Comments on: How to Make a Network Patch Cable

on 12/18/2007 I agree with makeinstall. The first thing it says it 'purchase a high quality crimping tool', but it shows the cheapest one available, and having used one, I can see why they say you need to buy more connectors than you need! I make lots of cables up, and I never have any problems when using a good crimper (unless I screw the wiring order up because someone gave me a cup of coffee half way through!) Also, the video doesn't show the actual insertion - probably because it took ages. The ends of the strands need to be straightened (by running them through your fingers) just above the last twist on each pair (keeping the twists equal on each pair) to allow them to be inserted. Then trim the ends leaving just enough straight ends to insert. And the reason why the cable should be inserted into the connector housing is because there's a strain clamp to help stop the cable being damaged.

on 10/16/2007 I have to say that this video was perfect. I'm a IT in the US Navy and i will be telling my subornates to vistit this howto site so that they can learn a thing or two.

on 9/22/2007 For a beginner this is great, now I can purchase the tools and necessary items with confidence.

on 5/1/2007 When making a patch cable, the twist needs to be maintained as far as possible. There should be less then 1/2 inch untwisted cable at the end. Also, in the video you didn't press the cable all the way into the 8p8c connector. The outer shielding needs to go as fare in as possible.

on 1/22/2007 normally you guys have some pretty good stuff on here but this is NOT a good article, namely the part that says make sure you line up the strands in the order you intend, if someone knew what the order was they wouldn't need to know how to make a patch cable would they? don't mean to be critical but this i do believe this to be a duh moment.

on 2/16/2006 When choosing cable, buy stranded conductor cable for patch cords. It is more flexible and reliable for that purpose. If you don't want to buy a whole spool, you can buy a long patch cable and cut it to the desired length.

Solid conductor cable is used for permanent structured or premise wiring. Choose solid for any punch down application.

Be sure to purchase the correct connectors. Some are designed for stranded and some for solid. You can interchange them, but long term reliability may suffer.