sundance-communications.com/forum Forums General General Telephone & Systems Information help identify an old Bell System tool

One of my friends over on Garage Journal found this, I am trying to figure out what it was used for. Google did not turn up anything so I am hoping one of you guys will know!


More pics available if needed.

Thanks!

Hard to tell from that view. I'm wondering if it's the tool we used on the strand on OSP.

Sam

Here are more pics:

Well Jeff I tried to find some pictures, but guess it's top secret or something. Those look like the crimpers we used to splice the Hardened Intersite Cable for the systems in the Air Force. It was a large scotch lock type connector (not sure who actually made them) and you crimped a full pair at a time, this was 16 gauge cable with multiple armored layers and a pressure jacket. I'm 95% sure that's what they are, don't know about Bell System being stamped on them either, it's been awhile back.

OK Machine tools used to make all the wire wrapping and unwrapping products. I remember driving up to the Bronx to buy some stuff in the early days of interconnect. They didn't have a counter and seemed puzzled that we weren't from the Bell System and just ordering the stuff through normal channels. They sent some young lady out to us in the lobby and handed over the tools and took cash!

It doesn't look like the strand splicer (now that I can see the close ups).

Bill, I remember some Autovon cabling from - I think - Grifiss AFB like what you described. Maybe this was the tool for that?

Sam

ICBM cabling was what we used that or a very similar crimper on. I've tried to locate some pictures, but all I can find is a few pictures of the splice cases. I have pictures filed away in the vast unknown and doubt if any would be detailed enough to see the actual tools, even if I could find them.

Thanks for the info guys. Always learn something here!

Check out BSP 632-205-215. I couldn't remember what the tool was 'till I noticed the "pick pin" in one of the photos. In the BSP the tool is listed as the "E Connector Presser" that was used for crimping 700, 701 and 702 connectors. The pick pin was used to break out the sidewall of a 700-3b connector so it could be used as a bridging connector.
The connector stop bracket marked "OK Machine" could be reversed for left handed users.

Do you have a link to the BSP? I'd like to see if those are the connectors I'm thinking of. I tried to find the BSP but no joy.

BSP 461-200-205 on the TCI site shows the connectors and the use of the "G" longnose pliers to crimp these connectors(for techs who didn't rate getting the E connector presser.)