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RapidConnect® SKS-1 Kevlar Scissors are designed for cutting the aramid strength yarn found inside fibre optic cable. Suitable for termination, splicing and cable preparation, they provide fibre technicians with a controlled and practical cutting tool.
Kevlar Scissors give fibre optic technicians a controlled way to cut the strong aramid yarn found inside many fibre optic cables. Because ordinary scissors may struggle with this material, the RapidConnect® SKS-1 Kevlar Scissors provide a practical tool for cable preparation, termination and splicing work.
Aramid yarn adds tensile reinforcement to many tight-buffered, distribution, breakout and patch cable constructions. Although the yarn is lightweight and flexible, it is exceptionally strong. Consequently, blunt or general-purpose scissors may fold, fray or push the yarn away instead of cutting it cleanly.
The RapidConnect® SKS-1 helps you trim exposed aramid yarn accurately after removing the cable jacket. As a result, you can prepare the cable neatly while maintaining control around delicate optical fibres and other internal components.
Whether you work in telecommunications, enterprise networking, industrial communications or fibre training, the SKS-1 is a useful addition to your fibre preparation tool kit.
RapidConnect® SKS-1 Kevlar Scissors are designed for cutting the Kevlar® or aramid strength yarn used in many fibre optic cable constructions.
During cable preparation, you may need to remove the outer jacket, separate the strength yarn from the buffered fibres and then trim the yarn to the required length. Therefore, you need a tool that can handle fine but extremely strong synthetic fibres without forcing you to pull or tear them.
The SKS-1 combines a straightforward hand-operated design with comfortable handles and blades suited to demanding fibre preparation work. Furthermore, its compact format makes it suitable for both workshop and field use.
You can use the scissors at a termination bench, inside a communications room, beside a fibre enclosure or as part of a portable installation kit. However, you should always confirm the cable construction and preparation instructions before cutting any internal component.
Kevlar Scissors are specialist cutting tools used to trim strong synthetic fibres that household or office scissors may not cut effectively.
In fibre optic work, the name commonly refers to scissors used for cutting aramid strength yarn. Kevlar® is a well-known type of aramid fibre; however, not every aramid strength member necessarily uses that specific branded material. For this reason, technicians may use the terms “Kevlar Scissors” and “aramid scissors” for the same type of cable preparation tool.
Aramid fibres combine high tensile strength with low weight and flexibility. Therefore, cable manufacturers can use them to reinforce fibre optic cable without introducing metallic components or excessive bulk.
Nevertheless, those same properties make aramid yarn difficult to cut. Instead of separating cleanly, the individual fibres may flatten, move away from the blades or fray when you use an unsuitable tool.
Kevlar Scissors help overcome that problem. In particular, they allow you to gather the yarn, position it between the blades and cut it at the required point.
Aramid yarn is a bundle of strong synthetic fibres. Fibre optic cable manufacturers commonly place it beneath the outer jacket and around the buffered fibres, cable subunits or other internal components.
Although its precise role depends on the cable design, aramid yarn commonly provides tensile reinforcement. As a result, it helps protect the optical fibres from some of the pulling forces applied during handling, installation and termination.
Optical fibres transmit data effectively; however, the glass itself should not carry cable installation loads. Therefore, the cable construction requires suitable strength members to help manage mechanical forces within its rated limits.
Aramid yarn may help:
In addition, aramid yarn remains flexible. Consequently, manufacturers can incorporate it into relatively compact cables without making them unnecessarily rigid.
You may find aramid strength yarn in:
However, not every fibre optic cable contains aramid yarn. Loose tube outdoor cables, armoured cables and self-supporting cables may instead use combinations of water-blocking yarn, glass yarn, FRP elements, GRP rods, steel armour or central strength members.
Therefore, always identify the cable component before cutting it.
Fibre optic cables need mechanical protection because the glass fibres inside them are small and sensitive to excessive tension, bending and crushing.
Although the outer jacket provides environmental and handling protection, it does not necessarily provide all the required tensile strength. Therefore, manufacturers incorporate strength members into the cable construction.
Aramid yarn provides a useful balance of strength, flexibility and low weight. Moreover, it is non-metallic, so it does not introduce an electrically conductive path into the cable.
Depending on the design, the yarn may surround a tight-buffered fibre, reinforce a cable subunit or sit beneath the main outer jacket. In each case, however, it helps the cable construction manage mechanical forces.
During termination, you must expose and manage this yarn correctly. If you leave excessive loose yarn inside an enclosure, it may interfere with fibre routing. Conversely, if you cut it too short when the termination hardware needs it for strain relief, you may compromise the mechanical arrangement.
For that reason, Kevlar Scissors provide more than simple cutting convenience. They support accurate cable preparation according to the requirements of the connector, gland or enclosure.
Aramid fibres resist stretching and breaking. While those characteristics make the yarn useful inside a fibre optic cable, they also make it difficult to cut.
General-purpose scissors may initially appear suitable because the yarn looks soft and fine. However, its appearance can be misleading. When you close ordinary blades around the yarn, the fibres may slide, flatten or bend instead of separating.
Consequently, you may experience:
You may then try to compensate by applying more pressure or pulling the yarn tightly. However, increasing the force can reduce your control around delicate optical components.
Purpose-selected Kevlar Scissors make the task more manageable. As a result, you can gather the yarn and complete a firm, deliberate cut without using an unsuitable general-purpose tool.
Kevlar Scissors complete one specific stage of fibre optic cable preparation. In other words, they cut exposed aramid yarn after you have removed the relevant section of cable jacket.
A typical preparation sequence may include:
The exact process varies between cable types, connectors and enclosures. Therefore, always follow the preparation dimensions provided for the products you are installing.
Kevlar Scissors do not replace jacket strippers, cable cutters, fibre strippers or cleavers. Instead, they complement those tools by performing the specialised task of cutting aramid yarn.
Before cutting, confirm that you have correctly identified the aramid strength yarn. It often appears as a bundle of fine yellow or natural-coloured fibres. However, the colour and arrangement may vary between cable constructions.
Once you have exposed the yarn, follow a controlled preparation process.
First, move the aramid yarn away from the buffered optical fibres, tubes and other internal cable components.
Work carefully because pulling the yarn aggressively may disturb the surrounding components. Moreover, clear separation helps prevent accidental contact between the scissors and the optical fibres.
Next, gather the loose yarn into a manageable bundle. Because aramid yarn consists of many fine fibres, individual strands can easily separate from the main group.
A controlled bundle is easier to position between the blades. Furthermore, gathering the fibres helps you avoid leaving stray strands around the termination area.
Before cutting, confirm whether the connector, gland or enclosure uses the yarn for mechanical retention.
Some terminations require you to remove most of the exposed yarn. Others, however, require a specific length so that the hardware can capture or fold back the strength member.
Therefore, never assume that you should cut the yarn flush with the cable jacket.
Place the gathered yarn into the cutting area of the scissors. Meanwhile, keep the buffered fibres, loose tubes and other cable components well clear of the blades.
Positioning is important because a rushed or poorly aligned cut may leave individual strands attached.
Close the scissors firmly and smoothly. Instead of repeatedly pulling at the yarn, use a deliberate cutting action.
Afterwards, inspect the cut to ensure that all required strands have separated.
Finally, remove trimmed yarn and other cable preparation waste from the work area.
Loose fibres can interfere with cleaning, connector assembly or splicing. Therefore, maintain an organised workspace throughout the preparation process.
The correct amount depends on the termination system.
For example, some fibre connectors use the aramid yarn beneath a crimp sleeve. In that arrangement, the yarn contributes to cable retention and strain relief. Therefore, you must leave enough material to complete the connector assembly correctly.
Similarly, some glands or enclosure entry systems may capture the yarn. Other terminations, however, secure the cable jacket independently and do not require the exposed yarn.
Before cutting, check:
If the termination uses the yarn, cut it only to the specified length. Otherwise, trim it neatly so it cannot obstruct fibre routing or connector assembly.
The primary purpose of RapidConnect® SKS-1 Kevlar Scissors is cutting Kevlar® and aramid strength yarn associated with fibre optic cable preparation.
Depending on the cable design, this may include:
The scissors may also cut some similar fibrous materials. Nevertheless, you should keep their use focused on fibre preparation.
Using the tool on unrelated materials may contaminate or damage the cutting surfaces. As a result, the scissors may become less effective when you return to cutting fine aramid yarn.
For consistent performance, keep the SKS-1 as a dedicated fibre optic preparation tool.
Kevlar Scissors are not universal cable cutters. Therefore, you must identify the material before placing it between the blades.
Do not use the scissors to cut:
Hard or metallic materials may damage the blades. Consequently, the tool may no longer cut aramid yarn effectively.
Furthermore, attempting to cut an unsuitable component can create an uncontrolled movement near exposed optical fibres. Use the appropriate cable cutter, armour tool, side cutter, jacket stripper or strength-member cutter instead.
Kevlar Scissors and fibre cleavers perform entirely different tasks.
A precision fibre cleaver prepares the glass optical fibre for fusion splicing or certain connector termination processes. However, Kevlar Scissors cut synthetic aramid yarn.
The cleaver produces a controlled fibre end face. Consequently, the quality of the cleave can directly affect splice alignment and optical performance.
Scissors cannot create the required glass end face. Therefore, never use the SKS-1 as a substitute for a fibre cleaver.
Similarly, do not use a precision cleaver to cut aramid yarn. The yarn may contaminate or damage equipment designed specifically for glass fibre.
RapidConnect® SKS-1 Kevlar Scissors suit a wide range of professional fibre preparation tasks.
When terminating tight-buffered cable, you may need to trim exposed aramid yarn before preparing the optical fibre. Therefore, the scissors form a useful part of the termination workflow.
Cable preparation for a splice enclosure or fibre distribution panel may expose aramid reinforcement. In this case, the SKS-1 helps you remove or shorten the yarn before routing and splicing the fibres.
Simplex and duplex patch cables commonly contain aramid yarn between the outer jacket and buffered fibre. Consequently, Kevlar Scissors are useful during connector assembly, retermination or repair.
Wall boxes, rack-mounted enclosures and fibre termination panels require organised cable entry and fibre management. Therefore, trimming unused yarn can help maintain a clean termination area.
Field technicians regularly encounter different fibre constructions. As a result, a pair of Kevlar Scissors provides a practical addition to a portable preparation kit.
Commercial buildings, data centres, campuses and industrial sites often use tight-buffered fibre cable. Therefore, network installers may need the SKS-1 when preparing cable for panels and enclosures.
TAFEs, registered training organisations, universities and technical laboratories can use the scissors during practical fibre preparation activities. Furthermore, the tool helps students learn to identify and manage different cable components correctly.
Aramid yarn does more than reinforce the cable during manufacture and installation. In some terminations, it also contributes to mechanical retention.
For example, a connector may use a crimp sleeve to capture the yarn. As a result, pulling forces applied to the cable are transferred into the connector body rather than directly to the buffered optical fibre.
Similarly, some cable glands or enclosure entry systems may secure the yarn as part of their strain-relief arrangement.
However, not every termination uses the yarn in this way. Some products clamp the outer cable jacket, while others use separate strength members or retention hardware.
Therefore, confirm the required termination method before cutting the yarn. If you remove it too early or cut it too short, you may need to prepare the cable again.
No single hand tool can complete every stage of fibre optic cable preparation. Instead, each tool should perform a defined function.
Depending on the cable and termination method, your tool kit may include:
A jacket stripper removes the specified cable layer. Meanwhile, Kevlar Scissors cut the exposed aramid yarn. The fibre stripper then removes the relevant buffer or coating, while the cleaver prepares the glass fibre for splicing or termination.
Because each tool serves a different purpose, using the correct combination can improve control and consistency.
For technicians who need a coordinated selection, RapidConnect® fibre optic termination kits provide commonly used preparation and cleaning equipment in a portable case.
Field cable preparation can differ significantly from controlled workshop work.
For example, you may be working inside a communications cabinet, beside an enclosure or in a partially completed building. Therefore, tool organisation becomes particularly important.
Before beginning:
After cutting the yarn, return the scissors to a secure location. Otherwise, an open or loose tool may damage patch leads, cleaning products or other equipment inside the case.
Moreover, maintaining an organised field kit reduces the likelihood of using the wrong cutter for a cable component.
A controlled workbench provides more space for cable preparation. Nevertheless, good tool discipline remains important.
Keep the Kevlar Scissors within easy reach but separate from precision cleaning and cleaving equipment. In addition, remove cut yarn and cable jacket pieces regularly so that debris does not accumulate around the prepared fibre.
If several technicians share the same workbench, label or organise the scissors as a fibre preparation tool. As a result, other users are less likely to use them on wire, cable ties or hard plastic.
Appropriate care helps keep your Kevlar Scissors ready for fibre preparation work.
After use, remove loose aramid strands from the blades and pivot area. Because the yarn consists of fine fibres, small strands may remain attached to the tool.
Use a clean, dry cloth for routine wiping. If further cleaning is required, follow the relevant product recommendations. Afterwards, ensure the scissors are dry before placing them into storage.
Do not place the scissors on surfaces contaminated with cable gel, adhesive, grease or dirt. Otherwise, contamination may transfer to the blades and interfere with their grip on fine yarn.
Furthermore, keep the tool away from connector cleaning areas whenever possible.
Cut only aramid yarn and other approved fibrous cable components. In particular, avoid wire, armour, strength rods and thick cable jackets.
This practice helps protect the blades. Moreover, it keeps the scissors available for the task they were selected to perform.
Place the scissors in a dedicated compartment or tool case after use. Consequently, the blades remain protected and the tool cannot damage other equipment.
Secure storage also helps prevent the scissors from collecting dirt and cable debris between jobs.
Before beginning cable preparation, check:
If the scissors become damaged or difficult to operate, replace them. Do not compensate by applying excessive hand pressure.
The yarn may not be gathered correctly, or it may be positioned poorly between the blades. Alternatively, the scissors may be contaminated or worn.
First, gather the fibres into a controlled bundle. Then, reposition them and make a firm cut. If the problem continues, inspect the scissors.
Fine aramid fibres can separate from the main bundle. Therefore, inspect the cut before continuing with the termination.
Move the optical components safely away, gather the remaining strands and trim them without pulling on the cable.
Some spreading can occur because aramid yarn contains many individual fibres. However, repeated partial cuts or heavy fraying may indicate that the tool needs inspection, cleaning or replacement.
Do not assume that every fibrous component is aramid yarn. For instance, outdoor cable may include water-blocking yarn, ripcords or glass reinforcement.
Therefore, check the cable datasheet or construction diagram before cutting an unfamiliar component.
If the connector or enclosure requires the yarn for strain relief, you may need to prepare the cable again from a new position.
Do not improvise a mechanical retention method that conflicts with the product instructions. Instead, confirm the required preparation dimensions and start again where necessary.
Fibre optic preparation involves sharp tools and small glass fragments. Therefore, establish a clean and controlled workspace before beginning.
Recommended practices include:
Although Kevlar Scissors are used around fibre optic cable, they should not cut the optical glass. Instead, use the correct stripping and cleaving tools for glass fibre preparation.
Additionally, dispose of trimmed yarn and cable waste promptly. This practice keeps the work surface clear and helps prevent debris from contaminating connectors or splicing equipment.
When selecting Kevlar Scissors, begin with the intended application.
For professional fibre preparation, consider whether the tool:
Do not choose solely by appearance. Although general-purpose scissors may look suitable, they may perform poorly once you place strong aramid yarn between the blades.
The RapidConnect® SKS-1 provides a dedicated solution for fibre technicians who need to trim aramid yarn during termination, splicing and installation work.
Keeping the SKS-1 exclusively for fibre preparation offers several practical advantages.
First, it protects the cutting surfaces from wire, armour and hard plastic. Therefore, the scissors remain better suited to cutting fine aramid yarn.
Second, a dedicated tool reduces the likelihood of contamination from unrelated work. For example, scissors used on adhesive tape, greasy materials or general workshop products may carry residue into the fibre preparation area.
Third, dedicated scissors improve tool organisation. Consequently, technicians can quickly identify the correct cutter when they expose the aramid yarn.
Finally, a purpose-selected tool supports a repeatable preparation process. Instead of searching for whatever scissors are available, you have the correct tool ready for the task.
Kevlar Scissors form one part of the RapidConnect® range of fibre optic preparation and installation products.
Depending on your work, you may also require:
Together, these tools support the workflow from jacket removal through to cleaning, cleaving, termination and testing.
If you are assembling a new field kit, Anderson Corporation can help you decide whether individual preparation tools or a complete fibre optic termination kit better suits your work.
| Product | Ordering Code | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|
| RapidConnect® Kevlar Scissors | SKS-1 | Cutting aramid strength yarn during fibre optic cable preparation |
Contact Anderson Corporation for availability, pricing or assistance with a complete fibre preparation solution.
Kevlar Scissors cut the Kevlar® or aramid strength yarn found inside many fibre optic cables. Fibre technicians commonly use them during cable preparation, connector termination and fusion splicing.
Kevlar® is a recognised type of aramid fibre. However, manufacturers may use other aramid materials. Therefore, “aramid yarn” is the broader technical description, while “Kevlar Scissors” remains the commonly used tool name.
Some general-purpose scissors may cut small quantities when they are new and sharp. However, aramid fibres can fold, slip or fray instead of separating cleanly. Consequently, a dedicated cutting tool is more suitable for regular fibre preparation.
No. Kevlar Scissors are not designed to prepare bare optical glass. Instead, use the correct fibre stripping and precision cleaving equipment.
No. The SKS-1 is intended for exposed aramid yarn, not complete cable. Therefore, use a suitable cable cutter and jacket preparation tools for the cable construction.
No. Steel wire, corrugated steel tape and metallic armour require suitable armour preparation tools. Otherwise, you may damage the scissors.
No. FRP and GRP elements require an appropriate strength-member cutter. Attempting to cut them with Kevlar Scissors may damage the blades and create an uncontrolled break.
No. Many tight-buffered and patch cable designs contain aramid yarn. However, loose tube, armoured and self-supporting cables may use different reinforcement systems.
That depends on the termination. Some connectors, glands and enclosures use the yarn for strain relief. Therefore, check the preparation instructions before cutting it short.
Dedicated use helps protect the blades from hard materials. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of contamination from unrelated workshop tasks.
Replace the scissors if they become damaged, loose, difficult to operate or unable to cut aramid yarn effectively. Instead of applying excessive pressure, select a serviceable tool.
Yes. Their compact hand-tool format makes them suitable for inclusion in a portable fibre preparation or termination kit.
Yes. TAFEs, universities, registered training organisations and technical laboratories can use the scissors during practical fibre preparation activities.
Choosing and using Kevlar Scissors involves more than finding a sharp pair of blades. Instead, reliable fibre preparation requires an understanding of aramid strength yarn, cable construction, strain relief, tool selection and safe handling around optical glass.
That is why Anderson Corporation is developing a dedicated Knowledge Centre covering Kevlar Scissors and fibre optic cable preparation.
Whether you are preparing your first fibre cable, equipping a field technician, developing a training laboratory or standardising a professional tool kit, the Knowledge Centre will help you understand where Kevlar Scissors fit within the complete preparation process.
Learn why cable manufacturers use aramid strength yarn, where it sits within different cable constructions and how it helps protect optical components from mechanical loading.
Understand how to separate and trim aramid yarn without interfering with buffered fibres, cable subunits or termination hardware.
Compare Kevlar Scissors with cable cutters, side cutters, jacket strippers, armour tools and precision fibre cleavers. As a result, you can select the correct tool for each cable component.
Explore how connectors, glands and enclosures may use aramid yarn for mechanical retention. In addition, learn why you should check the preparation instructions before cutting the yarn short.
Learn how cleaning, storage and regular inspection can keep your Kevlar Scissors ready for professional fibre preparation.
Review the practical safety measures required when working with sharp tools, exposed optical fibre and small glass fragments.
As the Knowledge Centre develops, each published article will provide practical information to support correct tool selection and more consistent fibre preparation.
RapidConnect® SKS-1 Kevlar Scissors provide fibre optic technicians with a dedicated tool for cutting aramid strength yarn during cable preparation, termination and splicing.
Choose the SKS-1 as an individual tool or speak with Anderson Corporation about including Kevlar Scissors in a broader fibre optic preparation kit.
Contact Anderson Corporation for:
Ultimately, selecting the right cutting tool makes fibre preparation cleaner, more controlled and more efficient.
Request a quote for RapidConnect® SKS-1 Kevlar Scissors from Anderson Corporation today.
Be sure to check out the rest of the Anderson Product Range for another product that may be suitable for you!
Check out the official Anderson Corporation YouTube Channel for more useful Fibre Optic Information!
