Abstract: An optical fiber strand holding tool is disclosed for organizing and retaining splice sleeves and fibers from a first fiber bundle during, and optionally after, a splicing activity in which the first bundle is spliced to a second fiber bundle. The apparatus and associated method provide a means of removably securing splice sleeves in an orderly fashion, preventing movement and contamination of the bare fibers during splicing. Magnets and clamping pressure are used separately or in conjunction to provide the retention force. A removable splice retaining portion permits permanent optical joint storage and protection, and reduces handling of the optical joints. Color coded splice sleeves and splice channels are employed for quick matching between fibers in fiber bundle pairs being spliced.

Abstract: An optical fiber strand holding tool is disclosed for organizing and retaining splice sleeves and fibers from a first fiber bundle during, and optionally after, a splicing activity in which the first bundle is spliced to a second fiber bundle. The apparatus and associated method provide a means of removably securing splice sleeves in an orderly fashion, preventing movement and contamination of the bare fibers during splicing. Magnets and clamping pressure are used separately or in conjunction to provide the retention force. A removable splice retaining portion permits permanent optical joint storage and protection, and reduces handling of the optical joints. Color coded splice sleeves and splice channels are employed for quick matching between fibers in fiber bundle pairs being spliced.