To crimp cable labeled “3/16,” first identify whether it means a coax center conductor length or a wire rope diameter, then use the matching tool and technique below.
Knowing how to crimp 3/16 cable starts with understanding what that measurement actually refers to—it’s not a wire gauge but either a coaxial center conductor length or the diameter of a wire rope. Each use case requires a completely different tool and process, and mixing them up guarantees a failed or dangerous connection. Our roundup of the best 3/16 cable options can help you identify and buy the right material for your job before you start cutting and crimping.
What “3/16 Cable” Actually Means
The term “3/16 cable” does not refer to an American Wire Gauge (AWG) size. The closest standard AWG to a 3/16-inch diameter is roughly 4 or 5 AWG, but those are rarely called “3/16 cable.” In practice, the phrase has two common meanings in the US:
- Coaxial cable (RG59/RG6): The 3/16 inch refers to the center conductor length that must be exposed for a compression connector.
- Wire rope (industrial/rigging): The 3/16 inch refers to the cable diameter. You need a matching 3/16-inch ferrule for crimping.
A third, less standardized usage appears in heavy automotive wiring, where “3/16” might loosely describe a lug barrel length or bolt size, but this is non-standard terminology and best avoided for clarity.
Crimping 3/16-Inch Coaxial Cable (RG59/RG6)
This is the most common residential scenario—installing compression connectors on RG59 or RG6 coax for cable TV, satellite, or antenna connections. You need a compression crimper with a die specific to the pin connector. A gold-colored die for RG58/RG6 is standard in professional kits, and models like the Ideal 31-058 (~$45–$65) or Channel Master CM-6000 (~$120) are widely used options.
The correct sequence, per the CableCraft crimp guide, is:
- Strip the outer jacket to expose the braid.
- Fold the braid back over the plug body.
- Insert the pin onto the center conductor, ensuring a snug fit.
- Crimp the pin using the special die portion of the crimper. Align perfectly and compress firmly.
- Crimp the outer ferrule over the braid and plug body to finish. A correctly crimped connector will show no movement between the ferrule and the plug body.
The most common mistakes are cutting the center conductor too short (it won’t contact the pin), cutting it too long (the ferrule won’t seat), and failing to align the pin in the die, which causes a loose connection and signal loss. Per the CableCraft crimp guide, the pin length standard is explicitly 3/16-inch, and any deviation risks an unreliable connection.
Crimping 3/16-Inch Wire Rope
For industrial lifting, rigging, or safety cables, the process uses a 3/16-inch wire rope with a matching 3/16-inch ferrule (sleeve) and a hand ferrule crimper sized for the ferrule geometry. This is a different tool entirely from a coax crimper—never substitute one for the other.
The correct steps are:
- Cut the cable cleanly—mechanical cuts may cause fraying; a clean cut ensures the ferrule slides on smoothly.
- Feed the cable through the ferrule and back through to form a loop, creating the full connection.
- Adjust the loop size to meet your requirements, leaving a small amount of cable protruding from the end to allow for wire expansion during crimping.
- Seat the ferrule in the vacant cavity of the tool, oriented laterally if using a figure-8 sleeve, so the tool surrounds the full sleeve body.
- Crimp the entire length of the ferrule by applying manual force, repeating along the ferrule until it forms to the new geometry. A properly crimped ferrule will show uniform compression marks across its full length with no gaps.
The most common failure point is not crimping the full length of the ferrule, which can lead to pull-out under tension. Wire rope under load can cause serious injury if a connection fails, so crimp thoroughly and inspect each sleeve before putting it into service.
FAQs
What tool do I need for 3/16 coax connectors?
A compression crimper with a die specific to the pin connector is required. Using the wrong die—for instance, an RG58 die on an RG6 connector—causes poor compression and signal loss. The die must match the connector type, not just the cable diameter.
Can I use a wire lug crimper on wire rope?
No. Wire rope requires a hand ferrule crimper with a cavity shaped to match the ferrule geometry. A standard wire lug crimper will not compress the ferrule evenly, creating a safety hazard under load. Always match the tool to the material—coax, wire rope, and heavy wire each need their own dedicated crimper.
References & Sources
- CableCraft. “Crimp Guide.” Details the 3/16-inch center conductor standard for coaxial connectors and step-by-step installation.