Reddit reviews Klein Tools VDV226-011-SEN All-in-One Ratcheting Modular Data Cable Crimper / Wire Stripper / Wire Cutter, for RJ45, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A
We found 14 Reddit comments about Klein Tools VDV226-011-SEN All-in-One Ratcheting Modular Data Cable Crimper / Wire Stripper / Wire Cutter, for RJ45, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Ratcheting crimper provides fast, reliable modular-crimp connector installation for voice and data applicationsCuts, strips, and crimps pair-conductor cables (round STP/UTP and flat-satin phone cable) all in one toolCrimps 4, 6, and 8 position modular connectors (RJ22, RJ11/RJ12, and RJ45)Steel body with black-oxide finish for excellent performance and durabilityCrimping dies are precision ground from high-carbon steel
I use a Klein Tools crimper which has a stripper built can do RJ-45 and RJ-11. Also I use Monoprice Cat 6 bulk cable. The link you have is copper clad aluminum (CCA) which, correct me if I am wrong, dose not meet the standard.
Edit: Also the punch down I use is this Klein Tools version.
Klein Tools VDV226-011-SEN Ratcheting Modular Crimper/Stripper/Cutter
I think you're referring to a punch down jack and a punch down tool.
Klein Tools VDV427-821 Cushion-Grip Impact Punch Down Tool
Klein are not cheap tools, but you get what you pay for. A pair of Klein's will last you.
Klein
Here is the one I use or close to it.
Get a Patch Panel, a Punch Down tool, a ethernet crimper, some ethernet ends (i prefer the EZ, but they are pricy), and a network tester. All that for $70 and you can terminate and troubleshoot all the cables you desire!
My personal kit is a little more expensive, but really the only thing I wouldn't trade for a cheaper tool is the tester. Crimper, Punchdown, Tester.
I agree, build you own kit. Below is my take. Know that some of those tools are not for every day use in networking, but who can resist getting more tools? Also, if you get all of these I realize it will be over $200. So, just use this list as a guide not a definitive list.
BAGS
ETHERNET TOOLS
SCREWDRIVERS
PLIERS and WRENCHES
POWER
MISC
SUPPLIES
Any ratchet style crimper would be best. The good ones allow you to set tension. Fluke or Klein. Edit Links.
https://www.amazon.ca/Fluke-Networks-11212530-Modular-Crimper/dp/B000E5VAXW
https://www.amazon.ca/VDV226-011-SEN-Ratcheting-Modular-Crimper-Stripper/dp/B002D3B97U
For 80% of hardware work you just need a good, solid multi-tipped magnetic screwdriver and a pez dispenser full of excedrin.
Toss in a power supply tester like a Dr. Power II and you have nearly all hardware tools you need.
Just be aware that many software tools on Hirens are only licensed for personal use, using them for professional use would be a violation of license agreement.
If you're going to be checking networks, you're going to want a good fluke toner, and a fluke voltage tester so you don't kill yourself
You're also going to want a cat5 crimper that won't break
If you're troubleshooting big networks then pick up a fluke microscanner II, but only if it will save you several thousand bucks in effort.
Currently these are the tools I use... Mostly Klein. I've been using these for a few years now with minimal issues...
Crimper
Punch Down
Side Cutters
Scissors
Stripper
Lan Tracer / Tester
Crimpers
Dat ratchet doe
I have used Klein tools crimper and it does a good job, as I have had zero issues with cables i've made with it:
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-VDV226-011-SEN-Ratcheting-Stripper/dp/B002D3B97U/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1479150358&sr=1-1&keywords=klein+network+crimper
As for a switch I don't know all to much about them. I actually need to start looking for one soon. One of the networking guys I work with suggested the NETGEAR ProSAFE JGS524NA. 24 Port Gigabit. Over $100+ but he said he loves his.
Just ordered https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002D3B97U/ alongside a wire stripper k1412. Have a feeling that life is about to get easier.
I use this one all the time. I have the one that mrsix recommended as well, but I like this one a lot better.
edit: don't fall for that ez-rj45 nonsense
RJ45 connectors do not exists, because RJ45 is not a connector--it is a jack. If you will search for the correct name for the product, which is an 8P8C connector, as well as whether you're crimping it onto solid (yes, they exists and work fairly well) or stranded wire, you will get higher quality connectors.
Edit to add more: And this brings me to my next concern, that you're probably making cables out of riser cable--if you bought it in a 1000 foot spool and didn't seek out "patch cable material," you're almost certainly using lateral (usually designated CM, or CMG), riser (CMR) or plenum (CMP) cable. The blades in these ends are not designed to crimp into the solid wire in any in-wall-rated cable. Does it work? Mostly, but not terribly reliably. They do make ends designed for solid wire, where the blades are flared a bit from side-to-side, but they're not something I can say a lot about as far as reliability. Our wiring guys would either refuse to put a mod-end on solid wire, or we would certainly refuse to warrant it if the customer insisted on it.
You can buy stranded wire in 1000' boxes. That is just the first link I found and in no way is a recommendation for Belkin cable.
Lastly, you may just not be getting a good crimp and the cable just might not be seating properly. A good ratcheting crimper from a major manufacturer might help you out a lot.
I have the Leatherman Charge AL and love it. It's my EDC. Very durable and the I am surprised I haven't messed up the the wire cutter or the stripper yet. I wish the Charge AL had replaceable wire cutters like the Surge.
Also, if you are going to be cutting and crimping a lot, get a dedicated tool.