APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SPLAYING THE SHIELD WIRES OF A COAXIAL CABLE

An apparatus (40) and method of use is disclosed for splaying the cut end of a wire shield (18) during termination of a coax cable assembly (10). The apparatus includes a block (42) having a flat surface (44) and a first hole (48) formed through the flat surface and into the block. A pin (52) is disposed in the first hole and is slidable therein. An end (60) of the pin extends out of the first hole (48) and is spring biased in that direction. A second hole (78) is formed axially through the pin and is sized to receive the insulated center conductor (20) of the cable assembly (10). A third hole (82) is formed in the block (42) and is arranged for receiving the prepared end of the center conductor (20) for initial splaying of the wire shield (18) by shifting the cable assembly off center to the third hole (82) and then moving it in an arcuate path about the axis of the hole. The center conductor is then removed from the third hole and inserted into the second hole (78) in the pin (52), causing the pin to engage the partially splayed wire shield (18) and to further splay it as the pin retracts into the first hole (48).