ST-900C

CST Series Cable Preparation Tools Warning! This tool should not be used on live electrical circuits. It is not protected against electrical shock! Always use OSHA/ANSI or other industry approved eye protection when using tools. This tool is not to be used for purposes other than intended. Read carefully and understand instructions before using this tool. The CST series tools are specially designed cable preparation tools for LMR coax cable. These tools will trim the cable to proper conductor and braid exposure lengths for the assembly of applicable clamp, crimp, right angle, and straight connectors. Set up: The tool is built with an adjustable stop on the Cut #2 end to give the correct braid exposure length. Refer to chart below. Set the red thumb screw in the proper location for proper trim length. Ensure that the cutter block is in the up position on the Cut #1 end. See product picture above. Operation: 1. Ensure cable end is cut off as square as possible for accurate prep lengths. Insert cable in Cut #1 end up to stop. (If cable is deformed, some re-forming of the end may be necessary.) Rotate the tool and simultaneously engage the cutter blade by applying thumb pressure to the cutter block. Turn and squeeze until the block bottoms against the tool body. (Fig.1) Fig.1 2. Pull the cable straight out of the tool opening while holding thumb pressure on the cutter block. The exposed conductor length will be developed (Fig.2). Retract the cutter block by pushing up on the guide rod underneath. Ensure the cable chip gets ejected from the tool. If not, re-insert prepared cable end to dislodge stuck cable chip. Alternative method applicable to larger cables: Perform step 1 above. Retract the cutter block. Remove the cable and chip together from the tool. Twist the chip off the cable with pliers. (Fig.2a) Fig.2 3. Insert cable into Cut #2 end. With gentle pressure, turn tool in a CW direction to engage jacket blade. Turn tool until cable reaches strip stop and continue turning until jacket chip breaks off. (Fig.3) Fig.2a Fig.3 4. Deburr conductor end with deburring bit on the #2 end of tool (CST400, 500 and 600 models only). Apply forward pressure and rotate back and forth to break sharp edge. Cable end is depicted in Fig.4 Fig.4 CST Preparation Lengths A B A: Conductor length B: Braid exposure length Tool A (inches) CST 195/200 .15 CST 240A* .20 CST 300 .25 CST 400 .21 CST 500 .25 CST 600 .25 B (inches) .400 .650 .400 .600 .500 .750 .375 .590 .330 .575 .375 .750 Straight Right Angle Straight Right Angle Straight Right Angle Clamp Crimp Clamp Crimp Clamp Crimp Blade Replacement: To replace the cutter blade, remove the set screw on top of the cutter block. Lift the cutter block from the tool. Do not remove the guide rod mechanism from the tool. The top edge of the cutter blade abuts two locating bosses on the block for proper positioning as shown. Use the included hex wrench to remove and replace the blade. When replacing the jacket blade, assemble it fully back in the tool body slot. Replacement Blades: RB-CST-LMR p/n 3192-086 (includes 5 ea First Cut cutter blades, 1 Jacket blade, and blade hardware.) 43451 rev4 Cst lmr table 11-11-13.doc * Replaces CST 240 and is now identified by a gray stop knob and new preparation lengths. 43451 rev.4 04-03-14 ff 358 Hall Avenue P.O.Box 5039 Wallingford, CT 06492-5039 Phone: 800-TMS-COAX (867-2629) Internet: www.timesmicrowave.com