Tool for installing sealing boot on cable
A tool for facilitating the installation of a sealing boot on a cable includes: an arcuate main body having a tapered end, the main body having axially-disposed edges that define a gap therebetween, the main body defining a bore; and a gripping portion attached to an end of the main body opposite the tapered end, the gripping portion extending radially outwardly from the main body.
1. A method of facilitating installation of a sealing boot on a cable, comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a tool comprising:
an arcuate main body having a tapered end, the main body having axially-disposed edges extending a length of the main body that define a gap therebetween, the main body defining a bore; and
a gripping portion attached to an end of the main body opposite the tapered end, the gripping portion extending radially outwardly from the main body;
(b) inserting the tapered end of the tool into an annular portion of a sealing boot;
(c) routing a cable though the annular portion of the sealing boot and the bore in the main body of the tool;
(d) adjusting a position of the sealing boot and the tool relative to the cable; and
(e) removing the tool from the sealing boot such that the sealing boot remains in a desired position relative to the cable.
2. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein the removing the tool from the sealing boot further comprises detaching the tool from the cable.
3. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein the removing the tool from the sealing boot comprises retaining the tool on the cable.
4. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein the tool further comprises an arced segment that merges with the gripping portion to form a ring, and wherein the ring retains the tool on the cable.
5. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein step (b) precedes step (c), such that the cable is routed through the tool and the sealing boot simultaneously.
6. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein step (b) is performed after step (c).
7. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein the desired position of step (e) positions the sealing boot over a connector attached to an end of the cable.
8. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein step (b) comprises pinching the main body such that the axially-disposed edges are drawn toward each other, thereby enabling insertion of the main body into the annular portion of the sealing boot.
9. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein step (d) comprises manipulating the tool with the gripping portion.
10. The method defined in claim 1 , wherein the performance of step (e) results in a cable section of the sealing boot conformably fitting over a portion of the cable.