How to Unscrew a Coaxial Cable From Audiovisual Equipment

Applying Gentle Hand or Tool Torque

1. 
   Turn the equipment so you're facing the connection, if possible. Reaching around the back of the TV or cable box makes disconnecting the coaxial cable that much more difficult. If you can't stand behind the audiovisual (A/V) equipment, turn it around to face towards you if you can.^[2]

   1. Unfortunately, in many cases you won't be able to move the equipment, either because it's too heavy or it's permanently secured in place. If so, do your best to contort your body so that you can both see and reach the cable connection.
2. 
   Remind yourself to turn the connector counterclockwise. This may sound like a silly reminder, but it's easy to get confused, especially if you have to access the coaxial cable from an awkward angle instead of straight-on. If you're not facing the connector, take a moment to visualize being in that spot and confirm which way is counterclockwise before you start twisting.^[3]

   1. The old reminder, 'righty tighty, lefty loosey'—that is, turn right (clockwise) to tighten and left (counterclockwise) to loosen a connection—is accurate only when you're facing the connection.
3. 
   Attempt to loosen the connection by hand first. Grasp the hexagonal (six-sided) nut (or 'hex nut') at the end of the coaxial cable between your thumb and forefinger. Twist counterclockwise directly on the nut—not on the cable itself—and see if you can get it to budge. If so, keep twisting until the connection separates.^[4]

   1. A proper coaxial connection should be too tight to loosen by hand, but it's worth a try! After all, even the right tool for the job can sometimes damage the connectors, while your hand can't.
4. 
   Apply gentle torque with a 7/16 in (11.1 mm) cable wrench if needed. Every 'cable guy' carries this wrench in their tool belt—it's about 4 in (10 cm) long and has an open head at one end and a closed head at the other. Slide the open head over the hex nut—it should be a perfect fit—and apply light counterclockwise torque. If the hex nut starts to rotate, use the wrench for a couple more turns and then your hand to finish the disconnection.^[5]

   1. If the hex nut won't budge with gentle torque, don't try to force it by applying more. You'll either break or deform the connector components.
   2. Search for a 'cable wrench' online, or shop at a home improvement store or A/V equipment retailer.
5. 
   Use an F-connector tool or channel locks (but not pliers) as alternatives. Searching online for an 'F-connector tool' or 'coaxial cable tool' reveals a range of implements designed to loosen and tighten coaxial connections. Some are small and slip right over the hex nut, while others have a handle like a screwdriver. Alternatively, look in your toolbox for a small pair of slip-joint pliers (also called channel locks).^[6]

   1. Do not use traditional pliers (including needle-nose pliers), since the squeezing pressure will damage the connector.
   2. Most F-connector tools should do the job just fine, but a 7/16 in (11.1 mm) cable wrench is at least as good and is more multi-functional around the house.
   3. If you use channel locks, grip the teeth over the hex nut as lightly as possible so that you don't deform or damage the connector.
   4. F-connector is the technical name for a coaxial cable connector.