An Easy Guide to Connecting Connectors to a Coaxial Cable

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Find the right cable and connector, and connect them

Co-authored by Mantas Silvanavicius

Last Updated: October 2, 2025 Fact Checked

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Choosing and Stripping Cables

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Attaching a Crimp Connector

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Installing a Right-Angle Connector

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Video

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Q&A

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Tips

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Things You'll Need

A coaxial cable (coax) brings TV and internet signals into homes and other buildings. These cables need connectors on the end to hook up to appliances like TVs and transmit a signal. If you have a coax cable without a connector, installing your own is a simple task. This wikiHow article teaches you how to connect a connector to a coaxial cable with expert tips from professional electrician Mantas Silvanavicius.

Connect a Connector to a Coaxial Cable

Make sure you get the right connector to fit the cable type, frequency, and resistance of the cable you are connecting. Strip the cable so the conductor is sticking out. Slide the connector over the wire so the conductor is sticking out of the connector. Use a crimper to crimp the connector.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing and Stripping Cables

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1
Determine the type of cable you have. Coaxial cables come in a variety of types and thicknesses. You can usually identify the type of cable you have by the markings on the outer sleeve. Different cables also have different resistance capabilities (usually 50 or 75-ohm) as well as different frequencies. The following are some common types of coaxiai cables:^{[1]
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- RF cables: Many people think of RF cables when thinking of coaxial cables. These cables are usually used to connect a device to the audio/video inputs on an analog TV. They are useful for transmitting audio and video signals over short distances.
- RG-6: This is one of the most common cable types used. They are most commonly used in cable and satellite television installations. They can transmit a high bandwidth of information and are useful for transmitting audio and video signals over a long distance.
- RG-59: RG-59 cables are also used in satellite and cable TV installations. They are thinner than RG-6 cables and can’t carry signals over as long a distance. They are often used in recording studios, CCTV, security monitors, and control room monitors.
- RG-8: RG-8 cables are thicker and useful for transmitting radio signals over long distances with lower signal loss. They are most commonly used in ham radio and older Ethernet computer networks.
- RG-11: These are thicker cables that are capable of transmitting video and data signals over long distances with little to no loss. They are often used in communications networks, backbone networks, and long-distance surveillance systems.
- RG-213: RG-213 cables are capable of transmitting high-power signals over long distances with little or no loss. They are similar to RG-8 cables, but they have a layer of insulation. They are most commonly used in CB-radio, internet connections, and mobile uplink systems.
- LMR: Land Mobile Radio cables are flexible. They are most commonly used in complicated systems that require lots of connections in small spaces.
- Twinaxial: Twinaxial cables have two inner conductors as opposed to one. This allows for high-speed data transmission. Twinaxial cables are most commonly used in complex computer systems and video production.
- Triaxial: Triaxial cables have two inner conductors, like twinaxial cables. They also have a third conducting layer to allow for even greater high-speed data transmission. They are most commonly used in film, video, and television production.
2
Get a connector that matches your cable type and application. There are a variety of different connector types that can be used for different applications and different cable types. You’ll also want to get a connector that is weather proof if it is being used outdoors. The following are some common cable connector types:^{[2]
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- F-Type: F-type connectors are one of the most common coaxial connectors. This is the kind of connector you see on the back of an analog television or cable box. They can be used on RG-59, RG-6, and RG-11 cables.
- N-Series: N-Series connectors are most commonly used in radio transmission equipment. Most N-series connectors are 50-ohm, but 75-ohm versions do exist. They can handle frequencies up to 18 GHz. While F-Type connectors are typically used in residential setups, N-Series connectors are most commonly used for commercial use.
- BNC: Bayonet Neill-Concelman connectors are available for most coaxial cable types. They come in 50-ohm and 75-ohm types. So make sure you get one that matches your cable’s ohm resistance. They are also most commonly used at low frequencies, below 4 GHz. They are typically used indoors on radios and security cameras.
- TNC: Threaded Neill-Concelman connectors are an upgraded version of BNC connectors. They can handle frequencies up to 12 GHz. They are also waterproof for outdoor use. They are most commonly used on antennas and cell towers. Reverse polarity versions are also available.
- UHF: UHF connectors are 50-ohm connectors, and they come in both male (PL-259) and female (SO-239) connectors. They can be used on RG-58, RG-8, and LMR cables. Miniature versions are also available for limited space.
- SMA: Subminiature A connectors are miniature-sized threaded connectors. They are usually used on RG-58 cables or thinner cables with frequencies up to 24 GHz. They are also environmentally sealed for outdoor use.
- SMB: Subminiature B connectors are used on higher-frequency equipment up to 4 GHz.
- FME: FME are small RF connectors that are typically used on RG-58 cables and thinner cables. Their small size allows them to run through holes and smaller spaces.
- Right-angle connectors: Different connector types come with a right-angle variant that allows them to be attached in small spaces.
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3
Cut through the rubber ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) from the end of the cable. Use either a wire stripping tool or a razor. Measure ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) from the end of the cable and cut around the outer rubber layer. Then pull it off to expose the mesh underneath.^{[3]
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- Don’t cut all the way through the cable. Just cut the outer rubber covering. Cutting too deep will damage the connection.
- If you use a razor to do this, be very careful. Don’t put your finger in the path of the blade and hold the cable tightly.
- If you are using a triaxial cable, be sure not to cut through the conductive layer.
4
Peel the wire mesh down. This wire mesh is the second layer of the cable. Use your fingers or a pair of pliers and peel the mesh back. Fold it down over the rubber housing below the first cut you made.
- A wire stripping tool could cut through this section and remove it, but be careful if you do this. Don’t cut deep enough to damage the conductor in the center of the cable.
5
Trim the dielectric plastic ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) from the end of the cable. The final layer of insulation for the cable is a white plastic housing around the main conductor. Use a wire stripper or razor and gently cut around the plastic ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) from the top. Then peel it away to expose the copper conductor underneath.
- The plastic may be foil-covered.
- Be especially careful when removing the plastic covering. If you damage the conductor, your signal will be weaker.
If any part of the mesh touches the conductor, it interferes with the signal quality. This is called a stinger. Double-check that the entire wire mesh is peeled back, and no parts touch the conductor.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Attaching a Crimp Connector

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1
Slide the crimp ring over the cable. Leave it below the spot where you cut so it’s out of the way until you need it. Make sure you slide the ring on first, or you’ll have to remove the connector later on and start over.^{[5]
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- Not all connectors have separate crimp rings. Some connectors have the crimp ring already attached. Check which type you have.
2
Push the connector over the cable so the copper conductor sticks out. Hold the cable in one hand and the connector in the other. Then insert the conductor into the hole in the center of the connector. Continue pushing until the conductor sticks out just above the edge of the connector on the other side.^{[6]
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- This will take some pushing because the connector has to wedge in between the rubber housing and plastic layer. Try twisting the connector back and forth a little to work it onto the cable.
- If you’re installing the cable outdoors, remember to use a waterproof connector. This is housed with rubber.
- Some connectors are twist-on, allowing you to twist the connector on over the cable without having to crimp the wire. These usually aren’t of as good a quality.
3
Crimp the connector and wire. A crimping tool pushes the crimp ring completely inside the connector, securing the connection. Select the correct die, or width, for the cable you’re using. Then insert the cable into the crimping tool. Squeeze the handle until you hear a click, indicating that the crimp is complete.^{[7]
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- According to Silvanavicius, some crimping tools work differently. Follow the directions on the specific tool you use.^{[8]
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  Mantas Silvanavicius
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- Some connectors require a specific crimping tool type. Check the instructions on the connector and make sure you get the correct crimping tool.
4
Trim away any wire mesh coming out from under the connector. These metal pieces could interfere with your signal or wiring. Check around the connector for any wires coming out. If you see any, use a wire cutter and trim them away.^{[9]
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- According to Silvanavicius, no bare wire should be showing.^{[10]
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  Mantas Silvanavicius
  Licensed Electrician
  
  Expert Interview}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Installing a Right-Angle Connector

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1
Place the connector base over the wire. Most right-angle connectors have a base piece that holds the housing together. Slide this base over the stripped wire so it’s there after you install the connector.^{[11]
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- Remember to slide the base first, before installing any other pieces of the connector. If you forget, you’ll have to remove the connector and redo the process.
- Some right-angle connector kits are different. Follow the procedure on whichever product you use.
2
Loosen the screw inside the connector. The front portion of the connector housing has an internal screw that carries the signal. Turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen it.^{[12]
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- Don’t remove the screw completely. Just loosen it.
3
Touch the conductor to the screw and tighten it. Insert the cable into the housing so the conductor touches the screw. Hold it in place and turn the screw clockwise to tighten it. Form a snug connection so the cable stays in place.^{[13]
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- Only tighten until the screw is snug. Don’t overtighten it or you could damage the copper conductor.
4
Install the back housing of the connector. Take the back portion and line it up with the notches on the front. Then press the 2 pieces together with the cable in between them.^{[14]
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- Some connectors may click together at this point. Continue holding the pieces together just in case they don’t automatically attach.
The base locks the two sections together. Push it up until it reaches the connector, then twist it over the two pieces. Make sure the connection is snug, then the job is complete.^{[15]
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Can I connect sky cable to a digital aerial?

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Yes, but the thin twin cable probably isn't as good as even a normal TV cable. Still, it's likely to work well enough, unless your signals are exceptionally poor.

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Will my router need to be hooked up to one to connect to the internet?

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Although the thin twin cable probably isn't as good as even normal TV cable, it's likely to work well enough, unless your signals are exceptionally poor.

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Will connecting more connectors affect the quality of the signals?

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Yes, negatively, though seldom significantly. It's always better to use a cable of the correct length than to join shorter ones together.

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Tips

If you have high speed internet and more than two TVs, make sure you use a high quality RG 6-type connector.

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Screw-on style F-type connectors usually provide a weaker connection, and the signal can bleed out of the cable. Crimp-style connectors are better for a strong signal.

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