A device is provided for manipulating a load adapter for terminating an
optical fiber in a connector having a ferrule portion and a barrel
portion that can include a pre-loaded thermoplastic or thermoset adhesive
material. The device comprises a body having a handle, a first arm
extending from the handle, and a second arm extending from the handle.
The first arm includes a first gripping portion adapted to grip a portion
of the load adapter. The second arm includes a second gripping portion
that is adapted to grip a portion of an optical fiber cable and that is
axially displaced from the first gripping portion by a predetermined
distance. At least one of the first and second arms is movable relative
to the other arm. A method of terminating an optical fiber in a connector
having a ferrule portion and a barrel portion that include a pre-loaded
thermoplastic adhesive material is also provided. The moveable second
gripping portion can provide fiber cable retention and axial strain
relief for various diameters of optical fiber cable during the field
termination process. Further, the movable arm(s) allow(s) for
unobstructed insertion of the optical fiber into the connector.