When working of fibre optic cables, technicians need to be very precise as a mistake of a few millimetres can be costly. While some tools can be used for various operations, interventions on optical networks require very specific tools. Indeed, when working on fibre optic networks, field engineers will regularly need to carry out operations such as stripping and opening cables. For each of these operations, Telenco store offers fiber optic tools to perform them efficiently and safely. In our selection, you will find pliers for working with various diameters, cleaning kits for optical surfaces (fragments, oil and dust interfere with the signals and can account for up to 70% of failures on the network), and other splicing tools for optical network installations.

Which tools should you use to safely open fiber optic cables with precision?

Opening a fiber optic cable is a common operation for a telecom engineer, but it is relatively technical and can quickly lead to the risk of cuts or injuries.

The work on feeder cables and distribution cables consists mainly of making slits for their passage through splice protection boxes. The tools commonly used for these operations are electrician's knives, cutters or cable strippers. These tools allow longitudinal and circular cutting. They are used in conjunction with half-round pliers to peel the cable along the longitudinal cut.

To open drop cables, which usually have a smaller diameter, Kevlar scissors and an electrician's knife are the most frequently used tools by telecom engineers. The alternative without a visible blade is to use specific longitudinal optical cable splicing tools, which will ensure safety, efficiency and speed. To choose the right model, be sure to check the diameter of your cable beforehand. The work on these cables can be carried out with tearing ropes, but the use of splicing tools saves time and enable technicians to perform the task with more precision.

To access the micro-modules from the riser cables, telecom technicians must "peel" the cable to make a slit. As it is strictly forbidden to work on these cables with cutters or knives our specialist recommends the use of specific tools such as a fiber optic drop cable slitter for opening riser cables. This type of tool halves the risk of damage to the optical cable and ensures the safety of the technician.