Self-supporting optical cable stripping tools are specialized devices designed to safely remove jackets, aramid yarn, and buffer coatings from aerial and ADSS fiber optic cables without damaging the fibers.

Types of Stripping Tools

Mechanical Fiber Strippers: These are handheld tools with precision blades for removing coatings and jackets from single fibers or fiber ribbons. They often include fiber guides and color-coded blades to match different fiber diameters, ensuring consistent and safe stripping for connectorization or splicing (Thorlabs) . Thermal Fiber Strippers: These tools use controlled heat to remove cladding and buffer coatings gently. Adjustable temperature and timing settings allow precise stripping without mechanical stress, making them ideal for high-strength splices and delicate fibers (Laser Components) . Automated and Plasma-Assisted Strippers: Fully automated devices can strip large-diameter fibers or cable windows without contact, using plasma technology. These tools are suitable for laboratory, production, or field applications where high throughput and fiber integrity are critical (Laser Components) .

Features for Self-Supporting Cables

• Jacket and Aramid Yarn Removal: Tools must handle tough outer jackets and aramid yarn layers typical in self-supporting aerial cables (Fiber Optic Center) .
• Fiber Protection: Grippers or textured rubber holders prevent microfractures during stripping, maintaining fiber strength (Thorlabs) .
• Versatility: Many kits include multiple blade sets and fiber guides to accommodate different fiber diameters and coatings, from 250 µm single fibers to 1200 µm large-diameter fibers (Laser Components) .

Recommended Tool Kits

• FTTX Flat Drop End Prep Kit: Simplifies field connector installation on flat drop fibers, suitable for aerial and self-supporting cables (Ripley Tools) .
• Thorlabs TSK1 Fiber Stripping Kit: Includes various blade sets, fiber guides, and a fiber jacket stripper in a compact case for field or lab use (Thorlabs) .
• Fiber Optic Cable Stripping Tools from Fiber Optic Center: Offers a range of pliers, mechanical, and thermal strippers for jackets, aramid yarn, and buffers (Fiber Optic Center) .

Conclusion

For self-supporting optical cables, mechanical, thermal, and automated stripping tools provide safe, precise, and efficient preparation of fibers for splicing or connectorization. Selecting the right tool depends on fiber diameter, coating type, and field versus laboratory use, with kits often including multiple guides and blades to ensure versatility and fiber protection.