I'm trying to minimize my hand bag and a bunch of my tools got wet and rusted so now is a good time to look at options.

i use the easy 45's so have that big tool, but looking at options for rg6 terminations and stripping

compact or multi use seems best

Planet waves.
[Link: planetwavesci.com]


Eliminates tools all together.

I use a separate Plano box for coaxial cable and voice/data cable termination, stored at the rear of my van. I keep F, a few RCA connectors and a few adapters, strippers the crimper, some Keystone inserts and appropriate cable tester in the same box. Since I don't always need these tools and parts in all stages of my installs, I only bring them in when they're needed. If I need more of the connectors/inserts, I leave them in the van until it's time for them. I built a box to hold all of the boxes in dead space at the rear of my van shelves and have one for audio connectors/banana plugs, Coaxial cable, voice/Data, screws (only the most commonly used) and another with Keystone inserts. I use a Bucket Boss tool bag for the most commonly used tools and bring in what I need and I place everything on a moving blanket to avoid putting things directly on someone's floor.

I use Plano utility boxes for these and small parts, as well as a few of their medium-sized tool boxes.

Where to source these from? I don't S&^%AV has them. Please PM me. Thanks!

[Link: platinumtools.com]






[Link: ebay.com]

for crimping I use this tool from ICM/Belden [Link: ppc-online.com]
and the ICM/Belden connectors as well.
My favourite coax stripper is a cheapie but it has a long life and I like the compact size. [Link: tselectronic.com]

I use a veto tp4 and keep things commonly used in it.

I stay away from planet waves for coax connectors simply because they aren't considered a standardized connector and Directv, Dish, etc. cut them off. For connectors, I use either Belden or PPC.

I also use the platinum EZ pro crimp tool. Then I use the platinum style wire stripper above. Data shark and a number of others companies have the same one but that style seems to work great.

This one is decent too and a little smaller but doesn't strip the outer layer on cat 5.
[Link: amazon.com]

For compression tools, I have ones from ICM, Liberty, Ideal and Jonard. I probably use the Jonard the most. The Liberty was great, small and light (made of aluminum) but I lost the tip and never got around to replacing it.

[Link: libertycable.com]

[Link: amazon.com]

I keep a small amount of connectors and wire nuts in the front pouch of the TP4 and a another small zipper pouch clipped on so that I don't have to run to the truck if I need to replace a connector or 2. Then I also keep my fluke toner, stippers, 11 in 1 screwdriver, etc. in there. It's my grab and go bag.

Then everything is duplicated in my bigger veto xl that I bring in for installs.

Best tool ever. Strip and crimp one tool. Replaceable blades, durable, I have used for at least 15 years.

[Link: amazon.com]

Not to hijack the thread, but I bought an all in one tool at CEDIA in '08 in Denver. It stripped mini, 59 and 6 with a latching lever on top. Crimper was a lever on the bottom and was adjustable. It had a hex slot for a screw driver bit on the back. Made out of aircraft aluminum.

Best tool I ever owned.

The inventor was demonstrating it at the show. I think it was Zack tools booth or something like that. I've spent a few hours looking for it online to no avail.

I lost it last year and would love to
get another if anyone remembers it.

Will that one crimp RCA too or only F connectors?

+1

What do you use to strip cat wire?
Just curious, because that looks like a nice tool and has great reviews.
The one I posted strips rg-6 / rg-59 / category / outer jacket of speaker wire

I know it's cheap, but I love this [Link: idealind.com] tool for stripping cat cable.

I use Cable Prep for my rg6 tools. [Link: cableprep.com]

I have been using the Thomas Betts stripper/crimper since the mid 90's. Best RG 6 strip/crimp tool period. I even use it when stripping RG6 that will get a BNC or RCA. Then i use my liberty crimper to put the connectors on.

I typically only use the RG6 tool at trim out for wall plates or the rack. Then it goes back in my bag. The IT-1000 is a sturdy tool (i have one that is 15 years old) and i have only had to change the blade once. It can crimp most of the compression fit F connectors you can find on the market.


Only F


I use the cheapo bonded pair separator tool. I haven't run into bonded pair cable in a long time but it used to be more common. The nice thing about this tool is there are no adjustments. You just take it around the cable and it scores the jacket and you can easily remove it.

[Link: hermanproav.com]

This sounds interesting. Let us know if you track him/it down.