Creating a reliable local area network is impossible without high-quality cable connection, and a key role here plays a key role. clencher. Even the most expensive Cat6a or Cat7 cable will be useless if the connectors at its ends are fixed incorrectly or with a violation of technology. That is why choosing the right crimper and understanding the principles of its operation are basic skills for any system administrator, SCS installer or home craftsman who decides to conduct the Internet.
There are many devices on the market today, from cheap plastic mites to professional hydraulic presses. Clutch mites (crimpers) are designed to mechanically connect the metal connector contacts to the cable veins, providing a stable electrical contact. The wrong tool choice can lead to the network being unstable, losing packets or not working at all, which will require a complete overhaul of the entire cable track.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what types of tools exist, how to use them and what nuances should be paid attention to when buying. You will learn how professional models differ from amateur models, and why saving on the tool often goes sideways.
The quality of the crimping directly affects the network bandwidth and the absence of interference when transmitting data at high speeds.
Types of twisted pair crunching tools
The main tool for working with connectors RJ-45 are crimperes, which are divided into several subspecies by design. The most common are tick-shaped models, where the force is transmitted through the levers, compressing the tool matrix. There are also crimperThey regulate the degree of compression themselves, which minimizes the risk of damage to the connector with insufficient experience of the master.
Specialized knives are also worth mentioning, such as Krone or Impact Tool, which are used for hammering lived in patch panels or modular sockets, but are not suitable for direct squeezing of connectors at the end of the cable. For professional activity, they often acquire combined tools that combine the functions of a crimper, a stripper (to remove insulation) and bokokokrez.
⚠️ Note: The use of pliers or a hammer to clench connectors is not recommended, as it is impossible to control the uniformity of pressure on all eight contacts at the same time.
The choice of a particular type depends on the amount of work. If you need to squeeze a couple of cables for your home PC, a simple model will do. For installation of server or laying SCS in the office requires reliable tool It is made with hardened steel and convenient ergonomics so that the hand does not get tired after hundreds of compression cycles.
Design and functionality of professional crimper
Quality clencher has a complex internal mechanics that ensures uniform indentation of the connector knife contacts into the cable veins. The Crimper Matrix is usually made of high-strength tool steel and has a hardening, which allows it to withstand thousands of cycles of operation without deformation. Cheap analogues often use soft metal, which quickly “floats”, starting to crush the plastic housings of connectors instead of fixing them.
An important part of the design is the ratchet (rattle) mechanism, which blocks the levers’ reverse stroke until the complete crimping cycle is completed. This ensures that the craftsman does not unclutch the ticks ahead of time, ensuring the knives are positioned properly inside. connector. Some models are equipped with adjustable stop, allowing you to work with connectors from different manufacturers, having slight differences in the geometry of the case.
Also on the handles of professional tools are often built-in cutters and strippers for careful removal of the external insulation of the cable without damaging the internal veins. The presence of such functions makes the installation process faster and more convenient, allowing you to perform all operations with one device.
Why is the Crimper cracking?
The mechanism of the ratchet inside the crimper emits a characteristic click only at the time of achieving maximum compression force. This prevents contact inconsistencies that can lead to poor contact and oxidation of the compound in the future.
Standards of patterning and color table
Before starting work with clamp-driver It is necessary to clearly understand what scheme will be located in the connector. There are two main standards for color labeling: T568A and T568B. In most cases, especially when building local networks and connecting to Internet service providers, the T568B scheme is used, while the T568A is more often used in telephony or specific government structures.
The main rule is that both ends of the cable should be compressed in the same way if you make a direct patch cord to connect your computer to a router or switch. Cross-over cable, where one end is clamped in the A-frame and the other in the B-frame, is rarely required today, as modern network equipment supports the technology. Auto-MDIXautomatically determines the type of connection.
| Pin (Contact) | Colour of the vein (T568B) | Colour of the vein (T568A) | Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | White-orange | White and green | Data transmission (Tx+) |
| 2 | Orange | Green. | Data transmission (Tx-) |
| 3 | White and green | White-orange | Reception of data (Rx+) |
| 4 | Blue | Blue | Not used (in 100 Mbps) |
| 5 | White-blue | White-blue | Not used (in 100 Mbps) |
| 6 | Green. | Orange | Reception of data (Rx-) |
| 7 | White-brown | White-brown | Reserve/PoE power supply |
| 8 | Brown. | Brown. | Reserve/PoE power supply |
When cleaning the cable, it is important not to damage the insulation of the veins themselves, as this can lead to a closure or break of the signal at high frequencies.
Use a stripper built into the crimper or a special heel knife to remove insulation, so that you are guaranteed not to damage the copper conductors inside.
Step-by-step instructions for cable cleavage
The process of creating a network cable requires consistency and accuracy. First, you need to measure the desired length of the cable and cut it at right angles, using bokrezov on the crimper or a separate tool. Then remove the external insulation at a distance of about 2-3 centimeters, trying not to touch the internal veins, and straighten them, lined up in the desired color order according to the chosen scheme.
After leveling the living, trim them at one level, leaving about 10-12 mm from the edge of the insulation. Insert the prepared beam into the connector RJ-45 And then we went to the end, making sure that each vein got into its own channel, and the outer insulation of the cable went under the connector's locking plastic tongue. This will ensure the mechanical strength of the connection.
☑️ Checklist before squeezing
Insert the connector into the appropriate crimper socket (usually marked as 8P) and smoothly but confidently squeeze the handles until the characteristic click. Remove the finished patch cord and check the connection quality visually: all metal contacts should be lowered to one level, and the cable - securely fixed.
Common mistakes and ways to fix them
One of the most common mistakes is the wrong location of colored veins, which leads to the cable inoperability or only working at low speed (10 Mbps instead of 100 or 1000). Another common problem is too long uncleaned area or, conversely, too short sealing, because of which the external insulation is not fixed in the connector, and the cable is easily pulled out.
⚠️ Note: If the link on the network card does not light up after crimping, check the integrity of all eight veins with a tester. Often the problem lies in one broken or unreached contact.
Sometimes masters forget to remove the insulation from the veins themselves, relying on the connector cutting contacts. Though knives RJ-45 designed to pierce insulation, on thick or rigid cables, contact may be unstable.
To troubleshoot faults, use a cable tester that will show the sequence of the signal passing through each pin. If the tester shows a gap on a certain vein, the connector will have to be cut and re-reconstructed, since it is impossible to restore it.
Recommendations for the selection and care of the tool
When you buy clamp-tool rj 45 Pay attention to the material of the body and the quality of the assembly. Metal crimperes last much longer than plastic counterparts. It is also important to check the smoothness of the mechanism and the presence of a grip holder in the closed position for convenient storage.
To care for the tool, it is enough to periodically wipe the matrix from dust and oxides, as well as drip a drop of oil into the mobile joints of the hinge. It is better to store the crimper in a dry place, preferably in a special case to protect the precision matrix from mechanical damage and corrosion.
Can you squeeze an RJ-45 without a crimper?
Technically, this is possible with a thin screwdriver or knife, gently pressing each contact individually. However, this method is extremely time-consuming, requires jewelry accuracy and does not guarantee reliable contact. Use it only in emergency cases when there is no special tool at hand.
What is the difference between monovela and polyvela connectors?
Multicore cable connectors have shorter and sharper knives that cover a bundle of thin wires without cutting them. The connectors for monoveins (single wire cable) have knives with a wider pitch. Using an inappropriate connector can lead to poor contact or damage to the veins.
How many times can I re-extract the RJ-45 connector?
The RJ-45 connectors are disposable. After crimping, the plastic case is deformed, and the metal knives are fixed in the lower position. Reuse is impossible – to correct the error, you need to cut the connector and install a new one.