Want to cut and make my own patch cables

[rufus.K]

Here's a soldering station and some solder.

 

[Rycebag]

I've been meaning to change the ends on this knotted up beast for some time, I'll do it hand post it here

Cool that would be awesome.

So I'm going to get that kit. So all I'm going to need now is the tube shrink and the cable cutters correct? I have a clamp already?

 

[rufus.K]

Yup. You can always buy more stuff, but that's t he basics.

 

[rufus.K]

I use a cheap heat gun and a small vise, but you can use that squeeze clamp and a lighter

 

[rufus.K]

Opening up the existing connector we see the center conductor soldered to the TIP and the shielding connected to the sleeve.
You can see the shrink tube over the end of the jacket, the insulator around that, and finally the barrel of the connector, although it's got a second shrink tube over it.

 

[rufus.K]

I cut the ends off way farther back than you may. This cable is longish and I like to remove the most stressed parts of the cable. You don't have to.

 

[DavC]

of course GC won't do cables .... when i worked at a couple music stores , cables and other Ad-Ons where the most highest profit margins in the store ...!!

making your own is fairly simple ... if you like to solder ... !!?? i hate to solder ... like anything else , it takes practice !

 

[Rycebag]

is there any links where I can get shrink tubing and a heat gun for cheap

 

[Pilgrim]

I usually just wave a lit match under heat-shrink to make it shrink to size. I haven't melted anything else yet.

I've found heat-shrink tubing at Harbor Freight, if memory serves.

 

[rufus.K]

home depot. frys. harbor freight. lowes. likely your corner hardware store. The heat gun isnt needed, a lighter works fine.

 

[ExaltBass]

GS-6 works great. For heat-shrink I use one of these... Its an embossing heat gun... approx $15 at Michael's or Walmart. Works great. I've had mine for 10+ years. I also use a thin diameter rosin core solder - simplifies the solder need.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I use a cheap heat gun and a small vise, but you can use that squeeze clamp and a lighter

Don't try shrinking the tube over techflex using a lighter though. The techflex is very sensitive to flame. I found out pretty quickly.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

As mentioned, Harbor Freight & Home Depot are pretty good & cheap for these supplies. You can order what you need online & pick it up in the store.

 

[singlemalt]

Pick up a cheap multi meter to go with your new soldering kit. Ad a couple alligator clips, too.

Now you can test your cables and connections.

Parts Express is a good source for all things electronic and audio. I sourced everything for my fEarfuls, including drivers, crossover parts, hardware, grills, raw speaker and instrument cable, connectors ( 1/4" and speakon) solder and a cheapo pencil solder iron.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Doesn't Parts Express charge shipping though?

 

[Rycebag]

Just bought that kit that was posted

 

[rufus.K]

Amazon will have wire strippers and shrink tube, if it's easier to just order online

 

[rufus.K]

As someone else said, 3/16 is usually too tight, 1/4" shrink tube is very handy. It's really optional, but dresses the ends nicely

 

[Killed_by_Death]

I can't get 1/4" shrink tubing on, too narrow. 3/8" works perfect though.

 

[rufus.K]

How thick is the cable you're using? Are you putting it over the barrel, or just the cable?