Abstract: Various embodiments of a rod for cleaning and/or polishing embodiments of a ferrule in a fiber optic connector are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the rod is formed of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene hydrophobic material, preferably absorbent. Each end of the rod has a hole that is a tight fit to the diameter of a male-type ferrule and is at least as deep as the length of the ferrule. The rod material is strong and pliable, so that after it is slipped over the male-type ferrule the rod can be rotated for cleaning the sides of the ferrule while being withdrawn from its snug fit with the ferrule. The holes may have polishing inserts formed therein. Alternatively, the rod has a male protrusion on one end. The male end inserts into the recess formed by the connector adaptor when using a female-type ferrule. The rod is then rotated to effect cleaning and/or polishing of the end face of the optical fiber together with cleaning of the insides surfaces of the side walls of the connector adaptor.

Abstract: A mechanical connector that normally interfaces two fiber optic cables together has a fiber optic cable inserted in a receptacle on one side of the connector. A device for cleaning and/or polishing the end surface of an optical fiber strand within the cable is disposed in a second receptacle on the opposite side of the connector. The device includes an insert located within the receptacle in the connector, the insert having a hole drilled therethrough that is eccentric to the transmission axis of the optical fiber strand. A cleaning rod may be inserted in the eccentric hole in the insert such that an end surface of the cleaning rod contacts the end surface of the optical fiber strand therein. The cleaning rod is rotated to effectuate cleaning of the end surface of the fiber optic cable and corresponding optical fiber strand. In the alternative, the polishing rod may be inserted in the eccentric hole in the insert and rotated so as to effectuate polishing of the end surface of the optical fiber strand.