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Coax wire tools
Hi, I need to re-terminate a couple of wires I do not wish to replace entirely. I'm thinking of just buying a cheap Klein crimper but is there a reason to buy something more expensive? If somebody with experience has any recommendations here, I'd appreciate them. Thanks.
Edit: thanks to everyone for their prompt replies! I will go with your consensus of no need for an expensive tool right now.
Multi-year ex-cable tech here.
If you just need them for a one time job, getting the cheapest tool to do the job is fine. The Klein crimper will be fine for you. I also strongly recommend buying a coax stripping tool. They can be had for cheap and they really help make sure you do it right. It actually does matter since you DON'T want to score/scratch the core copper wire as that will degrade signal and cause you problems.
If you need to do this right now, it will cost you a bit more but you can get both at a big box store. Klein makes a coax stripping tool.
If you aren't in a hurry you can get both tools off aliexpress for very cheap.
Amazon link to stripper tool I use (around $13).
Aliexpress link to the same tool for a couple bucks.
Aliexpress link for a crimper. Not sure what price you'll see for sure on Ali, but if you search for RG6 crimper and RG6 stripper they will pop up and you can price-hunt. This model is a clone of the Jonard tools model and will work same as the Klein.
Video showing proper use of the stripper tool and cable prep if you haven't done it before.
I love this strategy for most tools, and it's one that Mythbuster's Adam Savage has stated before. When starting out on a project that you need tools for, get the cheapest ones you can. Those you use more often will eventually break, in which you go ahead and splurge on replacements so you know you're getting your money's worth
Yep. I do love quality tools, my primary bag and my bench is well populated with Knipex, Wera, Vessel, Engineer and the like. Side-by-side with those rather expensive tools are a fair number of el-cheapo and brandless Chinese tools as well.
Sometimes the expensive high quality tool is the right tool for the job. Sometimes the cheapest piece of crap that you expect to survive being used 10 times max is the right tool for the job.
For many tools I would recommend a slight modification: start with the second cheapest tool. The cheapest tools often make the entire task miserable. One level up often avoids many of those problems for a very small price increase. As a perfect example, you do not want to use the cheapest soldering iron. I don’t care what your project is, spending an extra few dollars for a better one is worth it. I don’t mean go buy a Hako, just get a pinecil or similar instead of the Home Depot combo pack $10 soldering iron.
Freshly certified master electrician here, this is excellent advice!
@TheWetherMan has beaten me to the point by a few minutes, but I just want to reiterate how useful this approach to tools and projects is. It's not just about figuring out which tool you use the most (although that of course is part of it), but also about you yourself figuring out what qualities you want in said tool.
Congrats on the masters licence! I'm betting that was a long road.
RG-6 cables? Cheap ones like this one have worked fine for me (amazon link)
Hiija Coax Cable Crimper Kit Coaxial Cable Rg6 Compression Tool Kit with 20PCS F RG6 Connectors, Wire Coax Cable Stripper Tool https://a.co/d/99jJuni
I've had good experiences with Klein wire tools, crimpers and others. They're more ergonomic and reliable than the no-name versions. I don't think you need anything more expensive than Klein for regular home jobs.