FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR, TOOL FOR ASSEMBLING FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS

In a fiber optic connector (Fig.1) of the type having a main body (3) to which is secured a ceramic ferrule (5), the mating ferrule is a ceramic ferrule arranged in a press-fit engagement within the recess (21) such that the ferrule does not abut against the bottom of the recess and extends beyond the main body a fixed predetermined distance to be compatible for mating with other like connectors. The requirement for using epoxy to fix the ferrule to the body and later polishing down of the ferrule is eliminated. A tool for assembling the fiber optic connector (Fig.3) includes a first body member (35) receiving the connector body (3) with the recess portion (21) extending therefrom, a second body member (39) over the end of the connector body and having a through passage (43) for receiving a ferrule (5), and a press member (45) for pushing the ferrule into press-fit relationship into the recess so as to extend a precise predetermined distance beyond the end of the connector body.