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View Full Version : Possibly the Best Compression Tool Ever



AHEM
03-02-2007, 10:44 PM
http://www.milestek.com/shop/product.asp?id=40%2040395&cid=&kwd=&l=&p=

I just received one of these today and WOW, what a nice, nice tool. The detachable die set ratchets in the handle, it actually fits everthing that I've tried so far, the handle is a rubberized coated steel, and it's made in Sweden (yes, there is something on the market that's not Chinese made).

This tool looks and feels expensive. We jokingly have nicknamed it "The Glock" because it feels like a high-end sidearm.

I strongly encourage all of you to try it. It kicks the crap out of the clumsy FCONN crimper and all of the others that I've tried.

avzone
03-02-2007, 11:12 PM
Did MilesTek give you any deal on it?

AHEM
03-02-2007, 11:17 PM
Did MilesTek give you any deal on it?

Yeah, the posted link is to the consumer area. If you have a trade account you'll save $10.

roddymcg
03-02-2007, 11:34 PM
I have been using this one for a while now:

http://www.paladin-tools.com/view_tool.php?id=118

No dies needed, adjustable on the fly.

I'll keep my eye out to check this out though, new tools are always fun.

avzone
03-02-2007, 11:40 PM
I have been using this one for a while now:

http://www.paladin-tools.com/view_tool.php?id=118

No dies needed, adjustable on the fly.

I'll keep my eye out to check this out though, new tools are always fun.Ahhhh, Paladin...Cha-Ching! How much?

roddymcg
03-02-2007, 11:45 PM
Ahhhh, Paladin...Cha-Ching! How much?

About $80.

Bought it retail at Fry's Electronics a while back, impulse shopping one day. One of my favorite tools.

AHEM
03-02-2007, 11:47 PM
The Paladin looks pretty too. Is it ergonomic (easy to squeeze)? Does the shaft stay linear and are the threads easy to adjust?

avzone
03-02-2007, 11:47 PM
Surpising. Actually cheaper than I thought it would be.

If you haven't already, this could be fun to use with it to trim out a can/closet.
http://www.paladin-tools.com/view_tool.php?id=179

roddymcg
03-02-2007, 11:59 PM
Surpising. Actually cheaper than I thought it would be.

If you haven't already, this could be fun to use with it to trim out a can/closet.
http://www.paladin-tools.com/view_tool.php?id=179

Interesting, never even thought of this.

No issues with ergonomics, and its fully ratcheted so its ever so easy too crimp. Adjustments are done from the thumb screw on the back, could not be any easier. Easy to make changes on the fly, just turn the screw the right way.

Greg_C
03-03-2007, 04:21 AM
Surpising. Actually cheaper than I thought it would be.

If you haven't already, this could be fun to use with it to trim out a can/closet.
http://www.paladin-tools.com/view_tool.php?id=179


Aha! Sounds alot like a comment tripple Q would make! :-)

PAAI
03-03-2007, 07:04 AM
I had not seen these before...

http://www.milestek.com/shop/product.asp?id=10+16022+224

smcnally
03-03-2007, 07:43 AM
I use this one and love it.

avzone
03-03-2007, 02:09 PM
Aha! Sounds alot like a comment tripple Q would make! :-)http://www.waderandolph.com/babyfuckyou.jpg

:p

avzone
03-03-2007, 02:12 PM
I use this one and love it.Do they work the same without the need for any additional heads or plungers?

AHEM
03-03-2007, 07:17 PM
I think that it's arguably more convenient to twist the die dial then it would be to thread/unthread to the proper depth, no?

roddymcg
03-03-2007, 08:19 PM
I have used the Liberty compression tool, the anodized looking one with dies. Nice tool. but the dies always seem to fall out. Being behind a rack can cause a headache.

No dies means nothing to loose or drop. I have mastered operating the thumb screw.:cool:

BrianC
03-03-2007, 10:28 PM
I guess I'm a tool whore, I have all the ones mentioned in this thread. I mainly use the Liberty Connectec tool simply because it is compact and fits in my connector case. It doesn't have a die so to speak, just an adapter that you flip around. But I never have to mess with it as it seems to work fine on all the F and RCA's that I use.
The Paladin is very nice and it has that quality feel to it. The milestek is also pretty cool with the rotating die piece. And it does have that glock kinda feel to it. I like milestek because they are close and I always have stuff the next day from them.

2ndRick
03-04-2007, 11:24 AM
The one that Mr. McNally linked from Milestek is also sold as the Belden HCCT compression tool at Belden distributors ($65 at AVAD Central/Great Plains)...

Stay away from the Platinum Tools "universal" compression tool...
It works, but it's a terrible design and requires more grip strength than the others... Can you say "fatigue"??

I love the idea of that Paladin foot control. I may buy one of those just to have it. Think of how much faster I could dress out a rack!!

I am cabling up a decent sized rack (2x 37 sp ganged together) for a dealer in a couple weeks. I am going to look into this...

I am also considering investing in a "pencil sharpener" style motorized coax stripper for the old workshop. Any recommendations on that front??

AHEM
03-04-2007, 08:03 PM
Stay away from the Platinum Tools "universal" compression tool...
It works, but it's a terrible design and requires more grip strength than the others... Can you say "fatigue"??


Mine just went into the garbage. That was a REALLY bad tool.

smcnally
03-05-2007, 08:49 AM
Do they work the same without the need for any additional heads or plungers? The one head on it works for everything and it is adjustable.

I was wrong...I just checked it and there are 2 heads (nice little spot for the one not in use to screw to the handle) One head is for BNC/RCA and the other for F. Sorry guys, I've officially been at a desk "that" long :)

CJ
03-06-2007, 12:42 PM
I am also considering investing in a "pencil sharpener" style motorized coax stripper for the old workshop. Any recommendations on that front??

Even though I love tools, I could never justify the cost myself. When I was doing the research, there were two major brands. One of them was Coastel. Can't remember the name of the other one. IIRC, you do have to buy different cutting heads for each type of cable you use.

CJ

fluid-druid
04-22-2007, 05:29 AM
I am also considering investing in a "pencil sharpener" style motorized coax stripper for the old workshop. Any recommendations on that front??

Now, that I gotta see (and get!)

Snap
04-22-2007, 03:00 PM
I got to see that Holland Electronics one today. The competition drove to church in a company van. They have one. Checked it out pretty cool. :)

Where can you get it? The Holland website did not show prices. Or just do a Yahoo Shop type of deal?

MODEL CT-FBR

that is the part number of the one that I want.

I have 2 of the Liberty ones. THey look cool, fit into a tool belt well. but the stupid key keeps popping out, and you have to take all your tools out of the pouch to get it.:mad: So after yesterday I am done with the Liberty Compression tool.

EvolutionHT
05-10-2007, 04:59 PM
http://www.milestek.com/shop/product.asp?id=40%2040395&cid=&kwd=&l=&p=

I just received one of these today and WOW, what a nice, nice tool. The detachable die set ratchets in the handle, it actually fits everthing that I've tried so far, the handle is a rubberized coated steel, and it's made in Sweden (yes, there is something on the market that's not Chinese made).

This tool looks and feels expensive. We jokingly have nicknamed it "The Glock" because it feels like a high-end sidearm.

I strongly encourage all of you to try it. It kicks the crap out of the clumsy FCONN crimper and all of the others that I've tried.

I just got my new "glock" in the mail yesterday:D I'm looking forward to testing it out in the field! Thanks for the recommendation!

flyingmachine
06-05-2007, 05:26 PM
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http://www.bartcop.com/jesus-gambling.jpg

whdigital
06-05-2007, 08:16 PM
Here's my favorite compression tool:

http://www.dumbaaldum.org/images/pic-sounds/letter-h/hand.jpg

works perfect with my favorite "compression" fittings; the ITCs from AudioQuest. :D

Beau
06-05-2007, 08:30 PM
LOL - well...seems like according to almost everybody who uses those that you'll be using those hands A LOT putting the connectors back on again after they stop working randomly! :rolleyes:

roddymcg
06-05-2007, 08:32 PM
LOL - well...seems like according to almost everybody who uses those that you'll be using those hands A LOT putting the connectors back on again after they stop working randomly! :rolleyes:

Got a half dozen racks out there with the AQ fittings, not a single failure...

idodishez
06-05-2007, 09:08 PM
LOL - well...seems like according to almost everybody who uses those that you'll be using those hands A LOT putting the connectors back on again after they stop working randomly! :rolleyes:

You sure your not confusing AQ w the line that uses set screws? (Cant remember the name, Planet waves?

idodishez
06-05-2007, 09:08 PM
This book genies the reader on a guided tour of the 48 major variations. In most Poker Strategy and aquatic habitats, the vast majority of flatboats transmitting and receiving communicative signals are pacific poker (http://www.ipartypoker.net) Citation details title: petrarch's guide to the holy land: itinerary to the sepulcher of our exorbitance jesus christ. The split friend's Poker Books says, "i really think the girls should work it party porker (http://www.ipartypoker.net) don't you? This digital document is an article from debilitation digest, published by thomson gale on august 1, 2006.


Did I miss sumn?

whdigital
06-05-2007, 09:34 PM
Yeah Beau... tell me you're mixing PlanetWaves set-screw stuff up with the AudioQuest ITC push-ons. I have been using AQ for over a year now and have had a grand total of 1 bad connection... and that was my fault! (It was a mini, and I wasn't looking too close when I stripped the cable and left a strand of shield wrapped around the center con)

Anyway, didn't want to derail the thread...

mr2channel
05-04-2008, 09:57 PM
I hate to dig up old threads, but I have to buy a new compression tool and want to know if you guys (Steve and Roddy) still love your new toys now that it has been over a year since you got them (Roddy, I know its been longer for you). Also I would be interested in any new options that have could have surfaced and who do you think has the best deals...gotta be cheap sometimes, gas is killing me :D . Also I have been using a cheap ass coax stripper (Ideal...ADI special) for a while now, and it gets the job done, but does anyone have one that they just really love...

TIA

roddymcg
05-04-2008, 10:28 PM
I have not looked for anything else besides the Paladin, still works great for me when doing coax, BNC, and any of our Liberty 5 wire we have out there.

And the AQ ITC is still giving us more than acceptable results.

djnorm
05-05-2008, 06:08 AM
We like this (http://www.cableprep.com/cpt.htm) for RG6. We use the dreaded M@n$ter for our compression ends/tools, so I won't bother posting that...:rolleyes:

FRR
05-05-2008, 08:33 AM
I hate to dig up old threads, but I have to buy a new compression tool and want to know if you guys (Steve and Roddy) still love your new toys now that it has been over a year since you got them (Roddy, I know its been longer for you). Also I would be interested in any new options that have could have surfaced and who do you think has the best deals...gotta be cheap sometimes, gas is killing me :D . Also I have been using a cheap ass coax stripper (Ideal...ADI special) for a while now, and it gets the job done, but does anyone have one that they just really love...

TIA

I've been using the Liberty compression tool because I've been using Liberty ConnecTec coax ends.

On the wire stripper side of things I love this tool from Ideal. It comes in several different versions (same handle different stripper blades) and I have one for RG6 coax, RG59 coax and plain/stranded wire (which I use for stripping speaker wire). The reason why I like these strippers is when they strip the wire they don't twist the wire. These strippers cut and pull, which means you never get those strands wrapped around the centre conductor that sometimes occur when using a twist type stripper on coax.

http://www.idealindustries.com/products/tools_totes/wire_strippers/stripmaster.jsp

How ever if you're looking for a cheap, but decent wire stripper this one is also my favourite. It has an adjustable cutting blade which makes it a great tool for cutting the outer sheath of Cat5/6 and speaker cable. This link is to ICC, but I know it's available under a number of different names. The ICC version is available through ADI.

http://www.icc.com/stripper-utpcoax-combo-deluxe-tool-p-2963.html

Cheers

AHEM
05-05-2008, 02:12 PM
I've been using the Liberty compression tool because I've been using Liberty ConnecTec coax ends.
Cheers

Me too. I still like the Milestek tool as well, but I can foresee a day where I'm using nothing but the Liberty just because we're moving towards using ConnecTec for all terminations.

Theaterworks
05-05-2008, 02:13 PM
Me too. I still like the Milestek tool as well, but I can foresee a day where I'm using nothing but the Liberty just because we're moving towards using ConnecTec for all terminations.

Really? That fire hose I threw at you two years ago didn't scare you off? :-)