The previous model (Ideal) was smooth metal and a disappointing tool but that's all I had. Then I bought this one and it works very well to grab the BNC connector and flip it slightly. I work with older hardware where the BNC connectors are densely packed into a mass of coax cables, so this tool comes in handy. As mentioned earlier, this tool isn't of much help if the stress relief on the coaxial cable is severe near the connector. But for old 3 piece BNC connectors or even newer locking connectors this works fine.