Best kind of cat crimping tool?

Oct 16, 2002
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What is the easiest to use, best sort of cat 5 crimping tool? I am looking at the ones under $50. I know there are some that are $1000, etc, but, for example of the assortment here: monoprice tools
what would be the best choice? I have occasional professional use for one - I am an IT consultant but in the past have always deferred it to our low voltage contractors, it would be nice to be able to do the once in a while crimp. Also I have a need for it at my house.

I ask because I don't know if there is some "must have" feature that makes it a much easier process or something. I have done plenty of rj-11 crimping with a cheapo tool and it's a pain in the butt. Thanks in advance.
 

xSauronx

Lifer
Jul 14, 2000
19,582
4
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ive used one like this

and

one like this except that the ratchet was out of the way so i could stick one handle in my pocket (which is the only reason i preferred it over the first one)

the strippers on either are a waste. i usually used a pocket knife because i always have a sharp one on me and got used to it, but i *never* used the strippers built in to the tool

 

bruceb

Diamond Member
Aug 20, 2004
8,874
111
106
From your page at monoprice I would suggest the Model HT-2008A or the HT-2008AR
You may want to ask them what the difference is between them as the discriptions are
not too clear on the issue. You also want a good cable stripper to use with the CAT 5 cable
Also be sure to match your connectors to the cable. They make one type for Solid Wire
and another for Stranded Wire