How to Make an Ethernet Cable the Correct Length for Any Project

Ethernet cables are typically used to connect computer devices.

If you need an Ethernet cable but a factory-length cable doesn't fit your needs, you may feel stuck. Actually, you can make an Ethernet cable any length you want by buying the cable in bulk and learning to strip it and crimp it.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cat 5e cable
• 2 RJ45 jacks
• Crimping tool

1. Cut the Cat 5e cable to the required length.

2. Cut about 1 inch of the sheathing off the Cat 5e cable on each end. You can now see four pairs of wires: green, green/white, blue, blue/white, orange, orange/white, brown and brown/white. Untwist and straighten the wires.

3. Put the wires on one end of the cord into the following order: orange/white, orange, green/white, blue, blue/white, green, brown/white and brown. Put the wires, in this order, into the RJ45 jack. Be certain that when you look through the jack end, the wires are in the proper order. It may be necessary to trim the wires to the proper length. This Cat 5e jacket should just barely enter the jack end.

4. Use your crimping tool and crimp the end of the RJ45 jack onto the wires.

5. Straighten the wires on the other end of the cable and put them into a different order: green/white, green, orange/white, blue, blue/white, orange, brown and brown/white. Insert the wires into the jack end and crimp.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that the wires are in the proper order.

References

• Computer Cable Store: How to Make a Category 5/Cat 5e Patch Cable