Crimping/stripping/splicing rj45s

[amanoffewwords]

Can anyone tell me the simplest/cheapest method of stripping and attaching an rj45 boot to the end of a solid UTP cat5e cable to make up a straight (patch) cable?

I'm confused by the variety of tools available.

A supplier/url reference to somewhere in the UK would be nice too.

For instance, would something like this (http://www1.rswww.com/cgi-bin/bv/browse/Module.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1126142684.1045520901@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccgadchiflldmjcfngcfkmdgkldfhk.0&3222973770=3222973770&catoid=-98698171) do?

Thanks in antic, :confused:

[RomeoTangoFoxtrotMike]

Can't follow you link, but you could try this: Maplins (http://www.maplin.co.uk/products/module.asp?CartID=030218132248812&moduleno=23257&modulecode=)

However, it's almost certainly cheaper to buy ready made ones... (not necessarily from Maplins but certainly from network equipment suppliers, if you want them in any quantity.)

Also, if you are expecting Cat-5 or better, performance out of them, then you need to make them quite carefully.

[What_does_this_button_do?]

You can even buy RJ45 cables from B&Q Warehouse nowerdays!

[amanoffewwords]

Thanks for the info - will go for the maplin tool - sorry about the RS link - they would insist on session info, which expires after x minutes.

In terms of costs, I bought 305m of cat5e solid cable for 40quid including vat + delivery (not from maplin). Add to that the crimping tool and rj45 end bits for say another 40quid. i.e. 026p a metre.

Vikingdirect (cheapest supplier I could find) sold me 6 x 5m cat 5e pre-made cables for a customer yesterday for #32.94 incl. free delivery and they're made by Belkin - so quality prevails. Cost per metre = #1.09

So it's worth it I think.

(btw if any of my customers are reading this , the fact I may be charging #2 a metre is a technicality, please ignore the above..allright!!!).

Cheers
amofw

(edited for typos)

[Gunner B12]

Just a quick point.

You shouldn't be using solid cable to make patch cables. However if you must you need to ensure you buy the correct plugs as there is a different one for solids and if you use the one for flexible cables with solid cable they break down very quickly.

I personally use the AMP tool which has interchangeable dies so I can do all sorts of leads.

P.S. remember to preserve the twist as best as possible.

[amanoffewwords]

Good point Gunner B12 - I've revised my plan - will use solid cable for running cables along skirting-boards etc.. and connect to face plates - thereafter short made-up patch cables to pc thus avoiding need for crimping tool. Have been running in this mode on my own kit for a couple of weeks now with 0% failure.

Thanks all for info given.

Cheers
amofw

[CrashDive]

Just came across this thread ( been a tadge busy ) but for the record, in our office we make our own RJ45 cables and it works out WAY cheaper than buying them already made-up.

Here are a couple of links that might help those who wish to make their own RJ45 cables:

http://www.bluemax.net/techtips/networking/Wiring_Tips/Wiring100TX/100TXContents.htm

http://www.unicornservices.net/lowend/DIY-0001-making-an-rj45-cable.htm