Special tools for fiber optic cable sheathing

Fiber optic cable sheathing requires specialized tools such as mechanical strippers, slitting tools, scissors, and thermal strippers to safely expose the internal fibers without damage.Mechanical Fiber StrippersMechanical strippers are designed to remove the outer jacket or buffer coating of fiber optic cables. Common types include:Fibre Strippers: Suitable for microcables and buffered fibers, they can strip jackets up to 3.5 mm and buffers up to 2360 µm, providing quick and precise access to the fiber beneath the outer sheath (Emtelle)JIC-125 Fiber Optic Stripper: Removes 250 µm buffer coating to expose the 125 µm optical fiber, ideal for standard fiber optic cables (Jonard Tools)RCS-0425 Fiber Cable Stripper: Allows cutting around insulation layers with adjustable depth up to 5 mm, suitable for larger diameter cables (Holight Optic)Cable Slitting ToolsSlitting tools are used to make longitudinal cuts along the cable sheath without damaging the internal fibers:CPT2 Ruggedized Cable Slitter: Features factory-preset blades and a ball socket joint for smooth, precise slits along the cable length. It is ideal for field technicians handling commercial, military, or harsh environment cables (Luminos)Mid-Span Slit & Ring Tools (MS Line): Designed for thick-walled jackets (8.7–14.6 mm), these tools allow quick access to interior fibers without fully cutting the cable (Jonard Tools)Cutting and Scissors ToolsSpecialized scissors are used to cut aramid yarn, Kevlar strands, or cable jackets:Heavy Duty Kevlar Scissors: Can cut Kevlar strength strands and other tough materials (Emtelle)CFS-2 Fiber Cable Cutting Scissors: Three-hole design allows stripping of 125 µm to 250 µm fibers and outer sheaths efficiently without damaging the fiber (Holight Optic)Thermal and Ultrasonic StrippersFor difficult coatings or baked-on layers, thermal strippers provide controlled heat to remove coatings:TSAB-40 Thermal Stripper: Adjustable heater up to 200°C, capable of stripping coatings from 30 µm to 1000 µm cladding and buffer diameters up to 1200 µm, including 250 µm, 400 µm, and 900 µm fibers (Jonard Tools)Ultrasonic Cleaners: Used in conjunction with stripping to clean fibers and connectors for optimal performanceKey ConsiderationsCable Type and Diameter: Choose tools compatible with the specific fiber optic cable, whether microcable, tight-buffered, or thick-walled OSP cablesPrecision and Safety: Tools like slitting devices and thermal strippers minimize the risk of fiber damageField vs. Lab Use: Ruggedized slitting tools and mid-span slit & ring tools are ideal for field deployment, while thermal strippers and precision scissors are often used in controlled environments Using the correct combination of these tools ensures efficient, safe, and precise preparation of fiber optic cables for installation, splicing, or termination .