Why is it important to clean fiber strippers and hand tools after use in fiber splicing?

Cleaning fiber strippers and hand tools after use in fiber splicing is primarily important to prevent the accidental transfer of fiber debris. During the splicing process, fine strands of fiber and dust can accumulate on tools. If these tools are not cleaned properly, leftover debris can inadvertently contaminate new fibers or connections during future splicing tasks. This contamination could lead to poor splicing quality, diminished signal strength, or even total connection failures. Therefore, maintaining clean tools is essential to ensure the integrity and performance of fiber optic installations.

While maintaining tool longevity, ensuring accurate measurements, and enhancing workflow efficiency are all valid considerations in tool maintenance and usage, the most critical reason in the context of fiber splicing focuses on preventing the transfer of debris, ensuring consistent quality in fiber installations.