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How to Install a Compression Coax End on a Belden RG-213

Amateur radio operators, commercial radio companies and the military all use RG-213 for at least some of their transmission lines. This 50-ohm coaxial cable is slightly lighter than the alternatives, can operate up to 5,000 volts and is good for radio frequencies up to 1 GHz. However, the cable is only as good as the connectors installed on each end. For the best performance, a secure fitting of the connector is a must.

Things You'll Need

Side, or wire cutters
Coax wire stripper set for RG-213 and the type of connector you are installing
Compression tool

Instructions

- 1
  Cut about an inch off the end of the coaxial cable, using the side or wire cutters so you are starting with clean, corrosion free material.
- 2
  Place the wire strippers on the end of the coaxial cable and spin it around to make the proper cuts in the cable.
- 3
  Remove the unnecessary materials. You will be left with a short piece of the center conductor exposed on the end and a short length of the copper braid or foil shielding around the dielectric material.
- 4
  Fold the copper braiding or foil back over the cable insulation as far as you can.
- 5
  Slip the compression fitting over the end of the coaxial cable as far as it will go.
- 6
  Push the connector and cable into the compression tool until it is firmly seated as far down as it will go.
- 7
  Squeeze the handles of the compression tool to compress the connector onto the coax and release the tool. Pull the cable and end from the compression tool.

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