- Cable boots, the same as BNC ones work a treat.

Protect it a bit more and act as strain relief.

 

[toasty]

Thanks Chris, they look good, I'll get me some of those. Cheers!

 

[Sureitsoff?]

Maplin are very expensive for both cable and the plugs, I got mine from tlc, very reasonable

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXSATP.html - plug
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CAPF100B.html - cable


srewfix are cheaper for the plugs

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/17061...s-Connectors/Philex-Coaxial-F-Plug-Pack-of-10

£3.20 for fifty and i personally use a neoprene sleeve over every f plug i fit to cable ie these
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/search/searchBrowseAction.html?method=getProduct&R=0399603

they cover any stray braid ends and stop the plug unscrewing

 

[plugwash]

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/17061/Electrical/TV-Range/Leads-Connectors/Philex-Coaxial-F-Plug-Pack-of-10

They don't say what type of cable thier plugs are for! Since you need the right plugs for your cable to get a solid connection I would avoid buying from them.

 

[kwikfix328]

I can sometimes be a good idea to dip the end of the cable in silicon grease,prior to making the connection not only does it help to lubricate the screw on type plugs whilst assembling , but also helps to weatherseal them. The screw thread easily cuts through the grease to make a good connection to the braid.
Satellite dishes , specifically the LMB business end typically live in pretty crappy conditions.

I found this website here to have a good wealth of useful information, parts and tools.

http://www.satcure.co.uk/index.html

 

[Bahco]

Thanks for all replies.