Home >> Hobbies >> Ham Radio

How to Install a BNC Connector on a RG-58 or RG-8X

Coaxial cables, usually designated with "RG," carry electronic signals over a single conductor surrounded by a shield of braided wire or foil. The number after "RG" identifies characteristics including technical specifications, dimensions and materials. Install BNC connectors on most coaxial cables with a crimping tool and dies for both the center conductor and the outer shield. Information sheets included with RG-58 and RG-8X BNC connectors indicate the proper die sizes and strip lengths for the outer covering, shield, insulator and center conductor.

Things You'll Need

Precision steel ruler
Cable stripper or knife
Scissors
Crimping tool
Dies

Instructions

- 1
  
  A quarter turn of the outer collar holds the male BNC connector in place.
  
  Slide the outer ferrule over the cable end and move it out of the way. Strip the outer covering off the cable with cable strippers or a knife. Measure the distance according to the leaflet included with the connector, and make the cut even and square. Be careful not to nick the shield.
- 2
  Cut the shield back to the length illustrated in the connector instruction sheet. Make the cut square and even. Strip the insulator off the center conductor leaving the recommended length of bare wire.
- 3
  Insert the center conductor into the center pin and place the pin in the proper size die in the crimping tool. Squeeze the handles together until they stop, then release them and remove the pin from the tool.
- 4
  Insert the cable into the connector body with the inner ferrule under the shield. Slide the outer ferrule over the shield until it's snug against the connector body.
- 5
  Place the outer ferrule in the proper size die in the connector tool. Ensure the connector and ferrule don't move out of position. Squeeze the handles of the crimping tool until they stop. Open the handles and remove the completed connection.

Ham Radio