Reddit reviews Signstek Coax RF Connector Crimping Tool for RG-58, 59, 62, 8x, 141, 142, LMR195, 200, 240

There are different size BNC connectors for the different sized wires you can use. You have to get the right size connector to go with the wire. You need a 50 ohm coax wire like RG-8, 8X, 58, 213, or 400MAX etc.

Not knowing your budget:

RG-8X is pretty good cable and is $0.38/foot here:

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https://www.dxengineering.com/search/department/cable-and-connectors/product-line/dx-engineering-rg-8x-50-ohm-bulk-coaxial-cable?autoview=SKU&N=department%3Acable-and-connectors&sortby=Default&sortorder=Ascending

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Next you will need BNC connectors that work with RG-8X cable:

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https://www.dxengineering.com/search/product-line/amphenol-rf-112533-solderless-bnc-male-connectors?autoview=SKU&keyword=bnc%20connector&sortby=BestKeywordMatch&sortorder=Ascending

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This is the crimping tool that I purchased:

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https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Connector-Crimping-RG-58-LMR195/dp/B00N3PDPYC/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=bnc+crimping+tool&qid=1558446931&s=gateway&sr=8-11

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Short runs of cable won't have too much loss but you will for long runs. This is my favorite cable loss calculator so you can see how much power you are losing:

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https://www.qsl.net/co8tw/Coax_Calculator.htm

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Pick a type, a length and power setting and how good your antenna is matched to your frequency. If you put in RG-8X, 7MHz, 100 feet of cable, an SWR of 1.2, and power output of 5W, you get only 4.195W output. Pick RG-58 and you have 3.9W output. Pick the LMR-400 and you have 4.6W output. At a 20 foot long run the difference between all 3 cables is a 10th of a watt. Better cable is more expensive but get what you can afford and try to keep your runs as short as possible.

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When I first started out I was using an FT-817ND and an end fed antenna at the end of 50 feet of cheap coax cable. Needless to say, not many people could hear me. Resonant antennas and short cable runs with good coax will make all the difference in your set up. Come back with any questions.

Just put a new end on the cable. You would use something like this a crimping tool https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Connector-Crimping-RG-58-LMR195/dp/B00N3PDPYC/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1511491613&sr=8-9&keywords=coax+crimper

And then use new https://www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Crimp-Type-Fitting-Connector/dp/B076JHYVFN/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1511491716&sr=1-7&keywords=coax+connector+crimp on the ends.

Apologies for my crap links. Or should I say the tech would use stuff like that.

I personally prefer compression crimps for RG6, but if you're after a crimping tool this rachetting one will do the trick.

And you can even replace the RG-58/59/6 die in that with an LMR-400 capable die very quickly.

https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/amphenol-rf-division/182115/ACX2057-ND/1989433

This is a name-brand brass-bodied connector, not a chinesium ebay special.

Assembly is very similar to this: https://www.digikey.com/api/videos/videoplayer/smallplayer/1722313932001

Here's the right crimper: https://www.techtoolsupply.com/Ratcheting-Hex-Crimper-Coax-5-Cavity-p/300-003.htm or https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Connector-Crimping-RG-58-LMR195/dp/B00N3PDPYC

I use a sharp razor blade to prepare the coax. Don't knick the conductors!