How to make a plug for a TV antenna

The plug is used to connect antennas and set-top boxes to televisions, VCRs and DVDs. Cables from this connector typically carry analog TV signals, and the plug connection is easily identified by its thread. The plugs are available with threads and without threads, both of which will fit into the antenna's threaded socket.

How to make a plug yourself

A coaxial cable used to carry electronic signals to a television or other electronic device ends in a plug called F-connector, which is the connector that actually plugs into your TV or wall socket.

Tools and materials you will need:

• Knife
• Wire stripper
• Crimping or rotating F connector
• Cable crimp (for connectors only)

Instructions: DIY plug

Firstly, disassemble the connector the TV into separate parts by unscrewing the top part from the main body. Inside there will be a female connector that will slide over the exposed copper section with the cable and clamp to hold the cable in place and prevent it from being pulled out.

REFERENCE! Before rather than going any further, put the female threaded top on the cable because it's not worth assembling it all and you realize that you you have to take it all apart to put the plug on!

Then, very carefully, run a knife along a 2-inch length of the outer sleeve of the coaxial cable. Not deep enough to cut through the sleeve, or you can cut the braid from the bottom. Using your fingernails and twisting slightly, open the outer sleeve to reveal the braid. Then cut off the excess outer sleeve.

Place the braid over the top of the inner sleeve. Slide the sheet cable clamp onto the inner grommet next to it and press it firmly against the outer grommet, holding the braid inside. Gently press the leaves closed around the outer sleeve to lock it in place and hold it firmly in the nest. This will help prevent the cord from becoming disconnected, falling out, or being pulled out by mistake.

Take the fork and press it against the clamp. You will see that the plug is pushed inward slightly to form a clamp. Cut the inner sleeve where it meets the end of the plug so that the plug slides slightly over the leaf clip.

Strip the insulation from the inner core, leaving 2mm of insulation to slide inside the plug. Take the plug and place it on the end of the cable, making sure that the copper wire of the inner core goes down into the thin hollow sleeve at the end of the plug.

IMPORTANT! Now that the plug is in place at the end of the cable, take the main body and slide it onto the plug. The end of the leaf clip should poke through the end of the main body slightly.

With everything now screwed on, you're ready to go! All that remains is to connect the cable to the TV and make sure that everything works as it should.