F type connector compression tool - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 02:38:04 pm
content: Hello! I recently bought a Knipex 97 40 20 compression tool for F type connectors.I also bought a few F type connectors, please have a look at the attached photo.I found that the last 2 connectors on the bottom of the photo are not suitable for my tool, because they are too short to fit in my compression tool.Please let me know what type of tool do I need for them ?Also I would like to know what other types of F connectors can I compress with my tool and how should I configure my tool to fit with different types of F connectors ?

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 02:40:03 pm
content: Those last two appear to be crimp, not compression, so you'd need a crimp tool with a large hex die for them.

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 04:15:33 pm
content: This is the best accessory to use for the two rightmost connectors.

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 06:04:46 pm
content: How should I configure the compression tool from the screw to compress correctly the connector ?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 06:30:08 pm
content: Quote from: mike_mike on October 14, 2022, 06:04:46 pmWhat?Your picture shows four examples of two completely different kinds of connectors: the two on the left are compression, for your Knipex tool. The two on the right are crimp, which need a crimping tool. Exactly which crimp tool you need depends on which connectors you bought and what cable they’re going on…Also, do some googling on it, you’ll find videos and stuff.

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 06:49:19 pm
content: I was not sufficiently clear. My apologies.I was asking about the 2 connectors with blue plastic.On my Knipex tool, I have a screw and a screw nut (please have a look at the attached image). I was asking how should I calculate what distance should be between the x and y (marked on the image) points on the Knipex tool ? Is there any formulae which should I apply ?

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 06:55:21 pm
content: It should be set correctly already. Just use it. If it doesn't push the plastic all the way into the metal then adjust.

author: pcprogrammer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 07:01:47 pm
content: Get a slide ruler and measure the length of the connector while not compressed yet. Then measure the length of the exposed plastic and subtract that from the total length. This should be the length between x and y.For both connectors you should not measure the total plastic, but only the bit that slides into the metal.

author: JustMeHere
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2022, 07:57:04 pm
content: You also need a stripper tool. This will strip the outer insulation, the shield material, the dielectric, and inner conductor to the correct lengths.It is important you get right lengths. One of the most common problems I've seen is the inner conductor hasn't been cut correctly. This is really more important than the crimp.Also don't be tempted to cut away the shield. You can thin it out a bit if you're using quad shield cable. The metal part of your connector needs to make good contact with the shield. Twist the connector as you're sliding it into the gap between the outer insulation and the shield. This will make it much easier to get the connector seated correctly.When done correctly, the dielectric (white part) will be flush with the inside if the connector. The inner conductor will just protrude pass the end of the connector by one or two mm. It's okay if it's a little longer. You will have problems if it is too short.Practice a few times. I've seen alot of cable problems caused by poorly aligned connectors. They were fixed by reterminating the cable.I've used the tool below before and liked the job it did vs other stripper tools.https://www.google.com/search?q=coax+stipper&client=ms-android-att-us-rvc3&prmd=isvn&sxsrf=ALiCzsZmVos5SR1qxdM-Rp4C6LhwjlPZVQ:1665777543881&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwibi5z2wOD6AhXpSjABHSTnBIMQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=345&bih=746&dpr=2.63#imgrc=Ms1uIdeuodwrnM

author: connectTek
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2022, 06:13:06 am
content: WTF! I use both types, depending on location, crimp connectors are fine.

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2022, 04:09:00 am
content: I have the compression tool and the iec male connector from the attached photos.On the tool specification is mentioned that the tool can be used for F type connectors, but it doesn't mention another type of connector, like the one from the attached image.Please let me know if I can use the compression tool for the connector in the photo ? Should I use another type of compression tool ?

author: tkamiya
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 06, 2022, 06:05:49 pm
content: You are right. Instructions that come with these things are very vague.Tip of the tools are rotated whether you care compressing F, RCA, or BNC connectors. While it is common to associate this kind of tools with F connectors, RCA and BNC do exist.The adjustment knob adjusts how far plastic pieces are pushed. Here's how I adjusted mine. I used one of my connector as a sacrificial piece and made a piece by look and feel. Then adjusted the screw piece so that it is just right.That's it.