Reshaping a beat up BNC plug

[Aldobrandi]

Hey everyone,

I do not know the first thing about working with metal. What can you recommend to give this beat up guy a second life?
http://imgur.com/a/IOOJD

I would make a new one myself but I don't have the adequate crimping tools and I'm afraid the cost would be a bit prohibitive.  I have purchased a similar looking cable assembly from ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cable-BNC-female-bulkhead-to-SMB-female-jack-right-angle-RG316-Jumper-pigtail-8-/281153695544?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Coaxial_Cables_Connectors&hash=item417610ef38) but the coax is not the same, it isn't as flexible and as a result it doesn't fit in the original scope.  Any idea?

Thanks!
Jerome

[edpalmer42]

I've successfully reshaped bent BNC connectors by using hollow punches like this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-hollow-punch-set-3838.html

Start with the smallest size that will fit but use a size that will slip over the center insulation.  3/16 inch is about right.  Maybe a few gentle taps with a 1/4 inch punch to finish.  Go slowly and don't use a sledge hammer.  The metal is soft.  Don't let the sharp edge of the punch cut into the center insulation in the connector.  You're using the tapered outer surface of the punch to gently bend the metal of the connector back to a round shape.  Test the fit often with a BNC male connector to see how you're doing.  If you spread the metal of the female connector too much it won't fit and you'll have a harder problem to deal with.

Your connector looks like it should be an easy fix.

Ed

[Aldobrandi]

Brilliant, this is exactly the kind of information I was after! Thanks a lot Ed, I'll definitely give it a go.