I recently watched my coworker disassembling a computer using only one tool. Was it the right tool for the job? Yes and no. It was the tool he had... it worked, however, there is definitely more than one tool out there that would have made the task easier! This situation is definitely one that many fiber optic installers know all too well. As a gentle reminder, how many of you have used your Splicer's Tool Kit (cable knife/scissors) to remove jacketing or even slit a buffer tube and then use the scissors to hack away at the Kevlar? Did you nick the glass? Did you accidentally cut through the glass and have to start over?
Correctly splicing and terminating fiber optic cable requires special fiber optic splicer and techniques. Training is important and there are many excellent sources of training available. Do not mix your electrical tools with your fiber tools. Use the right tool for the job! Being proficient in fiber work will become increasingly necessary as the importance of data transmission speeds, fiber to the home and fiber to the premise deployments continue to increase.
Many factors set fiber installations apart from traditional electrical projects. Fusion splicer glass is very fragile; it's nominal outside diameter is 125um. The slightest scratch, mark or even speck of dirt will affect the transmission of light, degrading the signal. Safety is important because you are working with glass that can sliver into your skin without being seen by the human eye. Transmission grade lasers are very dangerous, and require that protective eyewear is a must. This industry has primarily been dealing with voice and data grade circuits that could tolerate some interruption or slow down of signal.