How to Create an RJ45 Cable

Cat 5 cable can be made any length you need for your project.

Cat 5 cables with RJ-45 jacks allow you to connect to your home or business network. These cables can be quite expensive, but you can make your own cables for less money. Making your own Cat 5 cable with RJ-45 jacks will allow you to create a cable that is the perfect length for your situation. The process of creating the cable will take only a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Cat 5 cable
• 2 RJ-45 jacks
• Crimping tool
• Wire-stripping tool

Instructions

1. Place approximately 2 inches of Cat 5 cable into the wire stripper. Pull the exterior jacket from the wires without cutting or nicking any of the wires.

2. Straighten out all of the exposed wires in the Cat 5 cable so they are easier to work with. Use the wire stripper tool to cut off approximately 1 inch of the wire so it will fit into the RJ-45 jack.

3. Arrange the wires from left to right in the following order: green-white, green, orange- white, blue, blue-white, orange, brown-white and brown.

4. Place all of the wires into the RJ-45 jack with the flat side of the jack facing up. Push all of the wires as far as possible into the jack.

5. Insert the RJ-45 jack into your wire crimping tool. Press down on the crimping tool to crimp the connector onto the wire.

6. Repeat the process to add the RJ-45 jack to the other end of the cable. The colored wires should be inserted the exact same way into the RJ-45 jack for both ends of the Cat 5 cable.