Making sure the connector is adequately tightened on the mating interface. This requires a suitable torque wrench. When tightening the connector at the tap, ground block, splitter and other cable hardware, you need to torque it to between 20 and 30 inch pounds. Loose connectors can be a source of signal leakage and ingress and likely will produce an intermittent connection. As I mentioned earlier, installing subscriber drops is not rocket science.
Drops are arguably the most craft-sensitive part of a cable system.
Choosing good components and dealing with workmanship issues are two important areas, but a common thread in all of this is use of the right tools for the job. Proper installation tools will increase productivity and ensure consistency from drop to drop, resulting in improved quality and reliability. Over the long term, you can expect fewer service calls, lower maintenance costs, better two-way performance and ultimately happier subscribers. The major cable TV tool manufacturers have available quality tools that eliminate as much craft sensitivity as possible from cable preparation and connector installation. For instance, Ripley Co., manufacturer of the Cablematic line, has designed a system of tools for drop installation that includes a cable preparation tool, connector insertion tool, crimper, pocket toner continuity tester, and combination torque wrench and F-port rethreader.