Save Money, Invest In A Quality Cleaver

Cleaving is the process by which an precision cut is made in fiber optic cable. A precise cut is essential when working with fiber optics. Otherwise the two fibers will not butt up against each other. If done improperly the ends of the fiber will diffuse light. Not a result you are looking for. You need a precision splicer to make the correct cleave. A cheap clever will only cost you additional money as you will be throwing away expensive connectors.

Its been said a good tool gets the job done correctly and efficiently.

It is always extremely important to cleave a fiber correctly. Cleaving is the method by which an optical fiber is broken with precision. The fiber is not actually cut. It is scored by scratching the fiber surface. By stressing the fiber along the score it is snapped with a clean break.

A good cleaver should hold the fiber under a firm tension and produce a consistent break regardless of the technician that is using the cleaver. A fully automatic cleaver is usually the best tool to use. All the tech has to do is place the fiber in the correct position, clamp it and let the cleaver do the rest. If a cleaver is not fully automatic it requires a bit more skill as the operator must apply the pressure to snap the fiber. This method is a bit less accurate.

Why should you invest in a good quality cleaver? That answer is simple. Less wasted time more precision breaks. Precise cleaving is very important. Without these precise breaks the fiber will not connect properly. When this happens the fiber ends will not butt up against each other causing a refraction or diffusion causing a loss of light. A quality cleaver will help avoid this loss time and time again

You get what you pay for.

A field cleaver, while much less expensive than a precision cleaver, will produce adequate cleaves, however they are less consistent. Mechanical cleaving does require additional skill. An inexpensive cleaver, in the hands of an unskilled or moderately skilled installer, can be problematic. This produces substandard cleaves and additional product waste. A good tool makes all the difference.

If you plan on doing a good deal of cleaving, it is worthwhile to pay for a cleaver that does the job correctly the first time. Saving money on an inadequate cleaver only presents a problem later on by producing unacceptable IL (Insertion Loss) or ORL (optical return loss) levels in the fiber link. Throwing away expensive connectors is never a good financial decision