Abstract: Disclosed is a modular connector for a communication line. The inventive connector includes a body having a terminal side for inserting into a corresponding jack and a cable side for fastening to an end of the communication line. The connector also includes a spring-biased tab which has a first end connected to the terminal side of the body and a second free end. The tab has a pair of oppositely extending locking shoulders spaced from the free end of the resilient tab. The tab is movable for operatively engaging and disengaging the locking shoulders with corresponding internal abutting surfaces within the jack to secure and release the connector from the jack. A guard extends from the cable side of the body towards the terminal side of the body. At least a portion of the second free end of the tab is covered by a section of the guard for preventing the tab from catching another communication line or other object when its associated line is removed from the jack.

Abstract: A stripping tool, particularly for fiber optic conductors, has rigid jaws and lever handles extending in opposite directions from a pivot point, the jaws carrying blades having parallel opposed edges, one or both of which may be sharpened, which contact a conductor placed between them. A spring arranged to normally urge the opposed blade edges toward one another determines the pressure they exert on the sheath material. The blades are separated, to receive conductors of various sizes, by an adjusting screw arranged to force the lever handles toward one another, and the blades away from one another, when it is rotated in one direction against the bias of the spring, and to allow the spring to force the lever handles away from one another, and the blades toward one another, when it is rotated in the opposite direction. The small size of the tool, coupled with the fact that the pressure applied to the conductor does not depend on thumb conductor damage.