How to strip the outer layer of a fiber optic cable

Use a fiber optic jacket stripper or hook-blade knife to carefully remove the outer jacket without damaging the inner fibers.

Step-by-

Step Method1.

Prepare the Cable

Measure and mark the length of the outer jacket you want to remove, typically 7–10 inches from the cable end for connectorization or splicing. Ensure you have a clean workspace and wear safety glasses to protect against small fiber shards. 2.

Score the Outer Jacket

Use a fiber optic jacket stripper or a hook-blade knife to make a circular score around the cable at the marked point. Be careful not to cut too deeply; the goal is to cut the jacket only, leaving the aramid yarn and inner fibers intact. 3.

Use the Ripcord (if available)Many fiber optic cables have a ripcord under the jacket. Pull the ripcord at a 90-degree angle to the cable to split the jacket along its length. If no ripcord is present, gently bend the scored section until the jacket breaks, then peel it off.

Avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging the inner fibers. 4. Remove Aramid Yarn (Kevlar)After the jacket is removed, cut the exposed aramid yarn with Kevlar scissors close to the jacket end.

Bundle the remaining yarn to keep it out of the way for the next steps. The aramid yarn provides tensile strength, so avoid cutting more than necessary. 5.

Strip Inner Buffers (Optional)If you need to expose the glass fiber, use the appropriate groove on a fiber stripper to remove the 900-micron and 250-micron buffer coatings in small increments (1/4–3/8 inch at a time) to reduce stress on the fiber. Hold the stripper at a 45-degree angle to minimize fiber breakage.

Tools for Quick and Safe Stripping

Fiber optic jacket strippers: Adjustable for different cable diameters, allow clean removal of the outer sheath. Hook-blade knives: Useful for scoring and peeling jackets when a ripcord is not present. Kevlar scissors: For cutting aramid yarn without fraying.

Needle-nose pliers: To help pull off the jacket after scoring.

Tips for Efficiency and Safety

Always make small, controlled cuts rather than trying to remove the jacket in one motion. Keep cutting tools sharp to prevent tearing the jacket or damaging inner fibers. Dispose of fiber scraps in a labeled container to avoid injury.

Practice on spare cable sections to improve speed and precision before working on critical installations. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can quickly and safely strip the outer layer of a fiber optic cable while preserving the integrity of the inner fibers and aramid yarn.