Ethernet cable connector tool: what is it and how to use it

Denise Hunt​

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FACTS CHECKED BY  Jose George​

When you set up new networks, you have to make long ethernet cable connections to connect two devices.

In such cases, getting a spool of ethernet cabling and cutting the exact required lengths is better than buying readymade ethernet cables from the market that come in pre-decided lengths like 5ft, 10ft, 50ft, etc.

However, when you cut ethernet cables from a big cable spool, you must attach RJ45 connectors at the cut ends to enable the cable to plug into devices.

You will need an ethernet cable connector tool to complete the above action. This blog post is all about the ethernet crimping tool and its use.

Table of Contents

What is crimping an ethernet cable?

Crimping refers to the attachment of the connectors onto the ethernet cable ends.

 In this process, you join the cable wires to a metal terminal and then compress the terminal to connect it to the cable conductors.

As with ethernet cable, you crimp RJ45 connectors and the process is also commonly known as RJ45 crimping.

RJ45 crimping

What do you mean by RJ45 crimping tool?

Also known as the ethernet cable connector tool, the RJ45 crimping tool crimps and terminates RJ45 ethernet connectors. 

The RJ45 crimping tool helps in the installation of various cabling systems as its compact design makes it easy to use.

This crimping tool can create a strong connection between the ethernet cable and RJ45 connectors.

 Further, there are some RJ45 crimping tools that you can use with other RJ connectors, like RJ11 and RJ12.

Types of ethernet cable connector tools:

Based on the different RJ45 connector structures, you can divide the RJ45 crimping tool into two categories:

  • Standard crimper: You can use it to crimp common RJ45 connectors. 
  • Registered Jack 45 pass-through crimpers: A specially designed tool that crimps pass-thru connectors. It can quickly and easily trim the excess wires during the crimping process.

Working of an ethernet cable connector tool:

Before knowing that, you must know the structure of RJ45 connectors. RJ45 connectors have eight positions/8P, eight contacts/8C.

 An ethernet crimping tool crimps the RJ45 connectors and cable wires.

The crimping tool has crimp points that compress gold-plated contact pins and strain the latch of the RJ45 connector to connect wires and fix them in place.

 With the compression of the strain latch, the ethernet cable and RJ45 connector form a solid and stable connection that facilitates high-speed data transfer.

What to keep in mind while choosing the ethernet cable connector tool?

Before you pick any RJ45 crimping tool, you must ensure that you choose the right tool appropriate for the connectors and ethernet cables you are using.

 Once you decide on the type of RJ45 crimping tool, you must keep in mind the following factors:

Function: It is always better to pick a multifunctional RJ45 crimping tool that does all functions like crimping, stripping, and cutting and also with varying cables of ethernet-like Cat5/5e, Cat6/6a, and Cat7 cables.

Design: RJ45 crimping tools come in several designs, and choosing a considerate one is the best solution. 

If you are a beginner, go for ergonomic grips ensign with a non-slip handle, as they can be easily handled. 

Also, choose a compact design that can easily fit into your pocket. Further, if you use a crimping tool with a ratchet, it saves you from extra labor.

Quality: The crimping port is a critical part of a crimping tool as it determines the compression factor of the connector. 

Only high-quality crimping tools have accurate crimping ports and heat-treated blades to enhance sharpness and precision.

 Further, crimping tools with better quality are more durable than their counterparts; thus, always pick certified and tested crimping tools.

Price: Last but not least, price is also a determining factor when choosing a crimping tool. Most of these tools have a price ranging between $20-$100.

 If you are buying a tool for your personal use at home, go for one with all the basic functions. 

However, you must go for expensive versions for professional use as they come with various other functionalities.

How to crimp an ethernet cable with an ethernet cable connector tool?

If you have an ethernet cable and crimping kit with you, follow these steps to crimp the cable:

Step 0: (Optional step)

If you have an RJ45 boot, slip it on the cable.

Step 1: Stripping the cable

Insert the cable into the stripping tool’s razor slot. Now, turn the razor around the cable to give an even cut around the cable’s outer sheath.

 Be gentle, and don’t nick the wires inside. Now, unwrap the foil shielding and plastic to reveal the pairs of twisted wires.

 Ignoring the white string, push the copper ground wire to one side.

Step 2: Organizing the wires

It involves separating the eight colored wires of the ethernet cable and putting them in the correct order of colors.

 It is essential to complete this step with high precision as wires are small and need easy and careful handling.

The Step 2 is further divided into 4 steps

Step 2a:

Untwisting the wires: on stripping, you will find four colored pairs of wires, each with a solid color and a striped colored wire. 

Untwist all these pairs and separate them into eight individual wires.

Step 2b:

Straighten the wires: once you untwist, you will still feel that wires tend to make pairs again. Grab the wires carefully and pull them to straighten them out.

 Once you do this, wires will not form pairs again. Straightening the wires helps you to slip the wires inside the connector easily.

Step 2c:

Laying the wires correctly: once straightened, place all the wires correctly; the correct order will follow the standard T-568A or T-568 B. 

Once you lay the wires down, straighten them out in groups to keep the paired wires together.

LAN Cable Color Guide

LAN Cable Color Guide

Step 2d:

Trimming the wires: This step involves cutting the wires into half an inch with the help of scissors or blades of the crimping tool. 

However, please don’t make them too short; wires should be long enough to reach the connector’s end. 

Also, please don’t keep them too long, as you must insert the cable shielding into the connector. Ensure that you cut all the wires evenly.

Step 3: Sliding the wires into the connector

Once you complete all the substeps of step 2, insert the trimmed wires into the connector. Keep the slip facing away from your face, as it is the standard.

 You can insert the wires while keeping the clip towards your face, but then you must do it at both ends. 

However, it is advisable to keep the clip away as it will confuse others because it is not a standard form. 

Step 4: Crimping the wires

After inserting cable wires into the RJ45 connector, insert the connector into the crimping tool slot and compress it tightly.

 You will notice labeling on the slot, like 8P for eight connector contact pins.

This step is the primary crimping process involving crimping, compressing/stabbing all the connector’s eight golden pins into the cable’s eight wires. 

Ensure that you compress it tightly to crimp all eight wires.

Step 5: Testing the cable

Take the tester and pull apart its two pieces. Now, plug the two cable ends onto the two pieces. Turn the switch “ON” or “SLOW.”

 All eight numbers will flash green if it is working, and you are good to go. If you did step 0, i.e., using the cable boot, slide it onto the connector at the end.

Alternatively, if any of the lights do not show green, it indicates something wrong, and you must repeat the step. 

Remember, you cannot reuse an RJ45 connector after crimping. So, if there is any problem, you must cut the cable and start from Step 1 again.

Conclusion:

When you have the proper crimping tool, connecting RJ45 connectors and ethernet cables becomes easier and more convenient. 

Now that you know about crimping tools and their use, get the best one for your work. And if you need high-quality ethernet cables, contact Cloom. 

We deal in all categories of ethernet cables and all other types of cable assemblies.