How to Crimp Network Cables

RJ-45 network cable crimping

Network cables are made from lengths of CAT-5 data cable, also referred to as RJ-45 cable. They contain eight wires separated into four pairs, and can be crimped to serve different uses. The maximum distance of Ethernet networking cable is reliably 300 feet. An average network technician can crimp a cable from raw CAT-5 cable in about five minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Network crimping tool
• CAT-5 cable
• Clear RJ-45 crimp-lock networking adapter plugs (minimum of two)
• Network tester

Instructions

1. Determine the use and length of the network cable. If the cable is to be used for connecting two devices in different rooms, it would be wise to run the cable through the necessary walls, floors or ceilings before crimping it. C

2. Cut the necessary length of CAT-5 cable (or CAT-6, which contains a rigid core, but is essentially the same as CAT-5), and strip the outer insulation to a depth of one inch. Be careful not to cut or damage the smaller wires inside.

3. 

   Align the wires by color to match the usage chart (crossover or patch type), then cut the wires to fit into the clear plug adapter. They should be long enough to push all the way into the adapter's grooves (one for each wire), but short enough to press a small bit of outer insulation in with them. It is important to get the wires' cut edges exactly flat, so that all of their tips fit to the end of the adapter.

4. Place the assembly into the crimping tool, and press firmly until you hear a click. The small pincers at the end of the adapter will pierce the small wires and link them with the gold pins on the outside. If inadequate pressure is applied, some wires could be left not punctured and the cable would not be usable.

5. Repeat the procedure for the other end, matching the wire colors perfectly. A "crossover" pattern will not operate with a "patch" combination, so be sure they are correct.

6. Test the cable with an electronic network cable tester. Depending on the type of cable chosen, the tester should show a connection for every wire.

Tips & Warnings

• Patch cables are used for home networking environments, while crossovers are typically for commercial applications.

• Do not use a cable for computer data that does not pass testing.

References

• How to Make RJ-45 Network Cable