Coaxial cable is widely used for cable television, broadband, satellite, video, and other communication applications. Before a connector can be installed, the cable must be prepared correctly. This makes coax stripping tools an essential part of any professional technician's toolkit. A properly stripped cable helps create a consistent termination while protecting the internal conductor, dielectric, and shielding from unnecessary damage.
Choosing the right coax cable stripping tools is especially important because different coaxial cables can have different sizes, constructions, shielding configurations, and termination requirements. Jonard Tools manufactures more than 32 unique COAX stripping tools for CATV, COAX, VDV, and satellite applications, providing options for a wide range of cable preparation tasks.
What Are Coax Stripping Tools?
Coax stripping tools are specialized tools designed to remove selected layers of a coaxial cable while leaving the remaining cable structure ready for connector installation. Unlike ordinary wire strippers, a dedicated coax stripper is designed around the construction and dimensions of coaxial cable.
A coaxial cable generally contains a center conductor surrounded by dielectric insulation, shielding, and an outer jacket. During coax stripping, only the required portions of these layers should be removed. Cutting too deeply can damage the conductor or shielding, while removing too little material can prevent the connector from being installed correctly.
A purpose built coax wire stripping tool can help technicians produce repeatable strip lengths and cleaner cable preparation.
Why Is Proper Coax Stripping Important?
Cable preparation is one of the most important steps before coax termination. Even a high quality connector may not perform properly if the cable has been stripped incorrectly.
Improper stripping can expose or damage the internal conductor, create opportunities for moisture intrusion, and negatively affect signal quality. Jonard specifically identifies improper removal of the jacket or insulation as a common COAX stripping problem that can contribute to corrosion and degraded signal performance.
Correct stripping can help technicians:
Prepare consistent cable ends
Protect the center conductor
Preserve the shielding
Achieve the required strip length
Make connector installation easier
Reduce cable preparation errors
Improve consistency across multiple installations
For technicians working on large CATV or broadband projects, consistency is particularly important because dozens or hundreds of cables may need to be prepared in the same manner.
Types of Coax Cable Stripping Tools
Different cable constructions require different stripping approaches. Jonard offers several types of coax cable strippers designed for specific cable sizes and applications.
RG59 and RG6 Coax Strippers
RG59 and RG6 are common cable types used in CATV, video, and related applications. A stripper designed for these cables can prepare the cable for compatible connectors without requiring improvised cutting techniques.
For example, Jonard's UST-100 is designed for RG59, RG6, RG6 Tri Quad Shield, N48, RG7, and RG11 coaxial cables. Its included blade cartridge provides a two level strip for F, BNC, and RCA connector termination.
Choosing a tool specifically matched to the cable can make preparation faster and more consistent.
Multi Cable Coax Strippers
Some technicians work with several coaxial cable types during the same project. A versatile coax wire stripping tool can be useful when multiple cable sizes need to be prepared.
Jonard's UST series includes models designed for different combinations of RG59, RG6, RG7, RG11, CAT/TP, mini-COAX, and other cable configurations. The appropriate model depends on the cable and termination requirements.
Wall Outlet Coax Strippers
Some applications require stripping the stub end of coax cable at a wall outlet. Jonard's CSS series is designed specifically for this type of application and supports RG59 and RG6 cable sizes.
These specialized tools can be particularly useful for service technicians working on residential CATV and broadband installations.
How Does Coax Stripping Work?
The exact procedure depends on the cable and stripper, but the general process involves preparing the cable end to the dimensions required by the connector.
1. Identify the Cable
First, determine the type and size of coaxial cable being used. Common examples include RG59, RG6, RG7, and RG11. The cable type should match the specifications of the stripping tool and connector.
2. Select the Correct Stripper
Choose coax stripping tools that are designed for the specific cable. Using an unsuitable stripper can result in an incorrect strip length or accidental damage to the cable.
3. Insert the Cable
Position the cable correctly inside the stripper. Some tools incorporate a cable stop to help establish the correct insertion depth, while other models are designed without a cable stop.
4. Rotate the Tool
Rotate the stripper around the cable according to the manufacturer's instructions. The blades are designed to remove specific layers of the cable while maintaining the required dimensions.
For example, Jonard's UST-100 has a large finger loop designed to provide smooth rotation during use, while its blade cartridge can be reversed for ambidextrous use.
5. Inspect the Prepared Cable
After coax stripping, inspect the cable before installing the connector. Check that the center conductor, dielectric, and shielding have the required configuration and that there are no unintended cuts or damaged components.
What Makes a Good Coax Stripper?
Several features can make a coax cable stripping tool more useful in professional environments.
Precision
A quality stripper should produce consistent results. Repeatable strip dimensions are particularly important when multiple cables need to be terminated with the same connector type.
Durable Blades
The blades are exposed to repeated contact with cable jackets, insulation, and shielding. Jonard states that the high carbon steel blades used in its CSS and UST series can last for more than 5,000 strips on each side. Replacement cartridges are also available for the applicable models.
Ergonomic Design
Technicians may perform hundreds of cable preparations during a project. A tool with a comfortable grip and easy rotation can help make repetitive work more manageable.
Cable Compatibility
Not every stripper is suitable for every coaxial cable. Always check cable size, construction, strip length, and connector compatibility before selecting a tool.
Common Coax Stripping Mistakes
Using the wrong technique or tool can create problems during termination. Some common mistakes include:
Using a general purpose wire stripper: Coaxial cable has a layered construction that requires controlled removal of specific materials. A standard wire stripper may not provide the correct preparation.
Choosing the wrong cable size: A stripper designed for RG6 may not be appropriate for RG11 or another cable configuration.
Damaging the shielding: Excessive cutting can damage the braid or foil, reducing the quality of the finished cable preparation.
Exposing or nicking the conductor: The center conductor must remain intact for reliable termination.
Skipping inspection: Even when using a dedicated tool, the prepared cable should be inspected before the connector is installed.
How to Choose the Right Coax Cable Stripping Tool
When selecting coax cable strippers, consider the following factors:
Cable type and size
Required strip length
Connector type
Number of stripping steps
Cable stop requirements
Blade material
Replacement blade availability
Frequency of use
Ergonomics and portability
Compatibility with CATV, VDV, or satellite applications
For example, the UST-100 is designed for several cable types and provides a two-level strip suitable for F, BNC, and RCA connector termination.
Professional Coax Stripping Tools from Jonard Tools
Having the right stripping equipment can make a significant difference in cable preparation. Jonard Tools offers a broad selection of coax stripping tools for professional CATV, COAX, VDV, and satellite applications. Its range includes specialized CSS models for wall outlet cable preparation and UST models covering multiple coaxial cable configurations.
The company's broader CATV/COAX/VDV range also includes compression and crimping tools, connectors, coring tools, stripping and ringing tools, termination tools, test equipment, tool kits, and torque wrenches.
For technicians who regularly install or maintain coaxial cable systems, selecting a stripper that matches the cable and connector requirements can improve preparation consistency and reduce avoidable installation errors.
Conclusion
Coax stripping is a critical step in preparing coaxial cable for reliable connector installation. The right coax stripping tools, coax cable stripping tools, and coax cable strippers are designed to remove the required cable layers accurately while helping protect the conductor, dielectric, and shielding.
Whether working with RG59, RG6, RG7, RG11, mini-COAX, or other cable configurations, technicians should select a stripping tool based on cable type, strip requirements, and connector compatibility. With purpose built tools and proper cable preparation, professionals can create consistent cable ends and streamline CATV, broadband, VDV, and satellite installation work.
