How to Terminate RG6 Wire (RCA & F-Type)

Step 1: Gather Tools

You will need a Compression Tool, Wire Stripper, RCA or F-Type Connector, Color Rings (if using RCA), and RG6 Wire.

Compression Tool - I like the CPLCCT-SLM from Cable Pro.

Wire Stripper - I use Cable Pro's Pro Strip PS59/6/RGB.

Connector - We can either use RCA, F-Type, or BNC connectors with these tools. In this demo we will use RCA, but they all work the same way.

Step 2: Strip the RG6

Insert the RG6 cable into the stripper. The stripper has a stopper to ensure you strip the right amount of wire.

Squeeze the stripper tool on the "CP" logo while twisting it around the RG6 wire. Twist it around about 10 times. You will start to feel once the cable is properly stripped.

Now pull the stripper off the RG6 tool, bring the wire shell with you.

Step 3: Inspect & Prep Wire

The RG6 should now look like this. If it doesn't, chances are that you did not apply enough pressure when stripping the wire.

You will have the copper needle at the top. The next layer will have foil surrounded by thin metal wires.

Pull the wires back with your fingers. When you are done it will look like the wire to the left.

Step 4: Prep the Connector

In this picture we are using a RCA connector. The small needle (silver with green tip) must be inserted into the connector body.

F-Type Connectors are one part, instead of 2 like the RCA connectors. If terminating an F-Type wire you would skip this step.

Step 5: Insert RG6 into connector

When inserting the wire, be careful to line the copper needle up with the small hole inside the connector.

Push the RG6 through the connector until you hear it click into place.

F-Type connectors follow the same step.

Step 6: Place Wire & Connector in Compression Tool

Important: You must use the right adapter with the right connector.

This is a silver/nickel connector so we will use the silver/nickel adapter.

If we were using a gold connector, we would use the gold adapter. (Pictured in next step)

The same adapter is used for both RCA and F-Type, we just need to use the right metal.

Insert the needle from the connector into the adapter on the tool. There is a grove that the connector will slide through.

Align the wire to rest in the groves at the back of the tool (as pictured).

Step 7: Crimp

Hold the tool as pictured, and apply pressure to crimp the wire.

Also notice the gold adapter near the top of the tool. Untwist it from this location to exchange with the silver adapter.

If you were terminating an F-Type wire, you're done!

Step 8: Slip on Color Ring

Slip the color ring over the end of the wire. It will cover the green area on the connector.