The Right Tools for the Job
Nothing makes a job easier than having the right tools. The Fiber Optic Association is updating its recommended tool list for trainers. In the process, I have learned about “old reliable” tools and the new tools available to help the fiber technician.
1. Before heading to a job site, it is important that fiber techs _________.
Correct Answer: All of the above
2. _________ are probably the most important fiber tool because they are used in both splicing and termination and can damage the fiber if in poor condition.
Correct Answer: Fiber strippers
3. Special scissors are required to cut the _________ in cable.
Correct Answer: Kevlar strength members
4. Today, buyers should be careful when purchasing tools because many unreliable sellers, even on auction websites, offer counterfeit tools.
Correct Answer: True
5. Some tools not originally intended for fiber use need to be in the fiber tech’s tool kit. For example, a _________ is the best tool to cut through the armor in armored cables.
Correct Answer: Tubing cutter
6. Needle-nose pliers—another general-use tool—are needed to _________.
Correct Answer: Pull ripcords to slit jackets
7. Every fiber optic installation tech should carry two inexpensive tools for testing and troubleshooting every cable they encounter. They are a(n) _________.
Correct Answer: Connector inspection microscope and VFL
8. A connector inspection microscope should be used to inspect every connector before making a connection or testing because dirt is the biggest problem encountered with fiber optic connectors.
Correct Answer: True
9. Proper fiber optic connector cleaning should be done with _________.
Correct Answer: A commercial fiber optic cleaning kit
10. After cleaning a fiber optic connector, you should _________.
Correct Answer: Inspect it to ensure it was properly cleaned
Correct Answer: Label it as “cleaned”
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