Coax compression tools are very much in demand these days, thanks to the rise of aerial and satellite television.
People need reliable equipment to help them get the most out of these two platforms for entertainment and business purposes.
A coax compression tool is a must-have for any network or cable installer. Whether you’re a DIY warrior or a handyman contractor, you can never go wrong with having one of these in your toolbox!
The tool is easy to use and can be used for various jobs around the home or office. It helps to keep the cable running smoothly and reduces the risk of causing damage such as cuts, kinks, or fraying.
This article will guide you through important factors to consider when choosing your next coax compression connector and provide you with some helpful hints on choosing the best model for your needs.
Klein Tools VDV226-110 Wire Crimper | Coax Cable Crimper, Coaxial Compression F RG6 RG59 Connectors | Etekcity Coax Cable Connector Adjustable Deluxe Tool | |
Preview |  |  |  |
Brand | Klein Tools | Royalsell | Etekcity |
Weight | 14.4 ounces | 1.1 pounds | 15.9 ounces |
Material | Steel with Black Oxide | Carbon steel and plastic | PP&CS |
Style | Wire-cutter | Compact coax compressor crimper-F | Hand-powered |
1. VDV226-110 Klein Wire Crimper
The Klein Tools VDV226-110 Wire Crimper is a handy tool for anyone who works with wires.
It’s designed to make the process of connecting and disconnecting wires and cables much easier and faster.
Product Specification
- Brand: Klein Tools
- Weight:14.4 ounces
- Material: Steel with Black Oxide
- Style: Wire-cutter
Key Features
This crimper features a variety of valuable tools that can come in handy in the workplace, such as pliers, wire strippers, and screwdrivers.
The pliers are specially made for making loops in wires. And there’s also a tension adjustment system that allows users to adjust the force needed to clamp each wire or cable. This minimizes wear and tear.
It maintains consistent pressure to avoid damage to insulation and conductor wire strands during the crimp process.
This Klein Tools Crimper has a sturdy construction and a quality design that gives you the precision you need to finish the job without going back and redo it.
It’s easy to use, thanks to its ergonomic handle that allows for an easy grip. The robust mechanism will ensure the crimping of all types of terminals.
In addition, this product includes additional features such as the spring-loaded jaws, which ensure no damage occurs while crimping delicate wires.
2. VDV212-008-SEN Klein Compact Compression Connector
This coax cable connector is designed for low voltage and standard electrical cable, supporting solid and stranded wires. It is ideal for use on gate intercom systems, home theatre installations, and surveillance systems.
Product Specification
- Brand: Klein Tools
- Weight:1.6 ounces
- Material: Steel with Black Oxide
- Style: Compact coax compressor crimper-F
Key features
It features hinged pins that provide easy access to customer wiring, an integral strain relief that helps protect the cable and a fully insulated handle for added safety.
Patented cam action provides consistent performance in all weather conditions. It provides over ten times more gripping power than standard pins used in the industry today and can be connected and disconnected thousands of times without failure.
It has a compact design for tight spaces and overhead work.
Its high visibility green insulation for easy identification of live vs. neutral lines or equipment ground lines during testing.
Yellow and black grips improve comfort and visibility while also allowing for easy identification.
This cable connector has an easy snap-together design that allows for faster installation in commercial and residential applications.
For corrosion resistance and longevity, the steel body has a black-oxide finish.
3. RG6 Coax Crimper Compression Tool
This coaxial compression tool is explicitly designed for crimping RG6 connections for TV coax.
Product Specification
- Brand: Royalsell
- Weight:1.1 pounds
- Material: Carbon steel and plastic
- Style: Compact coax compressor crimper-F
Key features
Coaxial cable is the most commonly used type of cable used to transmit RF signals. The two types are RG59 and RG6, which are similar in construction except for the outer insulation.
These cables can be used together to create a coaxial bundle that connects different pieces of equipment like TVs, satellite dishes, amplifiers, etc.
RG6 has higher bandwidths than RG59 and usually consists of 99% copper. It is encased in an extruded plastic material rather than foam like RG59. The smaller diameter makes it more suited for HDTV
However, before crimping the RG6 connectors, you must strip the coax wire with the stripper according to the instructions. You must also adjust the blade’s depth while stripping the coax cable with the stripper.
It has fully adjustable and replaceable blades.
The RG6 Coax Cable Crimper saves you time, effort, and money because you don’t have to buy expensive crimping tools.
4. Mulwark Electrical Wire Stripping Tool
The design of this device allows it to be used when you are working at different heights. Its heavy-duty handles will enable you to firmly hold it while in use, making it useful when you need to support your body weight or work on something unstable.
Product Specification
- Brand: Mulwark
- Weight:2.4 ounces
- Material: Metal
- Style: Traditional Wire stripper
Key features
It is an all-purpose tool that can strip wires and cables, cutting cables and even crimping.
This wire stripper has a comfortable TPR handle that makes it easier to use and reduces hand fatigue.
The blade jaws are made from heat-treated alloy steel with precision ground blades that ensure smooth cuts every time.
This Mulwark tool can strip all common types of wire insulation without damaging the copper conductor underneath.
The stripping action is smooth and reliable, with no damage to the conductor or insulation. It works for both solid and stranded wire.
It features an ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip for maximum control and comfort. It has a self-adjusting stripper guide that allows you to strip different wires without changing tools or adjusting the direction.
The rotary cutter efficiently strips 12-gauge wires, leaving a 1/2 inch of insulation from.
5. Gaobige Coax Cable for RG6 RG59 Coaxial Compression Tool
This product is an ideal practice for crimping coaxial cable, including RG59 and RG6. It is a must-have tool for installing cables in the home theatre system.
Product Specification
- Brand: Gaobige
- Weight:1.25 pounds
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Style: coax crimper
Key features
The kit includes a high-quality precision-made hand crimper with heavy-duty steel construction, and rubber grip handles to ensure a comfortable and firm grip while working.
It’s easy to use; you insert the connector into the tool, close it up and crimp it down with a pair of pliers or a wrench.
It’ll create a perfect connection every time. You can also do F-Type connectors, which are commonly used on CCTV systems and DSLR cameras too.
The tool makes use of a ratcheting mechanism where the unit clicks when you make one full rotation.
This allows for easy and quick crimping without having to worry about whether or not you’ve made one full rotation.
Another feature of this particular model is its durability; it comes with all-metal construction and will last for years.
6. Etekcity Coax Cable Connector Adjustable Deluxe Tool
Etekcity coax connector can be used to connect your TV with an antenna for receiving free local channels in high quality.
Product Specification
- Brand: Etekcity
- Weight: 15.9 ounces
- Material: PP&CS
- Style: Hand-powered
Key features
The cable connector comes with a length of 9 inches, which makes it versatile enough to fix other cables as well. You do not have to buy another connector if you want one longer or shorter than this one.
The adapter comes with a rubber grip so that you can hold it. The non-slip rubber grip on the body prevents slipping during assembly or disassembly of cables.
It connects any type of coax cable with this ease. The top part of the connector screw adjusts for various connectors, such as F, PL, SMA, and BNC connectors. This can be rotated and locked into place at the desired angle for easy connection.
This coaxial cable has a threaded base that screws directly onto the female F-type connection found on most televisions and antennas.
The connectors are made of brass, which allows you to tighten them down without damaging your television. The connectors work on any standard F-type coaxial cable and offer a secure fit.
7. Uvital Electrician Automatic 3 in 1 Wire Stripping Pliers
It is a professional wire stripper, perfect for electrical/electronic construction and home appliance maintenance.
It can strip all kinds of wire and cable insulation, such as telephone lines, coaxial cables, lamp lines, and other two poles and three poles insulation.
Product Specification
- Brand: Uvital
- Weight: 11.1 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel
- Style: Wire stripper
Key features
It strips the insulation from the wire automatically. This is great for someone tired of doing it by hand and has very little time on their hands to do this.
It’s also great because it doesn’t matter if you strip the wire with the right or wrong side facing up. The stripper does not care which way you hold it when you start stripping.
It can be used on various wires, including soft stranded wires, hard solid copper wires, and aluminum or metal-clad wires. Copper and aluminum cables with a diameter of 10 to 24 AWG are ideal (0.2-6 MM2) for use with this tool.
The automatic stripper comes with a razor-sharp blade to cut the insulation from the wire as it is being inserted into the tool. That makes it easy to strip off any type of wire.
Strippers will not harm the metal component of the electrical line.
8. KOTTO Coaxial Compression Tool Kit
This coax cable connector kit is an excellent tool for anyone doing any home or car repairs. It has a range of crimp terminals to meet your needs, with everything you need to install F-connectors, BNC connectors, and more.
Product Specification
- Brand: F-stop Labs
- Weight:1.75 pounds
- Material: Steel
- Style: Coax crimper
Key features
It has a durable and ergonomic design, and the set includes all the tools needed to do most installations.
The crimper can handle RG-59, RG-6, RG-11, and RG11 cables and 99% of other outside plant cables.
The kit consists of 12 different crimping tools that will help you quickly connect cables in seconds.
The kit includes three ratcheting crimping pliers, a 5-way compression terminal tool with 2mm, 4mm, and 6mm openings, two coax compression connector installation tools, a coaxial cable stripper, and a cutter, and one RJ45 modular plug.
This tool is ideal when working with RG6 or RG59 coaxial cables in CCTV installations and for other similar uses.
The handles are made of aluminum materials to enhance the strength and durability;
The kit comes with a storage case to organize all the dies and make it more convenient during travel or outdoor activities;
It is a professional tool kit for people who love electronics, communications, networking, etc.
How To Choose The Best Coaxial Compression Tool For Your Needs!
Coax cable compression tools are used in many applications and many industries. There are many coaxial cables and connectors, and there is no one-size-fits-all when buying a coax compression tool.
The coaxial compression tool is used to install or terminate any coaxial cable with an F-type interface.
It can be used in commercial and residential places like institutions, office buildings, hospitals, apartment complexes, etc.
Many coax cable connectors are available on the market these days, but finding a perfect one can be really time-consuming and sometimes confusing.
If you don’t know what to look out for before buying one, you might end up with a sub-standard product that may not give the results that you want
Here are some things to consider while choosing the best coaxial connectors:
1. Your Budget
The first factor is price. Customers often purchase low-priced products without realizing that these tools will not withstand heavy use and break down much faster than higher-priced alternatives.
It is always better to spend a little more money on a high-quality tool than save some cash and buy something that will need to be replaced in just a few months.
Compression tools come in different prices ranging from $10 to $100 or more. This will give you an idea of its durability, power, and performance.
2. Durability
The first thing you should look for when buying a coax compression tool is its durability. The tool should be made up of high-quality materials and should last long without any problems.
A good quality coax compression tool will last long, even if used daily. It should have enough strength to withstand extreme weather conditions.
You need to consider how often you’ll use it and its durability when buying a coax compression tool.
If you work with coax cable regularly, then spending more money on a well-built tool will be worth it in the long run because having an efficient and reliable tool will save you time, energy, and frustration.
If the quality is not up to par, it will be more susceptible to failure and not as durable as other tools on the market.
3. Performance
If you plan to do some serious work with your compression tool, you should go for high-end products capable of handling the most advanced jobs.
On the other hand, if your main aim is to just cut through coaxial cables and do some light work around the house, then an entry-level product will be good.
Next, consider the versatility of the tool. Does it have multiple uses? This is especially important if you plan to use your compression tool often throughout your lifetime.
4. Security Type
The locking mechanism of a coaxial compression tool is the mechanism that holds the pistons together.
It may be a spring-loaded latch or a cammed lever, but it must be strong enough to hold them together when there’s pressure from outside forces against the pistons.
In addition to preventing leakage and maintaining quality control, this feature also protects users from injury by taking away the risk of accidentally disassembling the tool.
There are two types of locking mechanisms, one is cam lock, and the other is lever lock.
All z-axis coaxial compression tools have both Camlock and lever lock, but they are not interchangeable.
The lever lock can only be used for a 6mm shaft, while the Camlock can only use a 6mm or 6.35mm diameter shaft. If you need to change the shaft diameter, you may need to buy an additional compression head to get both types of locking.
5. Material
You must check the construction material of the coupler before purchasing it. It should be made up of durable materials like aluminum or steel. The casing should be strong enough to protect the tool from weather elements.
Usually, the material from which the tool is made up decides how long it will last. It is advisable to go for tools that are made up of high-grade stainless steel.
6. Size
Coax compression tools to come in various sizes, so depending on the diameter of your cable, you’ll have to buy a specific length of an instrument. You should check where and how you would be using this tool before buying it.
When working with coaxial cables, particularly on the ground, you may need to know how big it is to know what tools to use.
There are two standard methods for measuring coax cable size: gauge and outer diameter (OD).
The most accurate way of measuring coax cable size is by using the gauge method. Gauge is a measurement of thickness that uses numbers like 14G or 12G.
The smallest number indicates the thinnest copper used to manufacture the cable, while the largest indicates its most significant thickness.
They are available in different sizes which can be used for other cables. The most common tool used for measuring the size of the coaxial cable is the 50-ohm caliper. This tool comes with an LED meter that measures the length of a cable through its two jaws.
7. What Is The Frequency Of Your TV Channels?
You need to know that there are different frequencies for different channels. If you have a CATV connection, it can be around 45 – 950 MHz, and if you have a VHF connection, it can be between 50 – 860 Mhz.
To receive all these signals, you need to buy a coax compression tool with various tools and connectors to use compatible ones.
Remember that most tools will only compress RG59 or RG6 cables. They won’t work with RG11, for example.
How much cable can it handle? Can it handle up to 200 feet of cable? 300 feet of cable? If you need something with more power than this, you might want to look at something like an electric crimper.
8. Ratings
Before you buy a compression tool, always check the ratings of the instrument. Ratings can be RMS or DCV (most commonly).
There are two kinds of ratings that you will find on these tools; one is an Air-rated Tool, which has different ratings than a Non-air rate.
9. Power
The first thing you should consider is how much power the tool has. The higher the watts, the faster and easier it will be to use.
You want a tool that can handle your cable without breaking your arm or wrist in the process. There’s no point in getting a lightweight, compact compression tool if it doesn’t generate enough power to compress appropriately at all.
10. The Connector Types That It Supports.
Coax compression tools should handle different types of connectors from all the major manufacturers so that you don’t have to buy multiple sets of tools for other brands or model numbers.
It saves time if you already know which connector will be compatible.
There are six types of connectors for hydraulic hoses, each with its unique features and benefits, all with different compression tool requirements. The type of connector you choose will depend on the size and shape of your hose assemblies.
Compression tools are used to tighten the fittings on hydraulic hoses to ensure they are secure.
They are often used alongside crimp fittings or flare fittings, but some connectors may have a built-in crimper or flare design that eliminates the need for a separate tool.
11. Longer Warranty
Your coaxial compression tool should have a decent warranty period so that you can take it for repairs in case there is a need for one.
Some compression tools, such as Mulwwark, for instance, have a lifetime warranty.
For as long as you possess their product, the company warrants it to be free of faults in materials and artistry.
You have the option of returning it for free as long as you have the original purchase receipt.
Conclusion
The best coax compression tool can be quite a challenge to find. You want something reliable and will last you for years, but it also needs to be affordable.
To sum up, the best coax compression tool is the tool that has all the features you need, including the ability to work with different types of coax cable.
It also comes with a warranty that covers any defects, which shows its high-quality construction.
