Coaxial cables, more commonly known as coax cables, are mainly used for data transfers, internet, and voice or video communications. The reason why it is known as the “coaxial” cable is that it consists of a concentric physical channel layer as well as another layer for insulation, both of which run across the same axis.
Today, these cables are being used a lot, which also calls for splicing it up for further needs. You may need to make it smaller or extend it, and both of these can be done when you splice the cable.
Splicing a coaxial cable is an easy task to do. The tools that are required for this procedure are quite common and can be found at your local convenience stores or the hardware store. A trip to the local hardware store can help you save a lot of money that you would spend on getting a new coax cable to suit your needs.
The process is easy, and you can do it with no challenges as long as you do it correctly. If you want to know how to splice coax cable with the right procedure, continue reading this piece of information as here we are going to discuss this in detail.
What you should know before you splice the coax cable
Before you begin the process, there are certain things that you should know about the coax cable.
At first, it is crucial that you know the type of coaxial cable you are using in this case. For different uses, you will find separate coax cables with distinct specs and features. However, the most common versions that are used in homes are RG59 and RG6. Understanding which kind of coax cable you are using makes it easier to splice it.
You should be aware of the fact that splicing can be done in both ways; with or without connectors. It’s okay if you don’t want to use the connectors, but you need to find it out before carrying on with the process. It’s up to you if you’re going to use connectors or not.
Obviously, if you are splicing the cable, you need to know whether you want to shorten it or extend it so that you can gather the tools accordingly before you start.
Knowing these things before the process helps you assemble your kit and the things you need for the process. After you find out these things, the next thing is to gather the tools that you will need to perform the splicing successfully.
What you need to splice coax cable
The things that you would require are as follows:
- Coaxial Cable Stripper
- Compression Connectors (Compression Connectors are totally up to you, if you don’t want to use them, then skip this)
- Compression Tools (Compression Tools are also needed when you want to use connectors)
- Extra Coax Cable. If you plan to extend the length of your coax table, measure the size you need and keep it with you, you may also keep some extra coax cable at hand, which might come in handy if you damage the original one.
- Splice Adapter or Barrel Connector
- Soldering Iron and a knife (If you are not using connectors, you will need these)
Now that you have gathered the material, it is time to get on with the splicing process. Let’s get into the details of both scenarios; splicing with connectors and without, too.
How to splice coaxial cable with the help of connectors
Connectors can help you join the coax cable with ease. To splice it with the use of connectors, you may apply the process stated below.
Strip your cable with the help of a coax cable stripper. Although there are universal strippers that can be used for almost all types of coax cables, make sure that you use the one which is compatible with your version.
Firstly, take the terminated end of your cable and put it in the stripper. Make certain that the point at which the cable ends meets is marked on the stripper. Doing this will help in equalizing the lengths. When you strip it, you will see the insulation that covers your coax cable as well as the mesh and a small exposed part of the cable.
The mesh is not needed anymore, so what you can do is that you can put it back into the casing that holds it. While doing this, remember to check for any exposed wires as they can interfere with the signals.
After stripping the cable, use the compression connectors. As there is an exposed copper wire coming out of the cable, ensure to put the compression connector on its top to cover it. During the process, keep in mind not to damage the outer tip of the copper wire.
Use the coax compression tool to crimp the connector of the wire. You can do this easily by just inserting the coax cable into the compression tool hard enough that it attaches.
To end with, it is time to use the barrel connectors. Insert the cable into the barrel connector but make sure that the copper wire goes into the connection ports. These are present on both sides. Finally, tighten the cable connector to the barrel connector, and you are done with the splicing process.
How to splice coaxial cable without connectors
You may not find connectors everywhere, so in that case, we have a solution for you. The steps discussed below define how you can splice coaxial cable without connectors.
Cut the rubber shield of the coaxial cable with the help of a knife and put the mesh back where it is held. You will see an insulator on the copper wire; cut some of it with a knife to expose the copper wire. This will result in a better connection.
Place the wires together and insulate with insulating tape. Take the wire mesh and pull it back from both sides so that it comes towards the tips. Join the wire mesh from both sides together. You can cover up with joints to provide better protection and more conductivity. Moreover, the joint will become waterproof.
Conclusion
As you have seen, it is quite easy to splice a coax cable whether you decide to use connectors or not. This way, you can save money by splicing it yourself. All you need is the correct information, and this article provides precisely what you must know about how to splice coax cables.