DXE-UT-8213 Coaxial Cable Stripping Tool

In my 28+ years of having a ham radio license, I have installed many PL259 connectors. Unfortunately, looking at most of these installations would make you cringe.

Confession time... I've used everything from carpet cutters to dikes to my XYL's scissors (shhhh!) and almost always butchered the installation along the way. At times, I've even resorted to using coax with pre-installed connectors. I know I haven't always used the right tool for the job. I'm sure that the pros can install a PL259 connector in seconds without issue. However, I'm not a pro and seem to be all thumbs when attempting this manuever. 

Yes, I've followed the instructions in the ARRL Handbook - carefully measuring each dimension. Inevitably, I slice away too much jacket on the first cut or slice deeply into the center conductor on the second cut. 

I was recently given the DX Engineering DXE-UT-8213 coax cable stripping tool as a birthday gift.   Wow - what a difference this has made. Stripping coax is almost fun with this tool. With a few twists, I'm able to create a perfectly sized coax end - ready for a PL-259 connector. 

Check out this installation video from DX Engineering:

http://www.dxengineering.com/images/video/UT-8213.wmv

I've found the product to be nearly as easy to use as is shown in the video. With some minor extra trimming (perhaps due to the coax I'm using), it's ready to go with minimal hassle. 

Service from DX Engineering is great. I've purchased ham radio equipment from DX Engineering many times and have always been pleased with this company. 

If you are looking for a way to streamline your coax connector installation - check out the DXE-UT-8213. 

I have detailed pictures showing the use of this tool on my blog:

http://www.n0hr.com/hamradio_blog/2009/01/05/pl-259s-the-easy-way-dxe-ut-8213/