Tools of the Trade Presentation #5 ©PRGodin gmail.com Updated Dec 2013

Tools of the Trade Cable installation and maintenance requires basic tools. Many tasks of a telecommunications specialist require specialized tools. This presentation addresses some of the most important tools.

Basic Tools Cable installation and termination requires basic tools available in most hardware stores. Areas where these tools may be used include: ▫ Wall and drywall work (outlets and cable) ▫ Cable work (pulling, preparation and terminating) ▫ Other (building entrance, grounding, outdoor, etc...)

Basic Tools Basic tools can be found in a typical hardware store. Buy good quality but you don’t have to buy top-of- the-line tools. If a tools starts to wear, replace it. Keep your tools safe and loan them out infrequently. A missing tool is a very frustrating experience.

Hammer (claw) Ladders (extension, step) Tape measure, square, steel ruler Screwdrivers (all types), Hex (Allen) keys Pliers (channel lock, combination, needlenose, linesman, vice grip) Cutters large & small (side, cable) Wrench (adjustable) Socket set, combination wrench set Level Knife, electrician scissors Saws (hack, drywall) Wire strippers, terminal crimpers Multimeter, voltage detector Flashlight, Stud Finder Drill, drill bits, screw bits, spare batteries Stapler, reamer, other tools Tools box, carry pouch, tool bucket specialized tools in special circumstances, such as outdoor work (shovel, pick axe, etc…)

Cable Pulling Tools Equipment to pull cable ▫ Pull String, fish tape, fish sticks, tape, lubrication, grip, etc Tools to find cable ▫ Toner/test set, voltage sensor, flashlight, inspection camera Safety ▫ Gloves, hard hat, eye protection, protective boots, site- specific PPE More on these specialized tools in a later presentation

Cable Preparation & Termination Stripping and Wire Preparation Tools Cable, wire and fiber stripping tools remove the jacket, insulator or buffer from a cable, wire or fiber. May be specific to the diameter of the cable, wire or fiber. Crimping and Termination Tools Specialized tools are required to secure the connectors onto the ends of a cable or fiber. In many cases the crimp tools are specific to the manufacturer of the connectors (especially fiber).

Cable Stripping Tools Images: CC Coax Cable Stripping Tool Closed (left), Open (right)

Stripping Tools UTP Jacket Stripping Tool Wire Stripper (“T-Stripper”) Right Image: ccwww.flickr.com/photos/oskay Left Image: Wikipedia cc Wire Stripping Tool

Crimping Tools Images: Wikipedia cc Coax and modular Crimp tools

Terminal Blocks Image: Wikipedia cc

Impact Tools Impact tools connect wires to terminal blocks, panels and most data jacks. Also called “punch” tools because they create an impact to push the wires into place. Impact tools and the blades must be matched to the terminal block. There are several types of terminal blocks available in industry, including: ▫ BIX (now Belden Inc, popular in Canada) ▫ 110 (Lucent, popular in the USA) ▫ 66 (Siemens, popular in North America) ▫ Krone (Krone, popular in Europe) ▫ More on terminal blocks throughout this course.

BIX Tool (BIX16A) Image:

Universal Impact Tool Universal Tool with Krone Blade Image: Wikipedia cc

Krone BladeBIX Blade Punch Tool Body 66 Blade110 Blade Impact Tools

Other Terminating Tools Fiber optic ▫ Fusion Splicers ▫ Termination Kits (all are vendor-specific) Copper ▫ Plug termination ▫ Termination Kits (some are vendor-specific)

Testing Cable testing is part of the installation process ▫ Telephone line testers test lines, jacks, and circuits ▫ Tone generator and inductive amplifier  help locate wires  emit a sound you can hear through the speaker of the inductive amplifier when the probe tip passes over conductors connected to the tone generator. ▫ Certification testers  Testers designed to specifically test for adherence to the standards. Typically provide a “PASS” or “FAIL” result.

Other Tools There are many tools used by cable installers. Most tools and equipment are common and relatively inexpensive. The most expensive tools typically include: ▫ test equipment ▫ specialized termination tools (especially fiber) ▫ the laptop computer to manage records ▫ the van to carry it all

END There will be more detailed information, later in this course, on: ▫ Cable and connector installation ▫ Use of tools ▫ Use of testers and interpretation of test results gmail.com