RJ45 crimping tool

[normalbloke]

Gents, looking for some real world advice. I am looking to buy a reasonable quality crimping tool to add to my arsenal. I’ve now got a few bits using network cables, and think it’s worth having my own now. I’m ideally looking for something a bit better than the EBay specials, but conversely, not looking to spend Snap-On money either. Also ideally the type that cut the cable on the pass through plugs too. Anything else to look out for or avoid?
Many thanks in advance.

[C n C]

After buying a cheap crimping tool, which was rubbish and subsequently returned for a refund, I bought the following Knipex crimping tool for RJ11 and RJ45 network cables. Used it to install a CCTV system, and make several network leads, and it has been a pleasure to use. Would recommend it.

[Richyvrlimited]

normalbloke said:

Gents, looking for some real world advice. I am looking to buy a reasonable quality crimping tool to add to my arsenal. I’ve now got a few bits using network cables, and think it’s worth having my own now. I’m ideally looking for something a bit better than the EBay specials, but conversely, not looking to spend Snap-On money either. Also ideally the type that cut the cable on the pass through plugs too. Anything else to look out for or avoid?
Many thanks in advance.

I bought a pair of these after using a set at an old workplace, they're superb

https://www.amazon.co.uk/97-51-10-SB-multi-compone...

[normalbloke]

C n C said:

After buying a cheap crimping tool, which was rubbish and subsequently returned for a refund, I bought the following Knipex crimping tool for RJ11 and RJ45 network cables. Used it to install a CCTV system, and make several network leads, and it has been a pleasure to use. Would recommend it.

Thanks.Knipex are definitely on my radar, and they’re cheaper than I thought they’d be. Doesn’t look like that one does the pass through connectors though?

[TonyRPH]

I use these - they have a ratchet action and provide the correct amount of pressure to crimp the plug without damage.

[somouk]

I would look at something with a ratchet action if you are doing a lot.

If occasional usage then pass thru connectors and a suitable tool are ace.

[Richyvrlimited]

normalbloke said:

Thanks.Knipex are definitely on my radar, and they’re cheaper than I thought they’d be. Doesn’t look like that one does the pass through connectors though?

passthrough connectors work fine on it, it's open sided so the cables will go though

[Richyvrlimited]

TonyRPH said:

I use these - they have a ratchet action and provide the correct amount of pressure to crimp the plug without damage.

the Knippex ones I linked to are the same, ratchet action and limit the pressure / movement to stop damage

[normalbloke]

Ok, thanks for everyone’s input so far, however, it’s thrown up a few questions for me that I hadn’t thought more about.
I was aiming for a ratchet type, simply down to my experience of everything crimp related that I’ve ever done before.
Does the ratchet type then exclude the pass through type that also trim the surplus cable ends at the same time? ie is it one or the other?
Are the pass through connectors seen as a lower quality connector generally for the sake of convenience?

[Tesco]

Slightly cheaper than the Knipex, but these are my "go to" for RJ45 jobs:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/DURATOOL-D03023-CRIMP-TOO...

Edit cos I found them cheaper!

[somouk]

normalbloke said:

Are the pass through connectors seen as a lower quality connector generally for the sake of convenience?

There is very little difference in the pass thru connectors and the normal connectors I have infront of me, just some holes at the end of the plug for the cable to go through.

Due to how they work and if you are manually cutting the cables down to length etc, I find they should actually be a more reliable finish achieved in a more efficient way.

[normalbloke]

Thanks everyone for the input, some good stuff to get on with.

[megaphone]

The pass-through connectors usually have a dedicated tool to go wit them. eg the EZ range

https://www.cablemonkey.co.uk/cat6-rj45-easy-plugs...

If I use pass-through cons I just use a standard crimp tool and manually cut the ends before crimping. Not sure what make my tool is, didn't cost much about £20 IIRC, had it for years, have done 1000's of ends with it.

[jollysoutherner]

Wouldn't mind a pound for everyone one I've purchased over the years. Tried cheap ebay specials through to overpriced offering from RS. eBay specials often better.

Best I've tried and currently using is a Klein pass through crimper from Amazon for £50. Looks to be alternatives of same design for less money.

[grumbas]

I've got this one https://cpc.farnell.com/duratool/d03023/crimp-tool...

More than good enough for making off a dozen or so plugs a year which is all I use it for, feels solidly made unlike previous ones.

CPC can be very cheap for bulk packs of plugs, modules, etc.

Now, if only someone could recommend a punch down tool that's better than the £5 ebay ones that constantly fall apart, but not into professional territory.

[rob0r]

I used to use non-pass thru connectors and made terrible connections! I installed a 10 camera CCTV system around my farm with multiple POE hubs and I'm forever replacing my old connections over the last 18 months. In the end I bought pass thru connectors and this lovely crimper and it's been a dream, it's a bit more expensive but it's been worth it so far!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B076MGPQZQ

[megaphone]

Just to jump on this thread. I do need a new tool, but it needs to as compact and light as possible as it needs to be carried around in my laptop bag. Any recommendations?

[Yabu]

megaphone said:

Just to jump on this thread. I do need a new tool, but it needs to as compact and light as possible as it needs to be carried around in my laptop bag. Any recommendations?

Have a look at the klein compact crimpers there’s 2 versions for pass thru or normal plugs, not as light/small as the really cheap non ratcheting versions but good quality and no bits sticking off them to damage stuff in a laptop bag

Cheaper versions of this style are available

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Ratcheting-C...

Edited by Yabu on Tuesday 13th December 10:03

[megaphone]

Yabu said:

megaphone said:

Just to jump on this thread. I do need a new tool, but it needs to as compact and light as possible as it needs to be carried around in my laptop bag. Any recommendations?

Have a look at the klein compact crimpers there’s 2 versions for pass thru or normal plugs, not as light/small as the really cheap non ratcheting versions but good quality and no bits sticking off them to damage stuff in a laptop bag

Cheaper versions of this style are available

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Ratcheting-C...

Edited by Yabu on Tuesday 13th December 10:03

Yes it looks like there are many different brands at differing prices that all look like the same tool, so I'm guessing they are the same just badged up.

[Yabu]

grumbas said:

Now, if only someone could recommend a punch down tool that's better than the £5 ebay ones that constantly fall apart, but not into professional territory.

What £ are you calling professional territory?
£21 gets a ck punch down tool from screwfix, or about £7 for non branded