How do I crimp my own network cables?

[ComputerWizKid]

I want to make my own network cables how do I do that? and can I cut up pre-made cables and make more than one cable out of them? As I have 2 100 Ft cables not in use can I cut off the ends and use that wire or do I have to buy new wire?

 

[shilala]

If you have the crimp tool, then all you need is the diagram.
Diagram coming right up...
Diagram

Yes, you can cut the wire to any length.
You can't use the ends over, so you'll need to have new ones.
If you need some, one of the guys here at atot can supply them quick and cheap.
I'll look him up if need be, just pm me.

 

[ComputerWizKid]

I bought a 100Pack of ends on ebay but thanks

 

[shilala]

Originally posted by: ComputerWizKid
I bought a 100Pack of ends on ebay but thanks

Then you're in business.
Good luck!!!

 

[n0cmonkey]

I think it's typically easier and better to just buy them. Apparently getting them to work to spec is difficult.

 

[shilala]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I think it's typically easier and better to just buy them. Apparently getting them to work to spec is difficult.

I just made my first ones and it's very easy. It requires a certain amount of dexterity, care and common sense.
Aside from that, it's pretty easy.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: shilala

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I think it's typically easier and better to just buy them. Apparently getting them to work to spec is difficult.

I just made my first ones and it's very easy. It requires a certain amount of dexterity, care and common sense.
Aside from that, it's pretty easy.

Making them is easy, getting them to pass specification tests is supposedly the hard part.

 

[shilala]

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey

Originally posted by: shilala

Originally posted by: n0cmonkey
I think it's typically easier and better to just buy them. Apparently getting them to work to spec is difficult.

I just made my first ones and it's very easy. It requires a certain amount of dexterity, care and common sense.
Aside from that, it's pretty easy.

Making them is easy, getting them to pass specification tests is supposedly the hard part.

It takes some skill to get the wires short enough and the jacket cut back just so.
I imagine most guy's cables would fail spec just by looking at them.
If the wires are all in order like in the diagram, I can't imagine where there would be a problem with spec.
I imagine that good, high quality materials would be a biggie.
I don't think this kid is worried about specs though.
I know I don't get a whole lot of inspectors around my house.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: shilala
It takes some skill to get the wires short enough and the jacket cut back just so.
I imagine most guy's cables would fail spec just by looking at them.
If the wires are all in order like in the diagram, I can't imagine where there would be a problem with spec.
I imagine that good, high quality materials would be a biggie.
I don't think this kid is worried about specs though.
I know I don't get a whole lot of inspectors around my house.

The problem comes when the wires don't work to spec and the user changes out every other piece of hardware trying to figure out why their network is CRAWLING. To each their own.

 

[ScottMac]

High quality components have nothing to do with it. IF they all meet the Category spec, then they're as good as they need to be.

Better quality stuff might buy you some extra margin, but if the termination's not right, it'll suck just as bad as cheap stuff that's not terminated right.

Here's a hint for you though: strip the jacket ~2-3", organize the individual wires (follow the spec for color & pair code) ... when you have 'em nice & flat, trim them to length then put your connector on.

There are all kind of glitchy problems that bad cabling / bad termination will cause, most don't look like cabling problems.

The big plus is that you'll be enhancing your troubleshooting skills.

Have fun

Scott

 

[spidey07]

Crimping stranded cables (aka patch cables) is just a bad idea IMHO.

Do you know if the ends you have are for stranded cable or solid?

 

[tw1164]

It can get annoying sometimes, but just take your time and double check all your wires before you crimp.

 

[ComputerWizKid]

The ends I have say they are UL listed for solid and stranded cable

 

[skyking]

The big plus is that you'll be enhancing your troubleshooting skills.

Thank you Scott

 

[ComputerWizKid]

How do you get the wires flat and untwisted to be able to go into the plug?

 

[Thoreau]

By straightening them out with your hands.