Miniflex offers a range of Applications Tools to assist the user with the application and use of its OFPT products. These tools are:

• Tube Expansion Pliers, which are used to adapt OFPT to fit various
connectors. The ordering code for this product is: TXP-5.0 and coming soon
TXP-4.0. How to use these pliers is explained overleaf.

• Drop Cable Stripper, is a specially adapted tool used to strip the Miniflex
Powered Optical Drop Cable in such a way that the copper conductors and
optical fibre(s) are freed for termination as required. The ordering code for
this product is: OFDC-STR-6.0.

• Tube Cutter, which is a simple device that allows the user to quickly and
safely cut OFPT to leave a clean edge without damaging the end of the OFPT.
A rotary version of the cutter is also available. The ordering codes for these
products are: TCUT-01 and TRCUT-01. Spare blades can be ordered for both
products using the codes TCUT-SB and TRCUT-SB respectively.

Applications
• Crimp Tool Set, is used for terminating connectors to OFPT. For ordering information please see below. This is a set that conatins a pair of ratchet crimp pliers and a range of jaws of the most commonly used hexagon crimp sizes. These are used in conjunction with the Miniflex range of crimp sleeves.
The ordering code for this product is: CT-SET.

• Crimp Sleeve Set, this is a set of the most commonly used crimp sleeves for terminating the range of Miniflex OFPT at connectors, manifolds and other interfaces. This development set of Miniflex crimp sleeves can be ordered using the reference CS-SET-01. For further information please refer to the datasheet on Termination Kits.

Using the Tube Expansion Pliers
1. Remove the short retaining tube from the nose of the pliers.
2. Fully insert the nose into the end of the OFPT to which you want to insert the
    connector taking care not to trap the fibre if present.
3. Squeeze the handles gently and release. Rotate the tube and repeat several
    times until the OFPT has been stretched far enough to allow the connector to
    be inserted.
4. Gently release the handles and pull the OFPT away from the nose, ensuring
    the fibres are not trapped in the pliers.
5. Fully release the handles when everything is clear of the nose.
6. Replace the retaining tube on the nose of the pliers.
7. Fit the correct crimp sleeve onto the OFPT to suit the connector.
8. Prepare the fibre end and fit the connector in accordance with
    manufacturer's recommendations.
9. Finally, crimp the sleeve to secure the connector.