CORNING Universal Access Tool 3 User manual

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 1 of 18
P/N 004-074
Issue 12
Universal Access Tool 3
Operating Instructions
Figure 1
1. General
1.1 The Corning Optical Communications Universal Access Tool 3
(UAT3) is designed to access individual bers or ribbons in single tube
cables in a mid-span location (Figure 1). The tool, Corning part number
UAT3-000, is designed to access bers in buer tubes from 5 to 24 mm
in outer diameter (OD).
1.2 This procedure describes the use of the access tool and
illustrates how to access bers or ribbons in Corning Optical
Communications single tube ribbon, stranded loose tube ribbon, and
single tube (loose or bundled ber) cable designs (see Table 1).
NOTE: Other manufacturer’s tubes may require blade adjustment
derived through experimental cuts on scrap tube sections.
1.3 The UAT3 tool is designed to give innite blade height
adjustment to accommodate a range of both tube diameter and wall
thickness. This is accomplished without the need for a set-up gauge
through the use of both coarse and ne adjustment wheels on both
halves of the tool (Figure 2).

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1.4 The coarse adjustment setting is obtained from either Table1
or the plastic gauge supplied with the tool. The coarse setting is the
recommended starting point and has been chosen such that the blades
will score the central tube, but not penetrate it. When turned, each
click of a coarse wheel adjusts its respective blade depth in 0.2 mm
increments.
NOTE: The coarse blade adjustment wheels have over 360° of rotation,
which results in both a “Raised A position” (a backed-out,
shallow blade position) and a “Bottomed A position” (all the way
in, or deepest cutting position) (Figure 2, inset).
The ne adjustment wheels are used to dial in the blade to the desired
depth of cut, providing +/-0.15 mm of blade depth adjustment. The ne
adjustment wheels are labeled “+” and “-”, but are not indexed like the
coarse adjustment.
Factors such as tube curvature, variation in cable geometry, and wall
thickness will aect the depth of cut; therefore, a couple of “trial runs”
may be required to “dial in” the desired cutting depth.
NOTE: Top and bottom blade height adjustment assemblies are not
interchangeable. The assembly marked T is the top half of the
tool and the assembly with B is the bottom half of the tool.
1.5 Follow the instructions for the closure or terminal being
installed to determine the length of sheath to remove and the length
of buer tube to be opened.
IMPORTANT: The cable/ber lengths shown in this procedure are for
illustrative purposes only; the lengths required for any
particular terminal or closure may vary.
Coarse adjustment wheel
Fine adjustment wheel
Side view
Coarse adjustment wheel
in Raised "A" Position
Coarse adjustment wheel
in Bottomed "A" Position
Figure 2

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 3 of 18
2. Precautions
2.1 General Precautions
CAUTION: Recommend the use of safety glasses (spectacles)
conforming to ANSI Z87, for eye protection from accidental
injury when handling chemicals, cables or ber. Pieces of glass
ber are very sharp and have the potential to damage the eye.
CAUTION: The wearing of cut-resistant safety gloves to
protect your hands from accidental injury when using sharp-
bladed tools and armored cable is strongly recommended.
Use extreme care when working with severed armor. There
will be a sharp edge where armor is cut. To minimize the
chance of injury from the cut armor, cover the exposed edge
with a wrap of electrical tape. To minimize the chance of
injury from sharp-bladed tools, always cut away from yourself
and others. Dispose of used blades and armor scrap properly.
2.2 Tool Handling Precautions
CAUTION: Never adjust the blade heights with the tool closed,
or close the tool halves together unless the blades are fully
retracted. Failure to follow this precaution may result in
damage to the blade tips.
2.3 Tube Handling Precautions
CAUTION: Buer tubes are sensitive to excessive pulling,
bending, and crushing forces. Great care should be used when
handling buer tubes. Excessive bending will cause kinking
which may damage the bers inside..
2.4 Chemical Precautions
WARNING: Isopropyl alcohol is ammable with a ashpoint
at 54°F. It can cause irritation to eyes on contact. In case
of contact, ush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
Inhalation of vapors irritates the respiratory tract. Exposure
to high concentrations has a narcotic eect, producing
symptoms of dizziness, drowsiness, headache, staggering,
unconsciousness, and possibly death.

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 4 of 18
WARNING: Filling compound remover contains petroleum
distillates. Harmful or fatal if swallowed. DO NOT INDUCE
VOMITING. Call a physician immediately.
2.5 Fiber Precautions
CAUTION: Cleaved or broken glass bers are very sharp and
can pierce the skin easily. Do not let these pieces of ber stick
to your clothing or drop in the work area where they can
cause injury later. Use tweezers to pick up cleaved or broken
pieces of glass bers and place them on a loop of tape kept
for that purpose alone. Good housekeeping is very important.
2.6 Laser Precautions
WARNING: Never look directly into the end of a ber that
may be carrying laser light. Laser light can be invisible and can
damage your eyes. Viewing it directly does not cause pain. The
iris of the eye will not close involuntarily as when viewing a
bright light. Consequently, serious damage to the retina of the
eye is possible. Should accidental eye exposure to laser light
be suspected, arrange for an eye examination immediately.
3. Kit Contents, Tools, and Materials
3.1 The UAT3 kit has the following contents:
• UAT3 tool (P/N UAT3-000)
• UAT3 tool crank handle (separate from the tool)
(P/N 3230079-01)
• 3/8-in open-end wrench (p/n 3222008-01)
• Plastic gauge card (P/N 3230080-01)
• Small screwdriver (P/N 100302-01)
• Replacement blades (4) (P/N UAT3-BLADES)
• Replacement springs (2) (P/N NAT3-SPRINGS)
• UAT3 operating manual (SRP-004-074)

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 5 of 18
3.2 In addition to the UAT3 kit, ber or ribbon splice tray(s),
and cable closure or terminal, the following tools and materials are
required:
• Utility knife *
• Scissors*
• Fiber Clean® wipes *
• Vinyl tape *
• Cable ties *
• Spatula *
• Tape measure *
• Needle-nose pliers
• Cotton swabs *
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Plastic bristle brush
(e.g., tooth brush)
• Permanent marking
pen *
• Ideal® buer tube
cutters:
• Model 45-163 for 0.125 - 0.218 in tubes (p/n 100107-01)
• Model 45-164 for 0.25 - 0.56 in tubes (p/n 3204002-01)
3.3 Additional items required for grounding:
• Grounding hardware and tools approved by your company
• Pliers
* Items available in the M67-003 Fusion Splicing Tool Kit
4. Cable Preparation
4.1 Prepare the drop cable
according to instructions appropriate
for the cable and the closure or
terminal in which you are placing the
cables. Place the prepared drop cable
aside in a secure place.
4.2 Determine the center of the
slack loop of the cable. Measure and
mark a distance of 100 cm (40 in) on
both sides of this midpoint. Place a wrap of tape at each of these points
to mark a total of 200 cm (80 in) of cable to be accessed (Figure 3).
NOTE: More or less cable may be accessed according to slack need
and availability. This length could be 250 cm (100 in) or more.
When installing aerial terminals (such as the SCA), position the
terminal on the strand and then mark the appropriate section of
cable to be accessed.
Tape
1
0
0
c
m
(
4
0
i
n
)
1
0
0
c
m
(
4
0
i
n
)
Figure 3

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4.3 To ground armored cables, remove the outer sheath and
armor between the tape marks following the cable manufacturer’s
instructions.
CAUTION: Never permit the UAT3 tool to contact the cable
armor, as blade or tool damage may result.
4.4 Access the cable’s buer tube according to the appropriate
sheath removal procedure.
4.5 Place a mark 12.5 cm (5 in) (or as required for the terminal you
are installing) from the end of each side of the exposed section of
buer tube with a permanent marking pen (Figure 4).
Figure 4
4.6 Depending upon the type of closure or terminal being used,
assembly may be easier if you install cable mounting hardware and
sealants at this time.
For an SCN closure, install the sheath retaining clamps and sealing tape
before proceeding to Section 8 (Figure 5).
Figure 5
5. Tool Preparation and Initial
Adjustment
5.1 Before each use, check the blades for dullness or damage. If
necessary, replace the blades per Section 10 of this manual.
5.2 To attach the tool’s handle , hold the drive shaft with the 3/8-in
wrench provided and thread the handle onto the shaft (Figure 6).
12.5cm ( 5 in)
12.5cm ( 5 in)
Marks
Yarn or rovings ( length per
appropriate procedure)
Sheath retention clamps
Sealing tape
tube

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 7 of 18
CAUTION: The tool must be driven with the handle. do not
pull the tool or attempt to drive it with power tools.
Figure 6
5.3 To initially prepare the tool for use:
a. Use the thumbscrew to open the tool to at least 0.25 in more
than the diameter of the tube to be accessed (Figure 7).
Figure 7
NOTE: In the following steps, a recommended blade setting is
referenced. In most cases you will have to make adjustments to
the blade setting while slitting the buer tube to get the desired
depth of cut.
b. For the tool to operate correctly, the blade depth adjustment
must be made (or veried) prior to accessing any tube.
Determine the buer tube diameter using either Table 1 or
the plastic gauge card supplied with the tool kit.
Drive shaft

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 8 of 18
Initial blade depth adjustment
5.4 The top and bottom halves of the tool are identied with TOP
and BOT, respectively, near their blade depth adjustment wheels. The
blade depth adjustment assemblies are marked T for the top half of the
tool and B for the bottom half. The blade adjustment assemblies must
not be interchanged, as this may alter the actual blade depth.
To set coarse depth, adjust the tool
halves to at least 6.3 mm (0.25 in)
apart, turn the coarse wheel all the
way clockwise (in) to the bottomed
“A” setting at the index mark, and
then back out to the required setting.
This ensures that the setting is made
with the rst revolution of the blade
depth adjustment.
5.5 Turn both the top and bottom FINE adjustment knobs
counterclockwise to their lowest setting, the “minus” signs (Figure 8).
Tube OD (mm) Blade Setting (Top/Bottom)
5 A
6-7 B
8-9 C
10-11 D
12-13 E
14-15 G
16-17 H
18 J
6. Closure or Terminal Preparation
Prepare the closure or terminal according to the instructions supplied
with it.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to read, understand, and follow the steps of this
section before using the tool. If the blade depths are
set too deep, damage to the ber may result. Failure to
carefully follow these procedures may result in ber or
ribbon damage, which in turn may lead to loss of service.
Coarse adjustment
wheel
Fine adjustment
wheel
Index mark and "A"
Figure 8

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7. Accessing a Tube
7.1 After preparing and opening the tool as described in Section 5:
a. Determine the start point and direction in which you will
make the cut. Position the tool over the central tube so that
the middle of the tool is aligned with the start location of
the cut and the top and bottom arrows are pointing in the
direction of the cut (Figure 9).
Hold the tool in your left hand. Tilt it backward, lifting the
front and pressing down on the rear of the tool. Apply enough
force to compress the front lower and the rear upper “V”-
shaped spring loaded guides. While holding this position
(Figure 9, inset) use your right hand to tighten the knurled
knob, closing the tool on the tube. Tighten until just snug.
Turn the handle slightly to see if the tool will track on the
tube. Tighten the tool in small steps until the tool moves
smoothly along the tube. The purpose of this method of
placing the tool on the tube is to prevent blade damage from
side forces on the blades while they become engaged with
the tube.
Figure 9
NOTE: Centering of the tool on the cable is very important. The conical
shape of the rollers will “self center” the tube in the tool after
a short distance (1-2 in), but care should be taken to center the
tube when performing the positioning procedure. The tool is
designed to straighten the tube as it passes under the cutting
blades; however, it is limited in this respect and larger buer
tubes may not fully straighten. This results in one blade cut-
ting deeper than the other. See Figure 10 for the recommended
position of the tool relative to tube curvature.
Starting point
Direction of cut
Side view

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 10 of 18
Figure 10
b. Snug the thumbscrew nger-tight to close the tool.
NOTE: If the thumbscrew is too tight it may cause the tool to bind
characterized by excessive force required to turn the drive handle
and the tool slipping on the central tube. If the thumb-screw is
too loose the handle will spin easily and the tool will slip on the
tube. If in doubt leave the screw slightly loose as it can easily be
tightened in the following steps.
Final blade depth adjustment:
7.2 It is recommended to adjust the blades to maximize the score
depth without penetrating the tube (Figure 11). This step is critical to
protect the bers inside the tube.
Figure 11
7.3 With initial blade depths set and the thumbscrew loosely
tightened, advance the tool approximately 6 in (15.24 cm) by turning
the handle in the direction of the arrow marked on the tool (Figure 12).
Side view
Let the tool ride on "top"
of any curvature
A
J
B
C
I
H
G
E
D
F
Top view
A
J
B
C
I
H
G
E
D
F
Top view Incorrect
Correct Correct
Tube walls
Fibers
Not to scale
Blades

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 11 of 18
Figure 12
7.4 After approximately 6 in (15.24 cm) of travel check the depth of
the cuts (Figure 13). If the blades have not penetrated the tube, skip to
step 7.6.
7.5 If either blade has penetrated the tube, then rotate the
respective blade’s coarse adjustment counterclockwise (to reduce
blade depth) to the previous 0.2 mm increment (see Figure 13, inset)
and advance the tool another 6 in. Recheck the depth of cut and repeat
process until the blades are no longer penetrating the central tube.
CAUTION: Care must be taken when checking the bottom cut.
The natural tendency is to rotate the tool/tube; however, this
places a side load on the cutting blades which can result in
blade breakage. It is recommended to lift the tool/tube to see
the bot-tom cut or hold the tube ahead of the tool and rotate
it with the tool to avoid damage to the cutting blades.
Figure 13
Direction of cut
Examine
both cuts
Direction of cut
A
J
B
C
I
H
G
E
D
F
A
J
B
C
I
H
G
E
D
F
Coarse adjustment wheel
Initial setting

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 12 of 18
7.6 To complete the nal blade depth adjustment:
a. With both blades scoring, but not penetrating
the central tube, rotate the ne adjustment
wheels clockwise to increase the blade depths
(Figure 14).
Advance the tool 3 in and recheck the depths of
the cuts.
Repeat this process until either the blades are
slitting the central tube or the ne adjustment wheels have
reached their maximum.
b. If the ne adjustments are “maxed” out
before the central tube is slit, then return
the ne adjustment to its minimum setting
(fully counterclockwise) and turn the coarse
adjustment wheel clockwise (increasing blade
depth) to the next 0.2 mm increment
(Figure 15).
c. Repeat this adjustment process until both blades just slit
the central tube. Once a blade has penetrated a central tube,
retract the blade slightly so that it no longer slits the central
tube, but scores it without slitting it. When properly scored,
but not penetrated, the tubes should easily peel apart.
Using the Tool
7.7 With the blade depths set, turn the handle to advance the tool
to the end of the cut (Figure 16).
Figure 16
A
J
B
C
I
H
G
E
D
F
Figure 14
A
J
B
C
I
H
G
E
D
F
Figure 15
End point
Direction of cut

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 13 of 18
7.8 When the cut has been completed:
a. Retract the blades to the Raised “A” depth setting. This will
minimize any chances of breaking the blades when removing
the tool or when closing it for storage.
b. Loosen the thumbscrew.
c. Remove the tool.
7.9 Use a buer tube cutting tool to ring cut the tube 1 cm (0.4 in)
inside of the cuts made by the access tool on both ends of the tube
(Figure 17).
Figure 17
7.10 To remove the scored sections of buer tube:
a. Flex the tube at one mark to snap the tube where it was ring
cut with the buer tube cutting tool (Figure 18).
Figure 18
1 cm
(0.4 in)
Top cut from
Universal Access Tool
Ring cut

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 14 of 18
b. Carefully pull the scored tube apart. Remove both sections of
the tube at the other ring cut (Figure 19).
Figure 19
7.11 For gel-lled cables, use a lint free tissue or cloth to wipe the
lling compound from each ribbon or ber. If cleaner ribbons or bers
are desired, lling compound remover may be used.
7.12 Separate and clean the ber bundles or ribbons by following
the appropriate cable stripping procedure.
7.13 Mount the cable in the prepared closure or terminal end
cap along with the drop cable (Figure 20). Refer to the instruction
manual provided with the closure for complete loading procedures.
BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THE EXPOSED FIBERS OR
RIBBONS DURING THIS STEP.
Figure 20
8. Preparing the Fibers for Splicing
Complete the cable splicing and installation according to the
instructions for the particular terminal or closure being installed.
Drop cable ber (s)
Distribution cable bers

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 15 of 18
9. Tool Storage and Cleaning
9.1 Turn the top and bottom blade depth adjustment assemblies
counterclockwise to their Raised “A” settings to retract the blades inside
the tool before closing the tool for storage.
9.2 The handle must be removed from the tool before it is placed
in its storage case. Use the 3/8-in wrench provided with the tool to hold
the tool’s drive shaft while loosening the handle (Figure 21).
Figure 21
9.3 The blades and drive wheels are potentially susceptible to
corrosion. If the tool is going to be stored in a damp environment, apply
a light weight penetrating oil to the tool to prevent corrosion. Always
keep the tool in its case when not in use.
9.4 The tool may be cleaned with a cloth dampened with alcohol
or lling compound remover.
9.5 Before and after every use of the tool, inspect the teeth of
its drive wheels for any accumulation of debris. Use a plastic-bristled
brush to remove any debris found in the teeth. Check the tool’s rollers
for lling compound or other contaminants and clean the rollers as
necessary.
10. Blade Replacement
NOTE: If you are in the middle of a mid-span-access cut, note the coarse
and ne adjustment wheel settings. You will need these settings
to re-position the blade assembly after blade replacement.

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 16 of 18
10.1 To replace a blade:
a. Remove the blade height
adjustment assembly to
expose the top of the blade
assembly (Figure 22).
b. Turn the tool upside down
over a cupped hand or a
container resting on a work
surface and let the blade assembly and spring fall out of the
tool (Figure 23).
Figure 23
NOTE: If the blade assembly does not just fall out, shake the tool
slightly or press on the end of the blade assembly with the end
of a small screwdriver to free the assembly and spring.
c. Place the spring over a new blade assembly.
d. Turn the tool on its side. Orient the blade so that its cutting
edge is facing the cutting direction arrow on the tool (see
Figure 24). It is possible to insert the blade backwards in the
tool- verify that the blade is facing the correct direction.
e. Tip the tool up so that the blade
assembly slides into the tool. Use a
small at blade screwdriver to turn
the blade until it slips into the slot.
NOTE: It is possible for the blade to slip
between the coils of the spring during
assembly. If you feel resistance, check the spring placement.
10.2 Reinstall the blade depth adjustment assembly and reset the
coarse and ne adjustment wheels — be sure that the settings are
“A-A” prior to closing the tool.
NOTE: The top and bottom blade height adjustment assemblies are
not interchangeable. The assembly with the T is for the top half
of the tool and the assembly with B is for the bottom half of the
tool.
Blade assembly
Figure 22
Blade assembly
Spring
Figure 24

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 17 of 18
11. Troubleshooting
Symptoms Possible Causes Possible Causes and
Corrective Actions
A. Tool not splitting
tube
1. Coarse adjustment
backed out too far (1 turn)
1. Turn coarse adjustment all
the way clockwise and back
out to the desired setting.
2. Broken blade 2. Replace blade
3. Blade adjuster needs
calibration
3. Call for service. To check:
screw the coarse adjustment
wheel all the way clockwise.
When it bottoms out
against the tool, the coarse
wheel should be ush with
the tool surface and the
A index should align with
index mark on the tool body.
4. Blade installed
backwards
4. Reinstall blade correctly
5. Blade adjuster installed
in wrong half of tool
5. Check T for top and B for
bottom
B. Tool slipping on tube 1. Thumbscrew is too
loose
1. Tighten the thumbscrew
slightly
2. Thumbscrew is too
tight
2. Back o the thumbscrew
3. Excessive blade
penetration
3. Retract the blade(s) and
advance the tool slightly by
either pulling the tool along
the tube by turning the
handle or by loosening the
thumbscrew and moving
the tool slightly
4. Blade in backwards 4. Reinstall blade correctly
C. Excessive force
required to turn the
drive handle and the
tool is slipping on the
tube.
Drive wheel is bound up Contact Corning Optical
Communications for service
D. Broken blade tip Tool improperly adjusted
for removal and storage
Back both blade heights out
to the raised “A” position
prior to removing the tool
from the tube

Standard Recommended Procedure 004-074 | Issue 12 | May 2017 | Page 18 of 18
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