HDMI Cable Terminal Repair

Joined
Dec 5, 2003
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Location
New England, USA
So, setting up the entertainment center and didn't forget the last key step; damaging the HDMI cable terminal. The cable is buried in the wall and behind some built ins and replacement is the last resort.

I see there are kits on Amazon and several YouTube vids, but has anyone here attempted to repair one of these plugs? If so, which plug kit would you recommend and any tips are appreciated. I'll also be researching other kits from more reputable sources.

Thanks all...
 
I’d think the problem is that there’s no single standard for the cable. Most are assembled by machine where the connector is specific to the cable.

Can you see any of the printing on the cable?
 
I’d think the problem is that there’s no single standard for the cable. Most are assembled by machine where the connector is specific to the cable.

Can you see any of the printing on the cable?
One of many challenges I see... There is a way to match the conductors using a multimeter. Basically, you use a male-to-male coupler with the good end of the cable and the new repair connector. You then pick an individual terminal on the repair part and touch individual cut wires on the damaged end until you get continuity, then connect them. Repeat 18 more times...fun.
 
How bad is it?
or
Can you pull twine with the old cable then pull new cable with that?
The current cable makes several 90dg bends and is behind built in shelves so replacement is doable, but will be painful.

I talked to some local IT types and upon their recommendation, I purchased two repair connectors and related tools. We will see how this goes.....
 
The current cable makes several 90dg bends and is behind built in shelves so replacement is doable, but will be painful.

I talked to some local IT types and upon their recommendation, I purchased two repair connectors and related tools. We will see how this goes.....
Any luck with this?

If you can abandon the old and run new, they do make Cat6 to HDMI converters. Cat6 with no end on it might be a little more forgiving.
 
Any luck with this?

If you can abandon the old and run new, they do make Cat6 to HDMI converters. Cat6 with no end on it might be a little more forgiving.
Yes, so far. It is fiddly but doable. Each of the blue bundles has 3 conductors and you can see the bare ground wire and yellow one that I have stripped.

I am partway through, with a bit of a delay waiting on the kits and a new set of Klein fine wire strippers as the sets I have are more than adequate for auto and related work, but I wanted a better set for this fine work; 26-32 gauge. Our Daughter's regatta is this weekend, so I will probably finish early next week.

Hope this works as running new cable will result in a bit of trim and shelf repair and wall patching.

HDMIK42026.webp
 
Update and summary opinion: Do not bother.

This problem exists at the intersection of fiddly, fragile, sensitive and lousy quality of the common repair parts. I do feel that a better repair kit could be successful.

Completed one connector and it worked, for a few minutes than started a flicker and pixelating. I remade the connections and the signal quality deteriorated. I then started again with the second one which went together well using what I learned from the first. Despite looking great, it would not pass any signals; only a few of the individual connectors had continuity. Frustrating and now I will get a new cable and an opportunity to do patch and paint.

That said, if anyone wants to try this w/ the Amazon kits here are a few thoughts;

1) strong reading glasses if you are of a certain vintage, 3.0+
2) the screwdrivers that all of the kits appear to include are a bit large. Carefully file them both on the taper as well as diameter or use a higher quality driver ideally with a spinning top.
3) the wires are very small, 26-32 ga and the very small terminal clamps that retain the wires in the repair kit have sharp edges which cut the wires if tightened too much. Unfortunately the difference between not enough and too much is minimal. Finished edges on the clamps would be ideal, my point on quality,
4) packing all of the wires into the included cases would be a challenge if you get that far and too much pressure (not much actually) on the individual wires breaks them at the terminal.

So, if you are the same situation, unless you can locate a better quality repair kit, which I thought I had but I know better, or just want the experience, do not bother.
 
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