[TowerTalk] pull lubricant -- follow-up (installing Heliax connectors)

[Steve Maki]

On 7/26/2011 3:57 PM, Dick Green WC1M wrote:

>> If you ever anticipate installing L4 (1/2") connectors again, do
>> yourself a favor and buy an Andrew Easiax tool. It's just a clamp type
>> manual prep tool with internal razor blades that cuts the shield right
>> on top of a peak and cuts the jacket at the same time. We install
>> thousands of these connectors (usually over 100 on one cell site as we
>> build it) and once you get rolling it takes 4 or 5 minutes per connector
>> max.

> Thanks. I knew about the tool, but for two reasons I didn't buy one:
>
> First, it wasn't clear to me that there were two blades that cut both the
> jacket and the shield. Some of the descriptions implied only one blade,
> which would just cut the jacket.
>
> But more important, when I looked on the Internet to find one, they were
> only available from distributors who sell only to businesses (or, at least
> it looks that way.) Can anyone direct me to a place where I can buy one of
> these tools for a reasonable price?

Yes, I see what you mean. The Andrew Easiax MCPT-L4 is easily available 
from Tessco, Hutton, Pace, etc, but not many consumer oriented dealers 
advertize it. RF Parts has it for 34.50.

I've heard that Tessco will sell to anyone, but if not, drop me a direct 
email with your details and I'll have them drop ship you one.

-Steve K8LX