Choosing the right coaxial connector and crimp tool
Terminating coaxial cable to a professional standard means matching three things correctly: the connector to the cable, the crimp or compression tool to the connector, and the strip length to both. Get any of them wrong and you'll see signal loss, intermittent faults, or a connection that fails compliance testing.
This guide is a complete reference for matching coaxial connectors (BNC, F-Type, RCA and PAL) to the correct crimp tool, hex die size, depth-stop setting and strip length. For background on coaxial cable construction and the differences between RG6, RG59 and RG11, see our Coaxial Cables Explained guide.
How to use this guide
Find your connector SKU or coaxial cable type in the reference table below. The table tells you:
- Tool: the specific Access crimp or compression tool required.
- Hex size: the die size (in inches) for the connector's pin and ferrule. Only applicable to hex crimp tools.
- Depth-stop adjustment: the setting on compression tools that controls how far the connector seats onto the cable.
- Stripping length: the measurement (in millimetres) for the centre conductor, dielectric and shield. Written as "centre + dielectric + jacket".
Currently stocked at Access
The following coaxial connectors and tools are in current stock at our Seven Hills and Broadmeadows warehouses:
- P0702 BNC-M RG59/U Crimp
- P0703 BNC-M RG6/U Crimp
- P0701-059 BNC-M RG59/U
- P0704 BNC-BNC Coupler
- P0706 BNC Female to RCA Male Adaptor
- T0039 Hex Crimp Tool (Blue handle, C2 die)
- T0063-002 Coaxial Cable Stripper
A number of connectors in the reference table below are end of life with limited remaining stock. If you need a specific connector listed in the table, please contact our team for availability and lead time.
Coaxial connector and tool reference table
Use the table below to determine which coaxial connector and which crimp tool should be used for your particular coaxial cable. Stripping length is shown as centre conductor + dielectric + jacket in millimetres.
| SKU # | Type | Suits coax | Tool | Hex size | Depth-stop adjustment |
Stripping length |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin | Ferrule | ||||||
| P0701-006 | BNC | RG6 Quad-shield only | T0039 (with C2 die) Blue handle | .324 " | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0701-059 | BNC | RG59 only | T0039 (with C2 die) Blue handle | .324 " | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0702 | BNC | RG59 copper core (Cu) only | T0038 (with G die) Green handle | .068 " | .255 " | 8+4+8mm | |
| T0039 (with C2 die) Blue handle | .068 " | .262 " | 8+4+8mm | ||||
| P0712 | F-Type | RG6 Quad-shield only | T0038 (with G die) Green handle | .068 " | .255 " | 8+4+8mm | |
| P0722RED | F-Type | RG59 only | T0040 (F-nut on depth-stop) | 0 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0722YEL | F-Type | RG6 Dual-shield only | T0040 (F-nut on depth-stop) | 0 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0722BLU | F-Type | RG6 Quad-shield only | T0040 (F-nut on depth-stop) | 0 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0723BLU | Female F-Type |
RG6 Quad-shield only | T0040 (flat nut on depth-stop) | 5 | 4+4+8mm | ||
| P0724RED | BNC | RG59 only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 5 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0724YEL | BNC | RG6 Dual-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 5 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0724BLU | BNC | RG6 Quad-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 5 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0725RED | Female BNC | RG59 only | T0040 (flat nut on depth-stop) | 3 | 4+4+8mm | ||
| P0726RED | RCA | RG59 only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 3 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0726YEL | RCA | RG6 Dual-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 3 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0726BLU | RCA | RG6 Quad-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 3 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0727RED | RCA | RG59 only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 5 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0727YEL | RCA | RG6 Dual-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 5 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0727BLU | RCA | RG6 Quad-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 5 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0728RED | PAL | RG59 only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 8 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0728YEL | PAL | RG6 Dual-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 8 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0728BLU | PAL | RG6 Quad-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 8 | 8+4+8mm | ||
| P0729BLU | Female PAL | RG6 Quad-shield only | T0040 (both nuts stored) | 8 | 8+4+8mm | ||
The T0063-002 Coaxial Cable Stripper automatically gives the 8+4mm strip lengths required for the majority of connectors listed above. Female BNC and female F-Type connectors require additional preparation as described in the T0040 compression connector tool manual.
Frequently asked questions
What tool do I need to terminate RG6 coaxial cable?
For F-Type or BNC compression connectors on RG6, you need a coaxial compression tool (Access T0040). For traditional crimp BNC connectors on RG6, you need a hex crimp tool with the correct die size (Access T0039 with C2 die). The cable also needs to be stripped to the connector's specified strip length, which is typically 8+4+8mm for male connectors.
What is the difference between a crimp tool and a compression tool?
A crimp tool uses a hex-shaped die to compress a metal ferrule around the cable, securing the connector mechanically. A compression tool pushes the connector body forward over the cable jacket, creating a watertight seal. Compression connectors are generally preferred for outdoor and weatherproof installs because they offer better pull strength and environmental sealing.
What does hex size mean on a coaxial crimp tool?
Hex size is the diameter of the hexagonal die that compresses the connector's metal ferrule onto the cable. Different connectors require different hex sizes to crimp correctly. Using the wrong hex size results in either a loose connection (too large) or damage to the cable (too small). The Access T0038 hex crimp tool uses a G die with a .068" pin and .255" ferrule.
What is the correct strip length for a coaxial connector?
For most male coaxial connectors (BNC, F-Type, RCA, PAL), the strip length is 8+4+8mm. That is 8mm of exposed centre conductor, 4mm of exposed dielectric, and 8mm of folded-back shield. Female connectors typically use a shorter 4+4+8mm strip. Always check the strip length listed in the table above for your specific connector.
Can I use one compression tool for all my coaxial connectors?
Yes, the Access T0040 compression tool terminates F-Type, BNC, RCA and PAL compression connectors. The depth-stop is adjustable to suit different connector types, with settings ranging from 0 to 8 depending on the connector. The reference table above shows the correct depth-stop setting for each Access connector SKU.
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