Fiber optic cable preparation tool and method of preparing fiber optic

Abstract

A tool for preparing a fiber optic cable for termination with a fiber optic connector. The cable is of the type having a concentric arrangement, from the exterior of the center thereof, an outer protective cover, a layer of strength members and a buffer layered cover fiber. A longitudinally extending first member of the tool includes a longitudinal passage extending therethrough and the cable is mountable therein with a predetermined length extending from the front thereof. The front of the member is a frusto-conical shape on the exterior thereof and the cable is clamped within the member. A second clamp member also having a longitudinal passage therethrough is of a size such that the second clamp member can be received on the exterior of the frusto-conical end of the first member such as to hold strength members of the fiber optic cable securely against the outer surface of the frusto-conical end when the strength members are folded thereover. A sleeve press member then serves to force an inner sleeve which is mounted over the buffer covered end of the fiber into the region between the strength members and the buffered sleeve. The sleeve press member is of a predetermined length such that when engaged against the front end of the two previously described members, defines the length of fiber of the cable to be left with the buffer layer thereon so that the remaining fiber extending therefrom can have the buffer layer stripped. The disclosure also relates to a method of using the tool to prepare a fiber optic cable.