What's a good rj45 crimping tool?

[rdartist]

I have seen a few posts about faulty crimps or cheesey crimping tools. What would be a reasonable -bang for the buck- tool? I have seen Data Shark and Paladin tools local for $20 - $60. I don't know enough about them to judge quality and I don't want to buy Rolls Royce when a Chevy will get me where I am going.
Any suggestions would be helpful.
:confused:

[RichF]

I have a paladin and have had good luck with it.

[jrock64]

I have the one with a ratchet.
Over crimping is as big of a problem as under crimping.
As soon as it clicks, you are done.

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-04622-Ratchet-Crimp/dp/B00006OXEP

Joel

[jnealand]

I have two different crimpers. My newest one is the datashark and I really like. Much better than my old (over 15yrs) edition whose brand I don't even know anymore. I bought the new one because I needed to do a bunch of 6wire (6p) cords for some model railroad work and found that the ethernet part (8p) works great. I have the model that does both 6p and 8p built into the unit.

[omzig]

IMO, both the Datashark and Paladin that you mentioned are decent. I use a Klein Tools ratcheting model myself. Home Depot has about the best Klein prices anywhere. I agree with Joel about the ratcheting models. They ensure a consistent crimp.

[Entropy]

I don't remember what brand mine is, but it is nonratcheting.

The real key is your crimping technique - you need to straighten out the wires, flatten them for insertion into the connector, then clip them all to the same length. You can't clip them THEN straighten. I haven't had a "flaky" connector in ages.

Exception is the "EZ-RJ45" system where the wires go through the end of the connector and the crimper clips the excess in addition to crimping.

[ErnieHorning]

I agree with Entropy, mine is the cheap non-ratcheting type with plastic handles. The key was to straighten the wires first, then cut them straight across last. When you insert the wires into the connector housing, make sure you can see all of the copper ends butted against the plastic end.

You can feel when the crimp goes through the wire. Since the crimp connects to the sides of the wires, smashing it any further would be pointless.

[djulien]

Any suggestions would be helpful.

There is some helpful info in this thread:

http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2816

don

[rdartist]

I received a lot of good replies. I knew that there would be a lot of differing oppinions on the subject and with the amount of new members, I thought it would be good to ask the inevitable. Thanxs to all.
David

[sandy]

I know this is an older thread but I just found out about this.

http://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Tools-EZ-RJ45-Crimp-RJ-11/dp/B00084Y1ZI/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_text_c

Also see the associated connectors
http://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Tools-100003C-Connectors-Clamshell/dp/B001AZLS6Y/ref=pd_cp_hi_1

With these you just separate the wires, the color code is written on the crimper tool,
and push the wire all the way through the connector.
The tool will crimp and cut the wires,
one step,
EZ (as they say)

[christmas-light]

I have this one and I am more than happy with it :D

http://cgi.ebay.com/Network-Phone-Crimper-RJ45-RJ11-Lan-Cat5-Cable-Tester-/310271651732?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483da1af94#ht_4416wt_905