Crimp Tools

When you’re creating or servicing RF cable assemblies, the right crimp tool does far more than just hold a connector—it ensures consistent electrical performance, mechanical integrity and long-term reliability. At Amphenol RF, our crimp tools are designed specifically for RF coaxial connectors, featuring ratchet mechanisms, interchangeable die-sets and full-cycle control to guarantee each termination is correctly executed.

Whether you’re working with BNC, TNC, N-Type, SMA, SMB or other standard RF connector formats, Amphenol RF offers a broad portfolio of crimp tooling built to meet production, repair and field-service demands.

Features and Benefits

• Full-cycle ratchet mechanism ensures the crimping motion completes before the tool releases, reducing the risk of under-crimped connectors.
• Interchangeable die-sets support multiple hex-cavity dimensions, enabling one tool handle to serve a variety of connector/cable types—simplifying tooling inventory.
• Ergonomic handles and tool-frames designed for repetitive use, improving operator comfort and reducing fatigue in production or service environments.
• Specifically calibrated for RF applications, these tools help maintain the electrical and mechanical integrity of coaxial terminations—critical for high performance RF systems.
• Broad compatibility—many of the tools are designed for standard RF connector families (BNC, TNC, N-Type, Mini-UHF, etc.) ensuring integration ease and reducing tooling complexity.

Key Technical Details

• Die cavity dimensions: Amphenol RF lists die-set cavities in hex dimensions such as 0.100", 0.213", 0.429" for certain tool frames.
• Tool family “CTL Series” includes variants such as CTL-5, CTL-11, CTL-17 among others—they differ in die sets, coupling type and connector support.
• All tools meet Amphenol’s design requirements for consistent crimp terminations including full-cycle ratchet control.
• While not a connector itself, the tooling’s mechanical life is tied to die-set wear—the underlying connector mating cycles may be specified by the connector family (e.g., 500+ cycles).
• Environmental/operational durability: Although tooling isn’t rated like a connector, materials and design reflect production-grade use. One example lists full-cycle ratchet control to prevent incomplete crimps.

Applications

• Production fungible RF cable assembly manufacture where high throughput and consistent quality are required.
• Field service and maintenance of RF installations (telecom, broadcast, wireless) where crimped connectors must be replaced or re-terminated on-site.
• Engineering labs and test-equipment manufacturing where coaxial connector assemblies must meet precise electrical performance and reliability standards.
• Repair shops and system integrators working with multi-series RF connectors (BNC, TNC, N-Type, Mini-UHF) and needing a versatile tool-kit that supports multiple die-sets.
• OEMs designing custom RF interconnect harnesses or subsystems who require tooling aligned with Amphenol RF connector families for optimal integration.

Browse the full range of Amphenol RF crimp tools. If you require a custom crimp tool configuration, special die-set, or tailored tooling support for high-volume or unique cable/connector combinations, contact our engineering team to discuss a solution.