Which punch down tool size - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Hornnumb2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2025, 04:34:58 am
content: I need to add my wires back to this connector, I tried my network cable punch tool but the tip is too big. What size do I need for this? Thanks

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2025, 06:26:35 pm
content: The tools for IDC connectors aren’t standardized. So the “correct” answer is “identify the connector, and use the tool the connector manufacturer specifies”, which is likely to be specific to the connector model.With that said, you might be able to find something similar. Since you’ve provided no information whatsoever on the connector depicted, we can’t begin to guess what it is. (Without even a ruler for scale, this connector could have a pitch of 1.5mm or 7.5mm.)For example, if it’s around 0.1” (2.54mm) pitch, itmightwork with the tool made for TE’s MTA-100 series, one of the few IDC lines with low-cost hand tools.

author: Cyclotron
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2025, 07:11:08 pm
content: Quote from: tooki on October 05, 2025, 06:26:35 pmBesides an affliction with TEAs, I like to collect termination tooling. The TE MTA-100 is a great guess but as@tookipoints out, the "right" tool is the one specified by the manufacturer of the connector. Look for markings and images of the mate might help others help you. Measurements too.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2025, 07:21:00 pm
content: fwiw, that's a JST NR. That makes the IDB-12 and IDH-NR-12 the hand tooling available, for about $750. I don't believe there are any simple field tools available like for the MTA-100 (of course, you could look to see if those will fit). You might consider careful use of a small screwdriver.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2025, 07:51:10 pm
content: OK, so there’s a decent chance the MTA-100 tool might work, since those are similarly sized connectors.Hornnumb2, take a look at that tool’s instruction manual:https://www.te.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=srchrtrv&DocNm=408-7907&DocType=Specification%20Or%20Standard&DocLang=English&DocFormat=pdf&PartCntxt=59803-1That could give you a starting point for fabricating your own tool, if need be. I imagine something could be easily 3D printed or fabricated from a bit of sheet metal.

author: Cyclotron
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2025, 09:09:10 pm
content: Quote from: Monkeh on October 05, 2025, 07:21:00 pmThanks, now I've got to go buy more termination gear because I don't have one of those.

author: Hornnumb2
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 06, 2025, 01:20:29 am
content: Thanks for the advice, I ended up just using a jst 2.54mm connector with pins and made it work.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2025, 09:35:28 am
content: Quote from: Hornnumb2 on October 06, 2025, 01:20:29 am2.50mm, actually. (JST makes almost no connectors with 2.54mm pitch, just a few DuPont-style connectors that nobody ever has for sale.) No matter what the aliexpress and eBay vendors say about their JST clones (like “XH 2.54”), it’s actually 2.50mm.