Crimp tools and punchdown tools advice

So I've been making my own cables for a while now... with the cheapest crimper you can find =( I don't have a cable tester so I'm not sure. But it seems like half the times it comes down to guesswork whether I crimped them right or not. I mean, the cables work of course, but are they crimped well? who knows. Sometimes it even squashes the latching tab and the plug won't latch anymore. =(

I also got myself a patch panel so I'll be looking forwards to punching down some cables. =D

I'd like to ask you guys for advice on networking tools. What kind of crimp tools and punchdown tools do you recommend?

There are quite a few variety, and since I don't really work in IT yet, I don't have experience with any of them.

Crimpers:
- crimpers that crimp sideways
- crimpers that push "upwards"
- multitool crimpers that cut/strip and crimp
- ratcheting crimpers
- etc...

Punch down tools:
- impact tools
- non impact tools
- adjustable force
- punchdown tools with exchangeable blades
- keystone punch-at-once tool

@_@ that's a handful =p but yea! please let me know what you think, and what has worked for you.

Thanks!
Mike

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Comments

MAC_Addy

Amazon.com: Paladin Tools 3579 SurePunch PunchDown Tool With Both 110 and 66 Blades: Electronics - brilliant punch down tool!

As for crimpers, I bought my last one at a Radio Shack in 1999 and it's worked like a charm since.

Tackle

This is all I've used for punchdowns and keystones. Works fine and you'll be a pro after you've done 10 or so. The first couple took 15 minutes each I'd guess, by the end i could strip the cable and punch them all down within a minute or two.

Amazon.com: DataShark 70034 110 Non-Impact Punchdown Tool: Home Improvement

I don't know as far as crimpers, you might be better off finding a low price cable tester.

Edit: cable tester for $5 http://www.amazon.com/HDE-HDE-H11-Network-Cable-Tester/dp/B000P1OA1O/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_z I'd be interested to know if someone has this and if it works decent or not.

bigdogz

I have used the Ideal toolset. I had some others that I loved but I am using the Ideal crimper and have for over 10 years. You will develop your own opinion after some time. Is is just a comfort factor.
If you do this as a job or you are constantly do it at work you can: ask your company to buy it, make one (which is just too much time and effort), or buy one for $70 - $90 USD. This way you will have a better feel if the cables test right after you crimp and before you test.

Patel128

@Tackle - I have the network tester (I think I got it free with my crimper) it works well. I have yet for it not to work right.

mapletune

Thanks for all the replies! I'll be looking at those recommendations.

So basically, it doesn't matter too much if it crimps sideways/updown, ratcheting or not, and whether punchdown is impact or non-impact.

It all comes down to personal preference, correct?

inscom.brigade

I have Radio Shack crimpers from 1998 or 1999 they still work fine my Krone punch down is just a cheep $.99 off ebay.
When I was in the NetAcademy they had these Platinum Tools EZ-RJ45 Network Connectors - Simple to install

they work sweet but $60.00 for the tool and the rj45 used to be $1.00 each i see that they cam down some.

They crimper is nice it has a smooth rachet type action, and it is easy on the hands, I bet even small lady hands could use them. The rj 45 fittings are quick to use.

the bag of 100 for $2.95 from ebay standered style is what i buy; my Radio Shack cripper does also smash the click lock tab; I use an exacto knife blade to gently pry it to correct it.

elderkai

Just remember, don't punch down on your finger..>.< Did that accidentally running cable yesterday and there was a looot of blood..

mapletune

inscom: thx for the advice =D

elderkai: ouch.... >_< hope it heals soon....

elderkai

mapletune wrote: »

inscom: thx for the advice =D

elderkai: ouch.... >_< hope it heals soon....

Me too. Hahaha. That's what I get for punching down and running cable while half asleep. Blood was dripping onto the floor and stuff. It made me lightheaded.

KenC

I can't imagine you would have problems with any of the crimping tools out there.

The cheap cable testers can be hit or miss (usually miss) and I don't put much faith in them - I always visually inspect before I crimp. The key here is PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE until you know how to do it correct and efficiently. That being said, I recommend pre-made cables and only make my own as a last resort.

I'd go for the cheapest punchdown tool you can find (ebay or something like that) and hopefully it is sharp enough to be effective - if it's not, you can always buy a better quality branded one.

mapletune

Originally didn't want to include links to manufacturers, because i dunno anything about them nor do i want to refer to any =p but here's some pictures to illustrate what I'm confused about.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crimp-plugs-Cat5e-Network-Cables/dp/B000NOOOQ4
This is a standard crimper i think, mine is sort of like this. has blades to cut/strip wire. And this. is a pain to use. Doesn't strip well, sometimes squashes the latches flat. (disc. not this particular model, just saying mine is similar)

RJ45 CRIMPER TOOLS: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
This one looks a lot buffer, and instead of crimping action perpendicular to handle, it's sort of in the direction of handle. See that it moves the crimp die "upwards"? I'm thinking about getting a crimper of this type.

Paladin Tools 1556 All-in-One Crimper for WE/SS-Style Data & Phone Cable - Amazon.com
This last example is a ratcheting crimper. It is supposed to.... ratchet, i guess. From inscom's comment, i think ratchet helps you if you don't have a very strong grip... I'm kinda curious about these kinds of crimpers as well.

As for punchdown tools, I think i'll take the advice from comments to get a cheap one first. If it works then great!

If not, I'll get an impact tool.

paul78

I'm a fan of Paladin tools. I've had the same crimper forever 10+ years and it still works great. The only time I have problems is if I use cheap plugs. I have a no name punch down that I don't recall from where but it works.

Priston

mapletune wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies! I'll be looking at those recommendations.

So basically, it doesn't matter too much if it crimps sideways/updown, ratcheting or not, and whether punchdown is impact or non-impact.

It all comes down to personal preference, correct?

All the pros use impact. Saves lots of time and energy.

inscom.brigade

mapletune wrote: »

Originally didn't want to include links to manufacturers, because i dunno anything about them nor do i want to refer to any =p but here's some pictures to illustrate what I'm confused about.

Crimp Tool for RJ45 plugs/Cat5e Network Patch Cables: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
This is a standard crimper i think, mine is sort of like this. has blades to cut/strip wire. And this. is a pain to use. Doesn't strip well, sometimes squashes the latches flat. (disc. not this particular model, just saying mine is similar)

RJ45 CRIMPER TOOLS: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics
This one looks a lot buffer, and instead of crimping action perpendicular to handle, it's sort of in the direction of handle. See that it moves the crimp die "upwards"? I'm thinking about getting a crimper of this type.

Paladin Tools 1556 All-in-One Crimper for WE/SS-Style Data & Phone Cable - Amazon.com
This last example is a ratcheting crimper. It is supposed to.... ratchet, i guess. From inscom's comment, i think ratchet helps you if you don't have a very strong grip... I'm kinda curious about these kinds of crimpers as well.

As for punchdown tools, I think i'll take the advice from comments to get a cheap one first. If it works then great! If not, I'll get an impact tool.

1 looks scary
2looks fine
3 is sweet but let someone else buy that for you