[Elecraft] rf probe

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

With smaller cables like RG174 (or even RG58) I sometimes do what Glenn,
ON4WIX does, using a brush or fine pointed tool to "unweave" the braid. 

Most often I use another technique that does *not* require un-weaving the
braid. I cut the jacket back and then use a fine pointed tool to push the
strands of the braid apart to open a space where I want the center conductor
and braid to separate. This can be done without breaking any braid strands,
especially if you push the braid back from the cut end a bit to make it
expand slightly around the center conductor where you want to make the
opening, then push the strands aside with the pointed tool. Then, by bending
the braid and center conductor together, I make a loop in the center
conductor that I can tease out through the opening in the braid so I can get
my pointed tool through the loop and pull all of the center conductor from
that point to the cut end through the hole. Pulling the braid tight again, I
now have the braid and center conductors neatly separated. Finally I strip
off some insulation from the center conductor to expose enough to solder. 

Ron