NETWORK CABLE TOOLS
Last updated: 2/11/2000

Modular Plug Crimp Tool.  You will need a modular crimp tool.  This one is very similar to the one I have been using for many years for all kinds of telephone cable work and it works just fine for Ethernet cables.  You don't need a lot of bells and whistles, just a tool which will securely crimp RJ-45 connectors.   This one is made by Eclipse Enterprises, Inc.  Even though the crimper has cutters which can be used to cut the cable and individual wires, and possibly stripping the outer jacket,  I find that the following tools are better for stripping and cutting the cable...

Universal UTP Stripping Tool (Eclipse).  I recently bought one of these tools and it works slick, and it makes a much neater cut.  I recommend that you purchase one if you will be making many cables.

Diagonal Cutters ("4 to 6").  It is easier to use diagonal cutters ("diags" or "dikes") to cut the cable off at the reel and to fine tune the cable ends during assembly.  Also, if you don't have a stripper, you can strip the cable by using a small knife (X-acto, utility, etc.)  to carefully slice the outer jacket longitudinally and use the diags to cut it off around the circumference.

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