Consisting of three pivoted members, this hand cutter and stripper positions to cut shielding and insulation at the right distance and depth. Coaxial cable is prepared quickly and accurately for connector attachment

Thompson, F. E.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

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Cutting 
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Blade 1 
April 1965	 Brief 65-10094 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued by the Technology Utilization Division to summarize specific 
technical innovations derived from the space program. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical information, Springfield, Virginia, 22151. 
Cutter and Stripper Reduces Coaxial Cable Connection Time 
The problem: To prepare coaxial cable quickly and 
accurately for attachment of connectors. Stripping 
the insulation and shielding with a knife takes about 
three minutes per connection and requires a degree of 
skill. 
The solution: A hand tool with sharp blades posi-
tioned to simultaneously cut the shielding and insula-
tion at precisely the right distance from the cable end 
and to precisely the right depth. 
How it's done: The tool illustrated accommodates 
coaxial cable types RG 58 and RG 71. It consists of 
three pivoted members, the two outer members which 
carry cutter blades, and the center member which 
serves to space the blades and provide a stop for 
limiting depth of cut. The center member is drilled with
two holes, through which the wire is inserted until 
it bears against a stop provided on one of the outer 
members. The blade nearest the stop is positioned to 
cut through outer insulation, shield, and inner insula-
tion to cleanly expose the center conductor. The other 
blade is positioned to cut through the outer insulation 
only, to cleanly expose the shield (or outer conductor). 
To use the tool, the cable is pushed through the 
appropriate hole in the spacer until it is against the 
stop. The tool handles, consisting of the blade holders 
and the spacer, are squeezed as common pliers handles 
are squeezed, and the tool is rotated about the cable. 
Hand pressure is then released, the tool is removed, 
and the cut segments of insulation and shield are 
pulled away. The cable end is now neatly and cleanly 
prepared for a coaxial connector.
(continued overkal) 
Now
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States Govern-
ment, nor NASA, nor any person acting on behalf of NASA: A. Makes 
any warranty or representation, express or implied, with respect to the 
accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information contained in
this document, or that the use of any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document may not infringe privately-owned 
rights; or B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for 
damages resulting from the use of, any information, apparatus, method, 
or process disclosed in this document.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19650000093 2020-03-11T17:22:06+00:00Z
Notes: 
I. Cutting and stripping time with this tool is only 
10 seconds about 20 times faster than using a 
knife. 
2. Inexperienced personnel can perform reliable 
stripping with this tool. 
3. The tool is approximately six inches long, is made 
principally of aluminum, weighs approximately 
1/2 pound, and is held easily in one hand. 
4. Use of the tool has consistently been followed 
by an increase in connection reliability. 
5. Inquiries concerning this invention may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Ames Research Center 
Moffett Field, California, 94035 
Reference: B65-10094
Patent status: NASA encourages the immediate 
commercial use of this invention. It was invented by a 
NASA employee and a patent application has been 
filed. Inquiries concerning license rights may be made 
directly to the inventor, Mr. Franklin E. Thompson 
at Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, 
94035.
Source: Ames Research Center 
(ARC-40) 
Brief 65-10094	 Category No. 05


Cutter and stripper reduces coaxial cable connection time

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