Crimping RJ45 connectors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2022, 05:20:09 pm
content: Hello! I have 2 types of RJ45 crimping pliers (the Knipex 97 51 10 and CON300-CRIM-EZ). I wanted to crimp some RJ45 cat6 connectors (shielded and non shielded, both non pass through), and I notified that when I crimp the shielded non pass through connectors then one or more contacts from the connector are not pressed correctly (please have a look at the attached photo). When using normal (non shielded) connectors, then they crimp ok.The cable is a cat 5e 24awg F/UTP network cable.What am I doing wrong ? Is there any other method for crimping were I can get better results ?

author: TomWinTejas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2022, 05:32:39 pm
content: It's difficult to get a straight cut across all the wires and keep them lined up while inserting into the connectorandhave them pass certification. That's why I prefer the pass-thru connectors and crimpers nowadays. There are some poor quality connectors and crimpers, so the only ones I actually trust are the ones made by Platinum Tools. There are a lot of counterfeit ones on eBay and Amazon, so if you go down that route I'd suggest buying from a reputable dealer.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2022, 06:03:33 pm
content: Quote from: TomWinTejas on January 29, 2022, 05:32:39 pmI disagree with everything here.Pass-through connectors are, from everything I’ve heard, less likely to pass certification than a properly-made non-pass-through crimp. The bigger problem with them is that some shielded jacks actually shield all the way around, so the shielding can make contact with the ends of the conductors. For these two reasons, many sites and vendors outright forbid the use of pass-through connectors.Anyhow, the OP is using a top quality tool: Knipex. So that’s not the issue.The fact that twodifferenttools have thesameproblem with these connectors tells me it’s almost guaranteed to be an issue with the connectors, not the tool.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2022, 06:04:59 pm
content: Quote from: mike_mike on January 29, 2022, 05:20:09 pmWhat are the new connectors? The fact that both crimping tools are failing indicates to the problem in the connectors.Are they the correct type? There are several different, incompatible styles of RJ-45 plugs that require different crimping tools. Shielding adds on another layer of compatibility issues.

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2022, 08:50:47 pm
content: QuoteI don't have very much information about the new connectors. I know that they are cat 6 shielded RJ45 connectors.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2022, 09:48:17 pm
content: OK… so that means you have more information than none, so please share what you have.

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 29, 2022, 10:23:37 pm
content: I found the information about the RJ45 connector on the internet:1. for FTP/UTP cable2. Material: plastic with metal shield3. For Cat5 or Cat6 cable4. used for: router, PC, laptop, printer, switch, modem.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2022, 03:07:01 pm
content: Where did you get them? Datasheet? Anything?

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2022, 03:41:26 am
content: I got them from the local electronics shop.They are from China. I didn't found any datasheet on the internet.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2022, 08:41:14 am
content: Maybe ask the shop for a datasheet or at least an exact part number.Regardless, if two tools, including a high quality one, fail in the same way, then I’d say those connectors are either designed for a different style of tool (most likely) or they’re defective (less likely).

author: mike_mike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2022, 08:03:56 pm
content: I think I found the problem... the connectors that I can't crimp correctly have the pins thinner than the other connectors.Please have a look at the attached image.The shop doesn't have any datasheet or part number of the connectors.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2022, 08:10:53 pm
content: Well that's kinda awful.I'd probably throw those away and buy good ones from a reputable source. The last thing you need is iffy connectors causing some intermittent problem that's a nightmare to track down.

author: Renate
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2022, 07:17:33 pm
content: Just to scare everybody, I'll mention how I do RJ45s. I do about 3-4 a decade since I have a ton of CAT-whatever patchcords.I don't have a crimper for them. I use a small screwdriver (an Xcellite "greenie") and place it on the contact then give it a good whack with something else. It makes a fine connection.Okay, mostly I do RS-485 that they put on an RJ45.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2022, 08:16:57 pm
content: CAT5 or CAT6 - the conductors are different diameters and require different RJ45 crimp connectors, solid or stranded conductor - again they require different RJ45 crimp connectors

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2022, 07:46:18 am
content: Good point, I’d forgotten that bit!In general, people wildly underestimate how precise crimping (of any type of connector) needs to be: the right contact/connector for the right wire, with the right tool. Get any of them wrong (or of low quality) and the quality of the connection plummets.