Several communications businesses now utilize fiber optic cables to transmit data from a source to your home and work. In order for the company technicians to do their jobs, dozens of new fiber optic tools made specifically for fiber optic work were created. Here are five types of tools and what they do.

Kevlar Cutters

This scissors-like set of cutters has Kevlar-reinforced blades. A single fiber optic strand is easy to cut, but communications systems utilize bundles of these strands and not single strands. To cut through an entire bundle of fiber optic strands, you need something very strong and very sharp. The Kevlar cutters will do it.

Fiber Optic Strippers

Fiber optic strands are coated with a buffer so signals do not jump from one strand to another and cause losses in data and signal transmission. A strippers removes that buffer because the technician needs the cable to connect to any number of things within the power box. All fiber optic strippers are designed not to cut through or even nick the optic strand's outer edge, thereby maintaining the integrity of the strand itself while stripping away the buffer.

Laser Protection Glasses

Every technician that works with fiber optic strands and cables is in danger of viewing stray light from the cables/strands. Although the stray light will not hurt anyone when touched or viewed from a side view of the strand or cable, the direct visual encounter sends the light beam directly to the retina, where it can cause light to moderate damage. Technicians who wear laser protection glasses when working with and repairing fiber optics prevent any accidental stray light encounters their eyes could have.

Hot Melt Add-On

This is a heated chemical compound that "glues" fiber optic cables to a terminal port. The cables will not simply lock into position and stay there. Instead, the technician heats an application of hot melt add-on and touches it to the terminal before inserting the cable and holding the cable in place until this bonding agent has cooled and stuck fast.

Universal Fiber Optic Crimper

Just like coaxial cable must be stripped before being inserted into a coaxial end pin, so does fiber optic cable. Fiber optic cable receives similar end connections, and the fiber optic crimper helps lock the end connections around the cable without damaging the cable or the connector. A universal crimper is one that can be used not only with fiber optic cable, but also with any other type of cable or wiring that needs a terminal connector.

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