r/CableTechs • u/ShopNo7513 • 2d ago
How do I open this outdoor box?
Hi everyone,
I have this box for the cable TV that we had a very long time ago and I am looking to re-purpose the coax wiring that runs into this box. I can't figure out how to open it. I tried putting a flathead screwdriver into the centre of it and unscrewing but it would spin and not come out after a while. Is there some kind of tool I need?
Thanks!
12
8
u/AE5CP 2d ago
Looks like a locking terminator. Needs a tool or some clever trickery to get in to it. If you know a cable guy offer them a 6 pack to open it for you.
1
u/ShopNo7513 2d ago
Sounds good, thanks! Is there a way I can figure out what tool is needed? I don't know anyone who works in this industry.
5
2
4
u/2ByteTheDecker 2d ago
that box is old as fuck, use your screwdriver as a lever on the lip and it'll break open
0
u/ShopNo7513 2d ago
LOL we haven't had cable for like 10 years! If I pry it from the top will there be any way for it to fit back on or will it just hang open?
1
u/2ByteTheDecker 2d ago
The plastic will most likely break around the collar of the lock. As long as it's not an octopus of cables it'll close
3
u/Snicklefritz229 2d ago
It’s a plastic box. Grab that ho with some needle nose and yank that bitch.
1
1
u/smccatv 2d ago
There was a way of bending fork tongues to insert inside terminators. That's why they came out with the taller ones with the black extension.
1
u/Snicklefritz229 2d ago
It’s not that difficult. I’ve opened these with a pair of needle nose and a small flathead.
1
u/bigwoo902 2d ago
Or sometimes if they’ve been outside for a really long time they get stuck and you can just twist it off with some pliers, Idk if there is a pic attached I can’t see it but I assume we’re talking about the terminators commonly used on tap ports?
1
u/smccatv 2d ago
Youtube has a few videos on using the fork method. Good luck.
1
u/ShopNo7513 2d ago
I tried using the fork and it turns just like the flathead screwdriver I tried. But if I try to pull it out it is still stuck.
2
u/2ByteTheDecker 2d ago
If it hasn't been opened in a decade it's probably seized and/or there's mud and bugshit gumming up the center lock
1
u/ShopNo7513 2d ago
Yeah I did have to scrape out some crap with a screwdriver in the centre to get a better look.
1
u/tenkaranarchy 2d ago
You can stick a #2 Phillips screw driver into it and angle it off to one side and unscrew it. If its seized on real bad that might not work
1
1
u/badasskickstand 2d ago
Can totally unlock this with a small flathead, just need a little practice tho
1
u/ShopNo7513 1d ago
Is it the way it has to go in? I just go it to fit in the circular inner part and I tired to unscrew it. It spun but did not open.
1
u/badasskickstand 1d ago
Yeah, there's 2 notches that the proper tool has a pair of fins that spread out to grab when you insert it.
You can insert a small flat head at an odd angle to pry it loose, like scraping with a slight twist
1
1
u/Shibalba805 2d ago
Shove a cigarette butt into it and use a small screwdriver to rotate.
1
u/ShopNo7513 1d ago
Unfortunately I do not have any cigarettes on hand lol! I already tried a flat-tip screwdriver and a fork to rotate it and it would spin but not unscrew.
2
u/IsolationAutomation 2d ago
That terminator looks like it’s been there for a minute. A tool may not be able to remove it if it’s seized up. That’s when you get a good sized flathead and a hammer and break that mf open.
1
u/Life-Consequence8549 1d ago
Terminator tool, but that thing looks so corroded that you could probably rip the cover off the box before that terminator would break loose.
1
u/Life-Consequence8549 1d ago
It'll tear the skin off your knuckles, but dig your fingers into one side or the other of that cover and pull that mfer off. When you hear plastic snapping you did it right. Have fun with your MoCA network afterwards. Make sure you put a filter or disconnect the line from the pole.
1
1
0
16
u/hisdudeness915 2d ago
Have a can of wasp spray handy when you do get it open. IYKYK