How to strip a fiber optic cable

Stripping a fiber optic cable involves carefully removing the outer jacket, Kevlar fibers, and buffer coating using specialized tools to expose the bare glass fiber without causing damage.

Tools You Will Need

Fiber optic cable stripper (with multiple groove sizes for different buffer diameters)Kevlar scissors or small wire cuttersLint-free wipes and isopropyl alcohol for cleaningOptional: hook blade knife or ripcord for outer jacket removalStep-by-Step Process1. Prepare the Cable Decide how much cable you need for termination or splicing. Mark the length of the outer jacket to remove, typically 7–10 inches from the end for indoor cables.

Some installers use a shrink sleeve over this area for protection. 2. Remove the Outer Jacket Use a fiber optic stripper or hook blade knife to score the outer jacket carefully.

Avoid cutting too deep to prevent damaging the inner fibers. Pull back the jacket using a ripcord or by bending and breaking the plastic along the score line. 3.

Trim Kevlar Fibers After exposing the inner fibers, cut the aramid (Kevlar) fibers close to the jacket end using Kevlar scissors. Wind the fibers into a bundle to make them easier to handle. 4.

Strip the Buffer Coating Use the fiber optic stripper to remove the buffer coating from the fiber itself. Work in small increments (about 1/4–3/8 inch at a time) to avoid stressing or breaking the fiber. Hold the stripper at a 45-degree angle and use the appropriate groove for the fiber diameter (e.g., 900 micron or 250 micron) to remove the coating in multiple steps.

5. Clean the Fiber Once the bare fiber is exposed, clean it with a lint-free wipe soaked in isopropyl alcohol. This removes any debris or residue and ensures proper connectivity during termination or splicing.

6. Dispose of Scraps Safely Collect all fiber scraps in a marked container to prevent injury, as glass fibers can be hazardous.

Tips and Best Practices

Always strip fibers gradually; never try to remove too much coating at once. Maintain sharp stripping tools to prevent nicks or scratches on the fiber, which can weaken it. Practice on spare cable to develop a steady hand and proper technique.

Use proper lighting and magnification if needed to see the fiber clearly. By following these steps carefully, you can strip fiber optic cables safely and prepare them for splicing or connectorization without damaging the delicate glass core.