General idea guide for assembling RF coaxial connectors with a crimp ferrule and soldered center pin — the industry standard for a secure, low-loss connection in amateur radio, CB, and RF communications.
🛠️ What You’re Assembling
These connectors typically include:
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A crimp ferrule for the shield (outer braid)
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A solder-style center pin for the inner conductor
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A connector body (e.g., UHF, N-type, BNC, SMA, etc.)
These crimp ferrule and solder RF pin designs are favored for:
✅ Quick assembly
✅ Consistent performance
✅ Durable, field-ready terminations
📦 What You’ll Need
Tools:
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Coaxial cable stripper or precision utility knife
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RF connector crimp tool (hex-die size matched to ferrule)
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Soldering iron (30–60W recommended)
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Rosin-core solder (fine gauge)
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Heat shrink tubing (optional)
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Small pliers and cutters
Materials:
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Coaxial cable (RG-8X, RG-58, RG-213, etc.)
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Crimp RF connector (available in our store!)
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Cable
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Cut the cable end clean and straight.
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Use a coaxial stripper or precision knife to remove the correct lengths of jacket, braid, and dielectric.
📏 For approximate cutting dimensions by connector type, refer to the Coax Length Cutting Chart by W5SWL.com.
🔹 Step 2: Tin the Center Conductor
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Lightly solder the exposed center conductor to pre-tin it. This is optional and is handy if the RF pin does not have a solder hole on the side and depends on your desire in assembly.
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Let it cool before proceeding.
🔥 Important: Avoid letting solder wick down into the dielectric.
🔹 Step 3: Install the Connector
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Slide the crimp ferrule onto the cable (do this before attaching the body!). Don't forget this, is is common to forget!
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Insert the center conductor into the RF pin and solder it in place. Most will have a small side hole in which to apply the solder, but it is not required.
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Slide the connector body over the dielectric and braid.
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Ensure the RF pin locks or seats properly into the connector.
🔹 Step 4: Crimp the Ferrule
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Slide the crimp ferrule up over the braid and connector body.
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Place the ferrule into the crimp tool die (correct size).
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Crimp firmly and evenly — you should feel a solid compression.
✅ A proper crimp = secure + no cable movement
🔹 Step 5: Final Touches
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Inspect: Check that no braid strands touch the center pin.
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Optionally apply heat shrink tubing over the crimp area for protection.
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Label or mark the cable if needed.
✅ Quality Check
Use a multimeter or cable analyzer:
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Tip to Tip (Center Conductor): Continuity ✅
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Shield to Shield (Braid/Ferrule): Continuity ✅
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Tip to Shield: No continuity ❌
📡 For RF testing, check SWR using a meter or analyzer or an Ohm Meter.
🤔 FAQs
Q: What size crimp die should I use?
A: It depends on the cable and ferrule —See our spec page for a list of the most common sizes
Q: Can I skip soldering the pin?
A: No. These connectors rely on a soldered center pin for signal integrity.
Q: Is this better than a full solder-style PL-259 for example?
A: Crimp/solder hybrids offer faster, cleaner, and more consistent results, especially for high-frequency or mobile applications.
Stay Connected. Build Smart. Transmit Clean. But most important of all - Enjoy and teach others!