Modular Plug Hand Tools
(Premium Grade) 231652-[ ]
Instruction Sheet
408-9767
June 2016, Rev S
PROPER USE GUIDELINES
Cumulative Trauma Disorders can result from the prolonged use of manually powered hand tools. Hand tools are intended for occasional use
and low volume applications. A wide selection of powered application equipment for extended-use, production operations is available.
1. INTRODUCTION
Modular Plug Hand Tools 231652-[ ] (shown in
Figure 1) are designed to terminate modular plug
connectors onto stranded or solid, shielded or
unshielded flat oval cable or round cable. The tool also
cuts and strips unshielded flat oval cable. Other cable
must be prepared by separate tools.
Each tool includes Die Set (853400-[ ]) (see Figure 2),
except Tool 2-231652-0 which is available without a
die set. The die sets are also available separately.
NOTE
2. DESCRIPTION
(FIgure1)
The die set consists of a nest and an indenter, each
marked with a color-code dot. The die set is held in the
tool by a single die-holding screw. Each die set is
unique to its purpose, but die sets can be
interchanged to accommodate any modular plug.
Refer to Figure 2.
The tool features a wire cutter and flat oval cable
stripper to prepare unshielded flat oval cable. The tool
handle ensures full crimping. Once engaged, the
ratchet will not release until the handles have been
FULLY closed, unless the ratchet release (pawl) is
depressed to manually release the ratchet. When
depressed, the pawl prevents crimping of an
improperly positioned modular plug.
DIE SET
COLOR
DESCRIPTION
CODE DOT (Modular Plug Type)
8-Position Line
Blue (Small Conductor)
Black
Keyed, Non-Keyed
Shielded
4-Position
Green
Handset
6-Position
Orange
Offset Latch
6-Position
Violet
Long Body
2-, 4-, 6-Position Line
Blue
Blue (Small Conductor)
8-Position
White
High Performance
8-Position Line
Red
Blue (Small Conductor)
Non-Keyed
8-Position Slimline
Gray
Category 6/6A
i
All numerical values in this instruction sheet are in
metric units [with U.S. customary units in brackets].
Dimensions are in millimeters [and inches]. Figures
are not drawn to scale.
Reasons for reissue of this instruction sheet are
provided in Section 8, REVISION SUMMARY.
TOOL
Indenter (Die)
Color Code Dot
Die Holding
Screw
Nest (Die)
Color Code Dot
2-231652-1†
2-231652-3
PART
NUMBER
0-853400-1
0-853400-3
0-853400-6
0-853400-7
0-853400-8
1-853400-0
1-853400-3
1-853400-4
Ratchet
Cable Cutter
2-231652-6
2-231652-7
2-231652-8
3-231652-0†
Flat Oval
Cable
Stripper
3-231652-5
Ratchet
Release
(Pawl)
Handle
3-231652-6
The BLACK color-coded tool and die set can be used for non-keyed
modular plugs; however, the RED color-coded tool and die set are
more durable when crimping non-keyed modular plugs.
† Includes 2119000-1 JacKnack Tool (408-10326).
CAUTION
!
DO NOT cycle the tool
without a die in place;
otherwise, damage to the
stripping blades may occur.
Figure 2
CAUTION
Figure 1
!
The dies bottom before the ratchet releases. This
feature ensures maximum electrical and tensile
performance of the crimp. DO NOT re-adjust the
ratchet.
This product is covered by one or more U.S.
patents or their foreign equivalents. For patents, see
www.commscope.com/ProductPatent/ProductPatent.aspx
© 2016 CommScope, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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3. CABLE PREPARATION
Refer to Figure 3, and select the appropriate cable and
die set for the modular plug being used.
MODULAR PLUG
POSITION
2
TYPE
Line
Handset
4
Line
Blue
Line
Blue
6
Offset Latch
Long Body
Unshielded
Long Body
Shielded
CABLE
TYPE
Stranded
Solid
Stranded
Stranded
Solid
Solid
Stranded
Solid
Solid
Solid
Stranded
Stranded
Stranded
Unshielded
Solid
Stranded
Solid
8
Blue
Keyed,
Non-Keyed
Shielded
Non-Keyed
8
(High
Performance)
Unshielded
Shielded
Unshielded
Shielded
Solid
Stranded
Stranded
Stranded
Stranded
Solid
Stranded
Solid
Stranded
Solid
Stranded
Solid
Round
Red
Round
White
STYLE
Flat Oval
Flat Oval
Flat Oval
Round
Flat Oval
Flat Oval
Flat Oval
Flat Oval
Round
Flat Oval
Round
Flat Oval
Round
Flat Oval
Flat Oval
Round
Flat Oval
Red
Black
DIE SET
COLOR
CODE DOT
Blue
Green
Blue
Blue
Blue
Orange
Violet
Violet
Proceed as follows:
3.1. Unshielded Flat Oval Cable
(Figure 4)
1. Insert cable squarely into CUT slot in tool cable
cutter. Squeeze handles until ratchet releases.
2. Insert trimmed cable into STRIP slot in tool flat
oval cable stripper until cable butts against die cable
stop.
3. Close handles to last ratchet stop, but DO NOT
release them. Pull cable straight out of tool. Then
release tool handles.
NOTE
DO NOT squeeze handles together while pulling
cable out. Rather, with handles closed (but not
released) grip head of tool in one hand and cable in
the other; then pull cable straight out of tool.
i
4. Check cable strip length as shown in Figure 4.
3.2. Shielded Flat Oval Cable and Round Cable
Prepare the cable according to Application
Specification 114-6016.
3.3. High Performance Cable
Prepare the cable according to Application
Specification 114-6053.
NOTE
i
DO NOT cut or remove insulation from individual
conductors. This may result in shorted or open
terminations within the terminated assembly.
4. TERMINATION PROCEDURE
Before proceeding, make sure that the cable and
modular plug are compatible, and that cable polarity is
correctly maintained for the specific application.
Before proceeding with high performance modular
plugs, refer to 114-6053 for preparation techniques to
ensure high performance levels.
Refer to Figure 5, and proceed as follows:
1. Hold modular plug as shown (locking latch facing
UP). Insert cable into modular plug until fully
bottomed.
2. Open tool handles. Insert modular plug assembly
fully into die cavity. When using a die set color
coded with green, orange, or blue, make sure that
the modular plug locking latch snaps into position.
When using a die set color coded with black, violet,
or white, make sure that the modular plug bottoms
in the die cavity but the locking latch does not snap
into position.
CAUTION
8
(Slimline)
The BLACK color-coded tool and die set can be used for non-keyed
modular plugs; however, the RED color-coded tool and die set are more
durable when crimping non-keyed modular plugs.
Standard modular plugs are designed to be used with cable having an
outside diameter of 0.89 to 0.99 mm [.035 to .039 in.]. Use blue (small
conductor) modular plugs with cable having an outside diameter of 0.74 to
0.86 mm [.029 to .034 in.].
Figure 3
!
Failure to fully seat the modular plug assembly in
the die cavity will cause the indenter to mis-align
with the internal strain reliefs of the modular plug,
which may result in damage to the die set.
3. Hold the modular plug in the fully seated position,
and squeeze tool handles until ratchet releases.
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408-9767
Figure 4
Figure 5
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NOTE
i
When crimping, make sure to hold the modular
plug in the fully seated position to prevent the
modular plug from pushing out during the
termination procedure.
CAUTION
!
Once a termination has been made, DO NOT
re-terminate the modular plug. Replace damaged
modular plugs with new ones.
4. Depress the modular plug locking latch (if
applicable), and remove terminated modular plug
assembly from the tool.
5. Inspect the modular plug assembly for proper
crimp height using a dial indicator or digital indicator
with needle-point probes. Refer to Figure 6 for a
typical terminated modular plug, proper crimp height
dimension, and required location of the conductors.
A visual inspection through the plastic housing of
the modular plug should reveal whether the
conductors are within acceptable range.
NOTE
5. ADJUSTMENTS
5.1. Changing Die Set
1. Squeeze the tool handles until the ratchet releases.
2. Using a small flat blade screwdriver or
cross-recessed screwdriver, turn the die holding
screw counterclockwise, and remove it.
3. Using the screwdriver, push the die set out of the
tool.
4. Insert the die set with the color dots facing
outward as shown in Figure 1.
5. Close the tool handles. Re-install the die holding
screw. Turn the screw clockwise until it is tight.
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For specific information concerning inspection
requirements, refer to 114-6016 for standard and
blue (small conductor) modular plugs and 114-6053
for high performance modular plugs.
Terminated Modular Plug Inspection
(Cross-Section Shown)
5.2. Adjusting Flat Oval Cable Stripper
(Figure 8)
If the cable jacket is cut too shallow and does not strip
properly from the conductor bundle or if it is cut too
deeply and the conductor insulation is also cut, adjust
the flat oval cable stripper on the tool according to the
following.
NOTE
6.02±0.13 [.237±.005]
Terminal
i
B (See Table)
A (See Table)
Note:
Not to Scale
MODULAR PLUG
TYPE
Standard and
Blue (Small Conductor)
High Performance
CONDUCTOR LOCATION
A
(Reference Zone)
0.00-0.64 [.000-.025]
0.00-0.25 [.000-.010]
Figure 6
B
(Preferred)
Conductors
Against End of
Wire Circuits
The die set must be in the tool when adjusting the
flat oval cable stripper.
1. Close the tool handles until the dies bottom, but
DO NOT release the handles.
2. Loosen the two screws that hold the movable
blade assembly.
3. Insert Blade Set-Up Gage 231667-2 (available
separately and part of Blade Replacement Kit
231662-4) or a 1.02 [.040] shim between the stationary
and movable blades. Slide the movable blade against
the gage or shim, and tighten the screws.
NOTE
Crimp Height Gage 904170-1 is available to be used
as a quick verification of acceptable crimp height.
Refer to 408-4389 for instructions on using the gage.
See Figure 7. The gage cannot be used for 4-position
handset or 6-position offset modular plugs.
i
The recommended shim thickness does not
account for a larger than normal conductor
insulation. Adjust the blade gap according to
specific needs.
5.3. Replacing Flat Oval Cable Stripper Blades
(Figure 8)
If the flat oval cable stripper blades are worn or
damaged, replace the fixed blade assembly and
movable blade assembly according to the following.
1. Remove the four screws holding both blades in
place. Remove the fixed blade assembly and
movable blade assembly from the tool.
2. Position the new blades onto the tool with the
beveled edges facing inward.
Crimp Height
Gage
Modular Plug
(Ref)
Figure 7
3. Install and tighten the screws. Adjust the flat oval
cable stripper according to Paragraph 5.2.
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Rev
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Adjusting Flat Oval Cable Stripper
Movable Blade
Assembly
CAUTION
!
Die Set Must Be
Installed in Tool
Blade Set-Up
Gage (Ref)
DO NOT lubricate surfaces of the die set that
contact the product. These areas must be kept
clean to ensure a usable modular plug assembly.
6.2. Periodic Inspection
It is recommended that the following inspections be
conducted at least once a month by quality control
personnel. More frequent inspections should be
conducted if your work environment, company
standards, or amount of tool use indicates the need.
A. Visual Inspection
Screw
(2 Places)
CAUTION:
DO NOT cycle the tool without the die set in place;
otherwise, damage to the stripping blades may occur.
Replacing Blades in Flat Oval Cable Stripper
6.4 [.25] (Length)
Screw (2 Places)
Fixed Blade
Assembly
Beveled Edges of
Blades Face
Inward
Movable Blade
Assembly
Movable Blade
Support Plate
Figure 8
1. Remove the die set from the tool, then remove all
lubrication, accumulated film, and debris by immersing
the dies and tool head in a mild commercial degreaser.
2. Check for missing or defective pins, rings, or other
retaining hardware. Replace parts as necessary.
3. Closely inspect dies for damage, giving special
attention to bearing surfaces and surfaces that
contact the product. Worn, cracked, pitted, or
chipped indenter or nest surfaces, or other obvious
wear or damage to the die set or tool head requires
removal of the affected part from service.
Fixed Blade
Support Plate
Cable
(Ref)
9.7 [.38] (Length)
Screw (2 Places)
B. Die Closure Inspection
The tool and die set is inspected for proper operation
before shipment. To ensure uniform performance over
the life of the tool, periodically inspect as follows:
1. Insert a properly stripped cable of appropriate type
and size into a sample modular plug. Then insert the
unterminated cable and plug into the die cavity.
2. Squeeze tool handles together slowly, while
watching to ensure indenter bottoms against nest.
3. Release the handles to open the die set, and
remove the terminated modular plug assembly.
4. Test the crimp for proper crimp height according
to Step 4 in Section 4. If the plug crimp height is
within acceptable limits, lightly lubricate the tool and
die set. If the crimp height is not within acceptable
limits, return the tool (with die set) for evaluation
(refer to Section 7).
6. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
Inspect the tool and die set immediately upon arrival at
your facility and at regularly scheduled intervals
thereafter to ensure that they have not been damaged.
When not in use, store the tool with the handles closed
in a clean, dry area.
CAUTION
7. REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR
Customer-replaceable parts are provided in Figure 9.
A blade replacement kit and hand tool kits are
available separately. A complete inventory should be
stocked and controlled to prevent lost time when
replacement of parts is necessary. Order replacement
parts through your
CommScope
account
representative.
!
Failure to perform daily maintenance and periodic
inspection can cause defective modular plug
terminations leading to discontinuities on individual
wire circuits.
6.1. Daily Maintenance
Foreign particles should be cleaned from the tool
using a soft, clean, lint-free cloth or brush. Make sure
all pins, rings and other retaining hardware is in place,
and that the die set is undamaged. Lightly lubricate all
pins, pivot points, and bearing surfaces using a good
grade SAE 20 motor oil. DO NOT lubricate excessively.
Rev
S
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