Stuff. Random, random stuff.: My Review of Coaxial Splicing Kit

Originally submitted at Radio Shack

Splice outdoor and underground RG-6 and RG-6QS coaxial cable.

Great, easy to use kit

By KaHOnas from Chattanooga, TN on 4/7/2008

Pros: PRICE, ease of use, Quality

Cons: None so far

Best Uses: Cable TV, outdoor

Describe Yourself: Gearhead, Tech Savvy

Primary use of this product: Personal

I bought this splice kit after I accidentally cut my CATV feed with a pick-ax. Oops.

I do describe myself as pretty handy, but this was my first work with RG-6 cable line. It was easy to understand; hence, I recommend it to anyone who feels okay with simple hand tools.

This product was just what I needed. I acquired a length of replacement cable (I cut the line in two different places) and proceeded to put in the new piece with the help of this kit. It took me about 30 minutes with some of the proper tools. I did not have an RG-6 cable stripper, nor did I have a hex crimper, but I survived without using a razor blade and a standard wire crimper, and I think a well-handled pair of needle-nose pliers would work just as well.

Anyway, if you find yourself in my situation, this is the kit for you. I can't speak for how well the mastic pads work as weather proofing, but they seemed to make a nice tight seal. I would describe them as 2x4" rubber sheets with roofing tar on one side. They fit easily over the whole connection, and I don't think they're coming off any time soon. It is going to rain here in the next few days, so I guess we'll see then how well it keeps moisture out.

Price is right, it's easy to use, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Early stages