How to Fix a Broken Coaxial Cable

If you've recently found yourself plagued by a broken coaxial cable, you may be tempted to shell out the cash to purchase a new one. Well, worry not, because with a handy instructional guide the proper set of tools by your side, repairing a broken coaxial cable is well within the abilities of any household handyman. So before you pull out your wallet and go shopping for a new cable, read on and give fixing your broken coaxial cable a try.

Step 1 - Apply Liquid Electrical Tape

If your cable has only sustained minor damage, it can probably be fixed with a simple application of liquid electrical tape. If your cable's insulation covering has sustained damage but the cable's line remains unscathed, use a paintbrush to carefully spread your liquid electrical tape over the damaged area. Once the damaged area has been sufficiently covered, give the liquid electrical tape ample time to dry, after which your cable will have a fresh layer of insulation.

Also, if the end of the cable that connects to your television is damaged, you can simply twist it off after making sure the cable has been disconnected and replace it with a new end that can be twisted on in a counterclockwise fashion. This is one of the most common issues people have with their cables.

Step 2 - Remove the Damaged Area of the Cable

If your cable's line has been damaged, repairing your broken cable will require a bit more effort. After making sure that your cable has been safely disconnected, use your cable cutters to carefully cut out the damaged area. Once you've successfully removed the damaged area, you will be ready to proceed with the next step.

Step 3 - Connect the Replacement Ends

Now that the damaged portion of your cable has been safely removed, you will need to gently twist your new cable ends onto each of the wires whose lengths were shortened by the cut you just made. Begin this step by stripping back half of your cable's black outer insulation. Then fold the cable's silver-braided wire over the outer insulation. Now, strip back half of your cable's inner insulation and expose the copper wiring in the center. Next, twist your replacement ends on in a counterclockwise fashion, then join the ends together with the aid of your coax cable joiner. Once the new ends have been properly put in place, use your paintbrush and liquid electrical tape to apply a new protective layer of insulation. Give the liquid tape ample time to dry before reconnecting your cable. If all went according to plan, your cable should be as good as new. However, if the cable continues to give you trouble, it will most likely need to be replaced.

So there you have it. With the aid of this thorough instructional guide, you will be able to repair lightly scoffed or heavily damaged coaxial cables.