DataShark 70018 Cable TV "F" Compression Bundle with Cable Cutter, Coax Stripper, Compression Crimper, and 10 RG6/RG6-Quad Cable TV "F" Connectors
by Paladin Tools
|
List Price: Our Price: $38.14 You Save: $21.85 (36%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $29.99 (click here) Category: Tools See more product details |
|---|
Tools and Hardware Reviews of DataShark 70018 Cable TV "F" Compression Bundle with Cable Cutter, Coax Stripper, Compression Crimper, and 10 RG6/RG6-Quad Cable TV "F" Connectors
Customer Review: Great kit for the money
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this kit to finish some runs of RG6 quad prior to a FiOS TV install. I had never used compession f-connectors before. I must say that I was impressed with the results. The cutter is spring loaded, sharp with smooth action and it cuts cleanly. The stripper tool works perfectly - it was able to create clean, prepared cable ends, no problem. When using RG6 quad, it is important that you follow the instructions and fold back the outer braided shield, then score and peel the outer foil off and then fold back the inner braided shield before installing the f-connector. Along with the instructions, they include clear color photos of the steps involved and what your cable should look like (be sure to open the yellow cardboard back panel as it has more photos and instructions inside). The f-connectors included are of good quality and are made for RG6 quad. The compression tool could not work better. Once you have the cable end prepared, and you force the f-connector down the cable end to the proper depth, simply insert the end into the compression tool and squeeze. It easily finishes the compression process and the cable ends come out picture perfect professional. In fact, the FiOS TV installer commented on how good they looked and he was impressed with the kit. My bother wants to borrow it now. I would suspect that the people who are having issues with this kit are either not following the instructions, or are not mechanically inclined. Is this a kit for pros doing installs for a living? No, but close. The compression tool would pass for a pro tool and so would the cutter but you would need a better stripper tool for doing hundreds of installs. However, for a home user I would highly recommended this kit.Customer Review: Good but better for same money
Summary: 3 Stars
So I ran off to Home Depot to buy this very thing. When I got there, I realized I could purchase the crimper individually and get the next model up which crimps RCA and BNC connectors in addition to RG-6 F connectors, so I did. Then I realized I could buy the next model up cable stripper individually which makes both cuts in a single pass, will strip CAT 5/6 cable, will also CUT cable and has an adjustable general purpose stripper all built-in. So the only thing you don't get are the included compression F connectors. So I picked up a package of 10 F connectors and the total cost was the same, but I have a better crimper, and a MUCH better cable stripper.
I ran home to try it all out. Sure enough, everything works great. When prepping RG-6 quad shield you do wish you had a flare tool. But the biggest discovery was the one step cable stripper not only work s GREAT, but the adjustable stripper in it is the perfect thing to run a second pass around to cut out the external FOIL shield. So what I do is run it around the cable as instructed to do the initial strip. Then I fold back the external braid shield. Then I put the cable into the stripper and adjust it to just barely score the external foil shield. You only have to spin it once to get this. Then the foil shield just peels away. Some foil is easy to remove and some isn't. I had some RCA brand cable which is great cable but the foil is tuff stuff. This did the trick. Foil gone, fold back second braid shield and crimp on the connector. Works great!
Customer Review: Good for homeowner, but not pro quality
Summary: 4 Stars
Needing to add a splitter into an existing RG6 cable, I purchased this kit at a big box store. For the price, it is a good homeowner tool, but it is definitely not meant for the pro.
The cutter is approx. 4" long and is made of cheap plastic. The cutter is a small razor blade that is positioned to cut as required. There is no "ring" to allow the tool to be rotated as found on better tools. Having said this, it worked fine and cut the cable without any problems. However, if you made a mistake and made the cut too long, you cannot go back and clean it up. You have to cut off the end and start again.
The compression crimper is approx. 6" long and is a good quality tool. Since the tool only presses on half the connector, it sometimes did not compress the connector evenly. In this case, I had to turn the cable upside down and re-compress it. I've installed 3 connectors so far and all of them held tightly.
The cutter is designed to cut cables - that's it. It cannot be used as a wire stripper. The quality of the tool is fair - better than the stripper, but not as good as the crimper.
As far as the connectors, it took a little work, but I was able to get the connector on the quad-shielded cable. The problem was getting a good grip on the connector to be able to twist it back and forth to get it onto the cable. After getting the connector on most of the way, I was able to use the crimper to hold the connector while I pushed the cable into it. This helped get the cable seated properly.
Customer Review: Datashark model# 70018 Coax Compression Kit
Summary: 5 Stars
Found the Datashark Coax Compression Kit by doing some research on the internet/Amazon. I was having reception problems with some channels thru my cable and I never liked the coax cable supplied by my cable company. I also ordered some RG-6 Quad Shield coax cable and glad I did. Both iems were well made and everything worked like it was suppose to. I did not have any issues making the connections. Take your time and follow the instructions and you will be fine. It takes a little more time to strip the quad shield cable because of the extra insulation and the connecters fit very firmly but they are suppose to do that. It is much easier to put the connectors on if you use work gloves and then your finges don't hurt so much. I changed out all my coax cables and the problem with reception was solved, picture quality looks better too. Datashark also makes one for A/V cables and I am thinking about buying that one too. I found out that my local Home Depot carries their products and are cheaper than on Amazon.......sorry Amazon! I really like making my own cables to whatever length I need. Good product and glad I bought it!Customer Review: 100% Succsess Rate
Summary: 5 Stars
My experience is in telecommunications supporting the broadcast industry. Back in the "good old days" it was common to have trouble with different brands of F connectors. General quality, exact fit of the coax or the crimping tool... Thankfully the compression type F connector has virtually eliminated those problems.
I own this kit for home use (I'm retired) and of course, the occasional friend in need. So far, regardless of connector brand, 100% success. A personal observation, heed the instructions that discourage turning the stripper more than one revolution, more is not better, it is possible to nick the center conductor and/or shield braid if you get aggressive.
One more suggestion, for any connections that will be exposed to moisture, use a quality dielectric grease to seal the connector. ( Permatex 22058 Dielectric Tune-up Grease - 3 oz. as an example ) Local auto parts stores often carry dielectric grease as well.