New Tool Makes Cable Installs a Breeze: Bo-Dickey is Better Mousetrap

Sometimes the proverbial "Better Mouse Trap" has been in someone's watch pocket for years. This is the case with Sam Conroe's invention, the "Bo-Dickey," insertion tool, a device used to prepare coaxial cables so the end connectors can be inserted easily and correctly.

Sam actually developed the tool for himself over 15 years ago to meet the demands of satellite installations in all weather conditions. He always kept one of the tools handy in the watch pocket of his pants for quick access and never really thought much about it.

The design of the unique patent pending device is simple, but very effective. Sam says if technicians who install satellite and cable television systems use this $14.95 tool, they will see what he has found for almost two decades: The "Bo-Dickey" takes the hassle out of a tedious and demanding task of connector insertion.

One of the most important parts of a cable installation effort is making sure the end connectors are correctly inserted. Many times, inexperienced or rushed installers will just jam and twist connectors on the cable end, causing the shielding to bunch up or shred. The resulting installation usually has a poor ground and under specification frequency response meaning repair calls for the installer.

Some more expensive tools on the market are designed to "flare" cable ends, but Sam says these devices do not do a good enough job, especially with the new and deeper-collared connectors now being required by satellite television company installations. Plus, these flaring tools and their clones are very hard to use in colder weather because the cable's rubberized exterior insulation cover gets stiff and will not flare properly.

And, Sam says these tools do not go deep enough on the coaxial cable, and many times can leave the cable jacket too loose for a good connector insertion...

The "Bo-Dickey" approaches the fitting insertion task in a different way, Sam said. Once the cable end has been prepared and the proper amount of insulation has been cut and the internal grounding braid has been folded back, the center conductor and insulation is cleanly exposed, awaiting the connector.