Abstract: A cutting tool and method of using the same provide for cutting the protective elements of a monotube-type optical fiber cable without severing the buffer tube in order to access the buffer tube and the optical fibers found therein. The cable cutter includes a pair of handles with a pair of blades connected to the handles in the same manner as a typical shear-type cable cutter. The blades are designed with specifically dimensioned slots to protect the buffer tube from being severed while allowing the remaining cable components to be cut by the blades. An alignment slot is utilized in one blade to align the cable to be cut. In a second embodiment, strength member slots are formed in each blade for allowing the strength members of the monotube cable to remain unsevered while the remaining protective components are cut.

Abstract: A tool is provided for the purpose of allowing access to optical fibers held within a monotube of a monotube design optical fiber cable. The monotube is held in a central channel extending the length of and through the substantial center of the tool. The strength members of the cable, which extend longitudinally on both sides of the monotube, are held in channels extending longitudinally with and on both sides of the tool's central channel. A blade is inserted from the main body into the monotube so as to define a chord through the cross section of the monotube. The tool is drawn along the monotube so as to remove a portion of its protective covering thereby allowing access to the optical fibers held therein without having to sever the strength members. Various inserts may be utilized with the main body of the tool, the various inserts corresponding to the different monotube dimensions of the various monotube optical fiber cables.