Coaxial, or simply coax, cables are industry standard wires for transmitting audio and video signals. They are most often used for connecting television sets to cable television systems. Coaxial cables are noted for being hardy but flexible and for being shielded from radio and other types of signal interference. There are a few different connectors for attaching coaxial cables to devices and tools for manipulating coaxial cables. Connectors are usually divided into "male" and "female" sets, with each being required to make a connection.

"F" Series
The traditional UHF connection type is the kind used by most cable television systems. It is capable of carrying signals of 250 MHz to 1 GHz. The female end is threaded with a small hole in the direct center. The male end is oppositely threaded to screw onto the female end. It has a raw wire that sticks out of the direct center and is meant to be installed into the female end.

BNC
The BNC style of coaxial connector is very similar to the "F" series connectors, though they are capable of carrying higher signal rates of 2 GHz and more. Instead of the threading that is featured in the "F" series, the BNC has a locking mechanism that twists into place. There is debate regarding what the "BNC" actually stands for. Different sources state it as "Bayonet Neil-Concelman," named for its supposed inventor; "Bayonet Navy Connector," named for its initial use in military applications; and "Baby Neil Connector."

There are a number of different connection types that can be used with coaxial cables. In fact, just about any style can be installed to the end of a coaxial cable, leading to its popularity as a format. Other common types of connectors include RCA connectors, TS/TRS connectors, TNC connectors, Type "C," "N" and "UHF" connectors, and SMZ connectors. Some of these are proprietary formats, while others are variations on established styles.

Crimpers
Coaxial crimpers are tools for compressing the connector piece of the cable assembly to the cable itself. Crimpers are similar to pliers with cutout sections in the compression end to allow for the space of a coaxial cable. Different styles of crimpers are made for the various different styles of connectors, with "F" and BNC being the most common.