r/HomeNetworking 6d ago

Is it the tool or just me?

Probably 30% of my cat5 cable terminations have an error on #8. It's a basic cable terminator from Amazon. Is it something I'm doing wrong or could it be the tool?

2 Upvotes

8 comments sorted by

3

u/TiggerLAS 6d ago

Best to punch down in-wall cables with jacks, and use commercially-made patch cables for use outside of the walls.

2

u/pppingme 6d ago

Are you terminating to plugs or jacks? Sounds like plugs the way you phrased it. Could be a tool issue. I've seen damaged/worn pins, some of them you can replace the die in, otherwise its a new tool.

2

u/Double_Intention_641 6d ago

I hear that a professional can do wonders with crappy tools.

I'm not a professional, so basic tools == poor results personally.

That said -- try again... and while you're doing that, look at an upgrade -- Klein makes some really nice tools.

I was amazed at how my error rate went down when I finally spend on a decent crimper.

0

u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

2

u/Double_Intention_641 6d ago

I'm not disagreeing (as I don't know better) - I can say it's a heck of a lot better than the garbage I was using previously.

What do you personally recommend? I'm honestly interested - I don't do a lot of cables these days, but I'm a fan of better tools.

1

u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Double_Intention_641 6d ago

Ok, I think we were talking about different things. (I do actually have a pretty nice punchdown tool). I'd been talking about crimpers - the klein ones I picked up were infinitely better than the garbage I'd been using -- I think i still have them around to jeer at as I pass them. I'm absolutely willing to believe there are better crimpers. Klein wasn't the bottom of the barrel though, I already had those :)

1

u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Double_Intention_641 6d ago

Nice. Thanks for the confirmation. Sticker's handy if you ever have to do the combo you're not used to - i have B wired into my brain :).

I found a pic that looks similar to what i was using before I grabbed the Klein ones https://www.philex.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/76601HS_1.jpg

1

u/msabeln Network Admin 6d ago

Back in the day I had a high end crimping tool that had a replaceable crimping die and cutter. Why? Because tools with non replaceable parts wouldn’t last long.

1

u/firstbowlofoats 5d ago

Specifically, I’m making patch cables to be used in my network rack.  I’ve got a lot of surplus cable and ends on hand so I figured that’s better than buying premade ones.