Finally got my hands on that new Klein coax compression tool

Wasted $75 on a generic brand last year because it was cheaper. The crimps failed on three different jobs before I gave up and bought the right one. Anyone have a good method for testing a crimp before you button everything up?

2 comments

2 Comments

gavin_clark14h ago

Ever try pulling on the connector by hand after you crimp it? I mean, not like a full strength yank, but a solid tug on the cable and the connector itself. If it slips or feels loose at all, the crimp is bad. I also check if the metal sleeve is evenly crushed all the way around, because sometimes the tool doesn't close fully. It's saved me a few times before I put the heat shrink on.

emeryfox12h ago

Wait, I actually disagree with @gavin_clark on the pull test. A solid tug can mess up a good crimp by stretching the metal sleeve or pulling wires partway out. I check by looking at the crimp itself, not yanking it. If the insulation grip bites in evenly and the wire strands are visible right up to the end of the barrel, that's my go-to. A visual check has never failed me.