Fiber optic connector and tool for assembling same

A fiber optic connector (10) includes a housing (12) having a longitudinal passage (24) extending therethrough and having two ends (26, 28). A rear end (28) is adapted for attaching a fiber optic cable (18) therethrough. A front end (26) is adapted for having a mating fiber contact plug (20) secured thereto in the passage. The plug has a fiber-receiving passage (76) coextensive with the passage in the housing. A retaining ring (84) is disposed in a transverse groove (86) in the passage in the housing for abutment against the fiber contact plug near the front end thereof to secure the plug in the passage in the housing. A tool (90) is provided for assembling the fiber optic connector. The tool includes a head (92) for receiving and holding the housing of the connector in position with the fiber contact plug and retaining ring insertable into the passage thereof. A pusher apparatus (94) is mounted for movement relative to the head and is engageable with the retaining ring to push the retaining ring into the groove while the connector housing is held by the head of the tool.