[TowerTalk] FW: Connector Crimping Tool Advice

[Patrick Greenlee]

DX Engineering coax tools work.  For low volume applications buying the 
military style tools is not cost effective.  I assume you are not 
looking to use these tools on a high volume production line.  DX 
Engineering is good stuff at a better price.  Still not inexpensive, 
just better bang for the buck, comparing new vs new.

Now if only Harbor Freight would sell a version of their hydraulic 
terminal crimpers to do coax...

Patrick        NJ5G


On 12/4/2017 4:06 AM, Matt wrote:
> Hi Mike,
>
> I switched to crimped connectors several years ago without any regrets...
>
> Suggestions:
>
> 1. Buy good quality connectors.  I like the silver Teflon type and buy them
> in quantity from N5IAW.   You can find him on ebay - very knowledgeable
> individual and one of the best vendors I have ever purchased from.
>
> 2.  I have used both the ratcheting jaw type crimping tools (similar to DX
> Engineering and others) as well as the open-frame military style
> manufactured by Daniels.  Either will get the job done.  The open frame
> tools are built like battleships but are not economical unless you find a
> good deal on a used set.
>
> 3.  Buy good coax stripping tools if you don't have any already - it is one
> of the best investments I ever made.   It has saved me an enormous amount of
> time (and grief).  I like the models from DX Engineering and I have found
> them to be really great folks to work with as well.
>
> 4.  Follow the normal best practices for weatherproofing your exposed
> connections - same as you would for solder connectors.   The only thing I do
> a little different is I switched from UHF to N-type for exposed connections
> and place 2 cascading layers of UV resistant heat shrink over a dab of
> sealant around the outside of the finished crimp.   I have not had any
> issues with moisture ingress issues to date and it avoids all the sticky
> mess of wraps.  The only exception is for applications that are difficult to
> access on the tower I do wrap them as well.  Where I have to use UHF
> connectors outdoors they get wrapped.
>
> Hope this info is of use.   Good luck on your project.
>
> 73
> Matt
> KM5VI
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: TowerTalk [mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mike
> Ryan
> Sent: Sunday, December 03, 2017 11:00 PM
> Cc: 'towertalk reflector' <towertalk at contesting.com>
> Subject: [TowerTalk] Connector Crimping Tool Advice
>
>   I am SURE that this has been discussed before, however I now need to pay
> more attention to some first hand accounts and advise on the subject. I am
> considering the purchase of connectors and the proper tool for crimping
> these connectors onto LMR-400 primarily and some other cables over time.  I
> have no problem installing the 'old fashioned' style connectors but hear
> more reports of crimp style connectors being used on the LMR-400 cable than
> in the past.  If good quality installations can be assured I am interested.
> Suggestions? -Mike
>
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