BAMF Complete Adjustable Compression Tool Coax RG6 RG59 RG11 F81 RCA

I tested the compression tool when I received it a couple days after I ordered it and adjusted it for the RG6 connectors I would be using. It is really easy to set up and I love that the tool is modular and doesn't have separate adapters that you have to remember where you put when you are changing connector types. This is really smart. Just flipping the heads around to the right type is so easy and well designed.I used it over the weekend to do several connectors and it just plain works every time like it should. It is made to last a lifetime so I as a casual user don't mind that it is a little beefy. I carried one of these on my side in an installer job I had in the past and I don't remember it being any lighter although it was not made to change head types so maybe this one carries a tiny bit of weight from the variable use heads being attached. All I can say is that in a tool like this, I like something made like a tank and not feeling in your hand like if you twist it wrong it will bend! Great product especially for the cost!

Received this tool today. I normally work with RJ45 connectors and Cat6 cable on the job. no call for coax except at home. I purchased the 'frequently bought together' PPC Belden EX6PLUS RG-6 Snap & Seal Outdoor Compression Connectors with the tool.I used the coax stripper shown in the pics, works well to remove the necessary insulation and core. one thing to note, is after inserting the coax into the connector, work the connector back and forth until you see the white coax core flush at the base of the threaded side, see pic.one other item I discovered was these connectors art slightly to long to just drop in to the tool, so to compensate, you can rotate the selector at the end of the tool a little off center, put the connector onto the F type barrel side first, then move slightly over to drop into the rotated end piece, then rotate back to center. I spun the adjustment wheel all the way in to bring the handle down somewhat and make it easier to operate the tool. now squeeze down on the handle and watch the compression zone of the connector, noted in pic with red lines, when this zone is fully compressed, or gone, stop squeezing, and remove the connector. done. creates a solid coax terminated end. currently watching my TV over it now. :-)

The tool works very well once it is adjusted to your specific needs. I'd give the tool 5 stars if it came with instructions. It is a multi-tool for several different connectors so there are several parts on it that can be adjusted depending on the connector you need to install. It is nice because all the parts are combined into the rotating head or the 3-way block, so there are not multiple parts to keep track of (lose!!), the parts are always on the tool. The 3-way block is labeled with the connector type, so it is easy to figure out which one to use. I couldn't find a label on the rotating head, so I had to guess which one to use based on the fit of the connector. I also found it was very hard to compress the first-time I tried, but after playing around with the thumb-screw adjustment, I found a setting where it was much easier to compress.

If you need one tool to put any type of compression fitting on virtually any type of cable then this the tool for you. I've carried 3 different tools around at times to do what this one does. It's a bit heavier than any one of the other tools and requires a couple of easy adjustments when switching between types of fittings/cables but it's a no brainier to ditch 3 tools for one that really does a better job. I'm a 30 year veteran A/V installer and I learned a long time ago to not compromise on tool quality and to carry as few as necessary to get the job done well.I'm sure BAMF does not manufacturer this tool but they have the best deal I've seen on it. One of my local Austin "wholesalers" sells the same tool under a different name for $68. I give the BAMF version 5 stars for checking all the boxes for me. Durable, multifunctional and economical.

The adjustable head will separate from the tool and cannot be replaced. It is a great tool if you keep it in a sealed bag where it will not disassemble and get lost while carrying. If it does... they do not offer a replacement head. Not the greatest business model for a well-built tool. I do not use this tool very often and when I needed it the plunger head was missing rendering the tool useless.

So I have put in low Voltage what ever for ever (20 so years) And got charmed by the versatility multi-ness going on here. I admit it. 30 Bucks! It sorta gets the job done. If you really have to get the job done don't get them. Terrible handles, heavy and not in a sturdy way, no ratchet (would be nice) floppy. The adjustment is there for your amusement not really dialing it in, never bottomed out on RG59. And using a grab bag of connectors I found that IDEAL RG59 where a bit too long, a frustratingly bit to long (like come on, bruised thumb just get in there too long) The turret bottom die is cool as is the pull apart top die for various flavors of connector. BTW I resorted to choking up on the IDEAL connectors with slip joint pliers then finishing with the tool. So if your a home gamer and looking for a cheap fix not a bad route.