RG6 Coax Connectors & Compression Tools

[rckowal]

Can some one, with experience in this subject, please comment on a good compression (NOT CRIMP) tool to buy for DIY & hobby use. I'm looking for one that is reasonable in price (don't want - nor can I afford the best) and capable of installing more than just it's own band of connectors.

I'm currently considering the Paladin "SealTite" PAL901024 tool. Can any one comment on this one - especially from personal experience with it? Can it install other brands of quality connectors like Digicon, Thomas & Betts Snap N Seal, PPC EXXL, etc. that are available for less than $0.75/each? With a little shopping around, this tool is available for $31.00.

There is also a DIY "Zenith brand" compression tool; model ZDS5061, available at Lowes & other stores for about $12.00. Drawback is that they claim it MUST be used (yea sure! - or maybe?) with their connectors; model ZDS5062, which sell for $4.00/pack of two. Has anyone used this tool with other brands of connectors? If so, which ones? By the way, don't confuse this brand new Zenith tool with its predecessor (?ZDS4041 - I think?) which fell apart after the second use. They were recalled a few months ago.

Any & all help will be much appreciated.

[spyder]

The stuff I use is available at Radio Shack and has worked well for me time after time again. I've done many a install and setup with these low cost tools.

the connector crimper: http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...t%5Fid=278-238

the rg6 connectors: http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...t%5Fid=278-231

[rckowal]

Thanks for the reply Spyder. That's a "CRIMP" tool not "COMPRESSION".

Crimp connectors are ok for indoor use but not waterproof for outdoor use.

[bobkat]

Originally Posted by rckowal

Crimp connectors are ok for indoor use but not waterproof for outdoor use.

That all depends on the connector itself. There are crimp connectors with silicone caulking and an O-ring; those are "OK" for outdoor use but I don't use them. Compression is the only way to go IMHO. As for brands, I prefer Thomas & Betts Snap 'n Seal but these are pricey. There are several companies making S & S "knockoffs" (made in China no doubt) and some of these work pretty well. As for compression tools, pay at least $50.00 for a decent one - depends on how much you will be using it. I have two; a real bulletproof one that set me back $130.00 and another one that was around $45.00. It is good enough for everyday use. I can't remember the brand. I'm not familiar with that Zenith one you mention.

kat

[rckowal]

Thanks for the input Bobkat, it's appreciated.

I can't ever recall seeing anything about "crimp" connectors that have an "O" ring and silicone seal. Regardless, if there was any cost/performance advantage, the cable TV companies would be using them.

I'm with you though - compression connectors are much better & certainly worth the extra pennies they cost. your $45 compression connector tool is in the Paladin class I'm looking at. Price on them ranges from $30 to $50 depending on where it's bought.

Best!

[bobkat]

Originally Posted by rckowal

I can't ever recall seeing anything about "crimp" connectors that have an "O" ring and silicone seal. Regardless, if there was any cost/performance advantage, the cable TV companies would be using them.

Well, trust me, they're out there. In fact, they're also in all the crap in the back of my van. If I had a digital camera I would take a pix and post it here, not that I could figure out how to do so, of course... :roll:

The cable companies up here use another type of connector and I have never been able to find out where they get them from. They are compression but rather than a wrench type thread they use a twist grip; kind of neat because you don't need tools to get them on an off.

As for cost advantage, yes, compression type are far more expensive than crimp. Cable companies use them because they are more reliable and don't fall off the end of the cable as easily as a poorly crimped connector does. I mean I've seen people just use a pair of pliers to secure a crimp connector -- guess how long that lasts... So in the long run the CATV companies save money by minimizing service calls... or "truck rolls" as they like to call them. Just my theory.

kat

[bobkat]

Forget the digital camera... check out Item #11 here --->

http://www.sadoun.com/Sat/Order/Install.htm

kat

[rckowal]

Thanks again BobKat. I've learned several things about connectors today.

And for the number of connectors I will use, I'll gladly pay $.50 or more to get reliability and a high quality connector. You know the old saying; When you buy "cheap" you get "cheap"!

Best!