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Author Topic: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends  (Read 369 times)

K7AAT

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Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« on: October 26, 2022, 05:45:24 PM »


Wondering what the best way to temporarily seal / weatherproof outdoor cable ends.... coax or Ethernet.   I have occasion to disconnect and remove various outdoor antennas and network devices while leaving the cables for reinstallation for future use.  I've been covering the ends with a couple Ziplock bags and tying tight with cable ties but looking for something better.   Seals need to last anywhere from a couple weeks to possibly several months.   Anyone else do something better?
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W9IQ

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2022, 05:57:41 PM »

I use inverted containers with an open bottom. A length of 4" PVC with a cap on top works quite well.

- Glenn W9IQ
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

SWMAN

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2022, 06:32:57 PM »

 I always just wrapped a few layers of good quality electrical tape around the end. Seems to work well.
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K4MK

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2022, 06:39:07 PM »

Use inverted empty pill bottles; Will protect cable ends for years if necessary. Tape to cable if necessary.
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W4AOK

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2022, 07:36:03 PM »

I have found that 3m type "rubber" tape works very well.  When wrapping, pull it to give it a little stretch and press together firmly.  This will make a waterproof seal if done properly.  I have several coax connections protected this way, both inside and outside.  It will last for a year or more before deteriorating enough to leak.
Win, W4AOK
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K7AAT

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2022, 09:29:49 PM »

Thanks, all.  Several good ideas.  All better than what I've been doing.   Will see what works best for me.
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WA3SKN

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #6 on: October 30, 2022, 02:32:03 PM »

Several wraps of electrical tape on the end works well for several years and is easy to remove.  I just twist the roll several times to leave a "tail" as a starting point for removal.  Simple, cheap.

-Mike.

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K3UIM

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #7 on: October 30, 2022, 04:24:24 PM »

+1, Mike.
Charlie
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Charlie. K3UIM
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K6CPO

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WB6BYU

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #9 on: October 31, 2022, 10:58:01 AM »

Kitchen plastic wrap has worked for rain protection on
Field Day.  We used it to wrap our coax splices.  It sticks
to itself and can make a pretty good joint, unless it is
sitting in water.

Glad Press'n'seal wrap sticks to just about anything.  My
wife was told to use it to protect an incision when taking
a shower.

The rubber tapes work pretty well also.

Note any of these probably need some sort of outer layer
for long term survival in the sun.  (As would many types of
pill bottles or other plastic containers.)

W1VT

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2022, 12:02:12 PM »

Attaching mating connectors can be useful for keeping mud and dirt out of connectors.
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KB2SMS

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Re: Temporary sealing outdoor cable ends
« Reply #11 on: November 02, 2022, 03:38:10 PM »


Wondering what the best way to temporarily seal / weatherproof outdoor cable ends.... coax or Ethernet.   I have occasion to disconnect and remove various outdoor antennas and network devices while leaving the cables for reinstallation for future use.  I've been covering the ends with a couple Ziplock bags and tying tight with cable ties but looking for something better.   Seals need to last anywhere from a couple weeks to possibly several months.   Anyone else do something better?

Duct seal putty. Get it at Home depot. Stays nice and malleable .
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