Looking for a decent cabling toolkit

[Wyndru]

I'm looking around for a decent starter cabling toolkit (for around $100 or less), and came across this:

http://www.amazon.com/Paladin-Tools-...914662&sr=8-30

Is this a decent deal for this kit? I need the spring loaded punchdown tool, and also the cat5/6 crimper.

Anyone know of any other deals on kits like this?

Thanks!

 

[billyb0b]

I would say that's a fair price.... i like that punchdown tool especially

 

[drebo]

I have this stripper: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050901&p_id=3355&seq=1&format=2

And this punchdown tool (I do a lot of 66 work, too, so needed the reversible blade): http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050903&p_id=7043&seq=1&format=2

The crimper I have is an Ideal with a changable die that does 8P8C and 6P6C (nice because I do lots of phone). However, I do know people who use one not unlike this one: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050901&p_id=7035&seq=1&format=2 and they love it.

I also have one of these and it comes in handy quite often: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050903&p_id=7037&seq=1&format=2

So far, I have had no issues with my monoprice tools. I would buy more. In fact, it's the first place I look. Definitely cheaper than that Palladin kit.

The scissors come in handy if you're doing a lot of patch panel work, but a good pair of dykes work just as well. Or, go to a sewing store and get a good set of sewing scissors.

 

[imagoon]

The 110 punch is the most important tool there. Nice scissors are handy also. I like ideal tools. I have one that has 66 and 110 block reversible blades that store in the tool. (cutting vs non cutting)

Unless you are messing with T1's and or telco lines, the RJ45 punch / ends shouldn't be used in normal house installs and you won't need the tool. IE wasted money.

I would also throw in a compression coax tool and the coax stripper.

 

[Wyndru]

I have this stripper: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050901&p_id=3355&seq=1&format=2

And this punchdown tool (I do a lot of 66 work, too, so needed the reversible blade): http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050903&p_id=7043&seq=1&format=2

The crimper I have is an Ideal with a changable die that does 8P8C and 6P6C (nice because I do lots of phone). However, I do know people who use one not unlike this one: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050901&p_id=7035&seq=1&format=2 and they love it.

I also have one of these and it comes in handy quite often: http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10509&cs_id=1050903&p_id=7037&seq=1&format=2

So far, I have had no issues with my monoprice tools. I would buy more. In fact, it's the first place I look. Definitely cheaper than that Palladin kit.

The scissors come in handy if you're doing a lot of patch panel work, but a good pair of dykes work just as well. Or, go to a sewing store and get a good set of sewing scissors.

Woah, that is a lot cheaper going through monoprice! I didn't even think to look there. How is the build quality on that punchdown? I'm basically going to use it to run cat 5/6 from patch panels to wall outlets, so I'll be using it on both ends. I won't be using it a ton, but enough where I'll want the tool to be decent quality (I don't need top of the line).

 

[drebo]

Woah, that is a lot cheaper going through monoprice! I didn't even think to look there. How is the build quality on that punchdown? I'm basically going to use it to run cat 5/6 from patch panels to wall outlets, so I'll be using it on both ends. I won't be using it a ton, but enough where I'll want the tool to be decent quality (I don't need top of the line).

It's definitely not a Fluke or an Ideal, but for the price, it can't be beat. The spring is a bit weak, but if you set it to the higher setting, it works just fine.

I don't expect it to last forever, but when it dies, it'll be OK because it only cost $12.

 

[gsaldivar]

I just wanted to say that Monoprice is awesome. I've done a fair deal of business with them over the years and their quality and pricing is hard to beat.