Accidentally cut my Internet coax - possible to DIY fix?

[willtel]

Today when working on some drainage issues around my detached garage with my tractor I drug the bucket over the coax cable that provides Internet to my house. I have some coax splicing tools and connectors but the insulator on this cable is bigger than the stuff I have and they won't work.

I've called my provider and they said it will be Thursday before someone can contact me to schedule a repair. Is it possible I can fix this myself before then?

Severance by willtel, on Flickr

[Seahawk]

Yes. I've done it after accidentally doing the same thing:



Easy with the right connectors, which are available at Wally World, Lowes, Radio Shack, etc.

[Jims5543]

Same here, I cut mine by accident, it was 2" below the surface of the ground, I was pissed, I know they are supposed to be over a foot below.

I had the stuff on hand, I am sure you can get the materials and tools you need at Walmart or Harbor Freight or Home Depot/Lowes or Amazon next day.

I still had a repair order in place, like you a week away, I fixed it and sealed it up with a plastic bag and duct tape, since my stuff was not waterproof.

Repair guy was impressed.

[Chocaholic]

Cut your coax. At least you didn't cut your sack.

Coulda been worse.

[masraum]

Easy peazy!

Definitely not an issue to fix it. Get the right parts for the size coax, get outdoor/waterproof rated connectors and if it's going to be underground, shrink wrap or maybe liquid shrink wrap for a really good seal.

[willtel]

I already tried picking up some connectors at Home Depot and they seem to be too small. I'm assuming this is direct burial cable (would have been nice if they actually buried it) and it is thicker?

You can see what I'm working with here:
Cable by willtel, on Flickr

Connector by willtel, on Flickr

[dad911]

just connect center to center and shield to shield. Signal might be good enough.

[willtel]

Originally Posted by dad911

just connect center to center and shield to shield. Signal might be good enough.

Done! Who needs connectors anyway?

Fixed? by willtel, on Flickr

All wrapped in plastic bags and propped up on a pressure washer attachment to keep it off the ground.
Waterproofed by willtel, on Flickr

Same as it ever was.


Thanks everyone. I spoke to a guy in the neighborhood who knows this stuff and he said the cable is RJ-6 Quad Shield and that is why my normal connectors don't fit.

[carambola]

Well done young man

[Don Ro]

Good job...done in 3 hrs. Beats waiting days for a repairman.

[HardDrive]

Well done sir. Badges!? We don't need no stinking badges.