What is Reddit's opinion of Klein Tools VDV226-110 Ratcheting Modular Data Cable Crimper / Wire Stripper / Wire Cutter for RJ11/RJ12 Standard, RJ45 Pass-Thru Connectors?

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It'll need to be a cut and crimp tool, but I believe the loading bar style uses the same crimper. As long as it has a blade to cut excess cable length from the passthrough slots.

Here's the one I use: Klein Tools VDV226-110

It really is a game changer. You just get the wire order right and shove it through. No making sure theyre the same length so they all hit the metal inserts or messing up the order when inserting the loading bar.

If you’re going to buy a crimper and ends, it’s probably worth the frustration to get a pass-thru crimper. This one from Klein Tools has basically everything you need in it and, because it’s pass-thru, you never worry about whether or not all the wires made it to the end or if you accidentally untwisted the wires too much.

Thanks for catching that! Would this one be a good alternative? https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=3B8JZX15160OJ&keywords=pass+through+crimp+cat6a+klein&qid=1664933766&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjQxIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&amp...

I used to have issues with my setup.

It was som muc easier when I got the pass-through plugs and the Klein crimper.

Then on a new batch of connectors I was having all kinds of issues. Think they were Cat5 instead of Cat6 (different wire diameters).

Decided to stop cheaping out and purchased the Klein RJ45 ends. No issues since.

Get a set of these. I haven’t made a bad end since I got them.

This is what I use... Nice little guide for reference depending on how you look at the tool and it cuts the ends off for you making a perfect connection. Worth the money.

Flush Cut Crimping tool

if you are testing a cable, make sure you are taking the variables of wifi and your isp out of the equation.

when i terminated pre-existing cat5 in my house i checked the following

1. continuity, using a simple continuity tester. you can skip this if you don't have one.
2. auto-negotiation with the cable plugged into a simple gigabit switch at one end and a laptop at the other end. use whichever commands are appropriate for your os, e.g., ifconfig (note multiple interfaces may show up so you will need to find the one associated with the wired connection)
3. speed/data loss using iperf2 from the laptop connected to the cable i was testing to another computer connected to the switch with a known good cable.

you should probably do this test with a known good cable to make sure you are getting the expected speed (i assume you are expected near gigabit which you are not even reporting with your 3ft cable so I'm not sure how you tested that).

what i found was that there were cases where continuity tested fine but auto-negotiation either didn't work, or it negotiated at 10 or 100mbps instead of 1000tx, or half duplex instead of full duplex. in those cases i re-terminated the end(s) which fixed the issues.

i used this Klein pass through crimper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076MGPQZQ/

i used pass through cat5e rj45 jacks from the same brand (they do cat6 too). i tried cheaper pass thru jacks from another brand but got inconsistent results so i switched. not sure if that's because i was a newbie or the Klein jacks were just made better to work with the Klein crimper. anyway i got all of my cat5 working at gigabit speeds.

good luck

Klein Tools VDV226-110 Ratcheting Modular Cable Crimper/Wire Stripper/Wire Cutter, for RJ11/RJ12 Standard and RJ45 Pass-Thru Connectors https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_XTNAA1KD6QMQ7P4ZWN9P

The pass through style of connector are very easy to use. Just make sure you got the color coding correct

If you already have the tools then it might be worth it. I'd never go for cheap tools if you do it yourself and you are doing more than 1-2 cables. I'd get something like this. Cheap tools will just frustrate you. Plus you'll want another good tool to test out the cable to make sure it is working properly.

Like u/sater1957 said, I'd just buy the patch cables.

I have a several of them. I recently got one of these for pass through type connectors which I like. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MGPQZQ. Note that as stated it is for pass through type connectors so you have to buy the right kind of connectors if you go that direction.

Also have one I got from monoprice as well as a punch-down tool, jacket stripper, network cable tester, etc. The monoprice crimper is sold out so no point in posting it. It was just a cheap $16 one but works fine.

If you are not using Pass-thru connectors. Do yourself a favor and get a crimper that supports it. It makes a world of difference. I will never go back to the old style connectors.

I use this at work and it hasn't let me down once.

https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ

This is the one I have, it works fine.

https://smile.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ?sa-no-redirect=1

This I use to do the same until I found

passthrough crimper

Depends on the RJ45 tips you have, if they're the passthrough ones (easiest), get a crimper designed for crimping passthrough connectors. The Klein one is so nice to use but the ones we have in my employment are generic passthrough crimpers.

The stripper I use is actually the little yellow one that comes with most network tools - I have the Klein one that /u/tuxify stated and it is amazing, I just terminate a LOT of Cat 6 so I've learned how to strip them quickly with the basic little guy.

The keystone jacks I prefer are Tripplite, BUT I have used the Cable Matters kind in a project before and they're great. I can't find Tripplite on Amazon, we typically buy those from CDW.

I like to over-engineer networks so my recommendations for hardware is closer to an enterprise network - Basically firewall, router, switch, access point, etc. I'm personally going with Ubiquiti's UDM Pro for my home network with a NanoHD Access Point and their 24 port PoE Switch.

Sounds like a crimper problem... I have one of these. It cuts perfectly.

Crimping tool: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MGPQZQ Love it. I botched the first three connections trying it out, but after that made close to 50 without a hitch.

Cat6 jacks: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G2R96KQ These fit 23 AWG wires with no troubles.

Protectors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D3E42DA Not all fit thick cat6 cable, these do.

Keystones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLVAJCK You can easily find cheaper plastic ones, I just liked these for solid feel and ease of use.

Wall plates: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IO3HF8U There are four and two port versions. A lot cheaper in bulk and you can get a pack of blank plugs cheap to fill unused slots.

Good point u/NoobFace RE: certain amount of slack! I'll practice on some scrap CAT6 cable first but I have my crimper and RJ45's ready. I also do have this exact data tester you referenced!

Does a ethernet splitter do the same thing as a patch panel? Because I have this switch I've used before to send the signal.

Here is my plan (if you'll indulge me);

1. Terminate all the CAT6 cables seen here.
2. Use the data tester to see where in the house each cable runs and label them. I've seen some end at wall plates and some are hanging behind walls where a TV is mounted.
3. Move the modem to the basement where all the cables are located. There is a coax here from my ISP where I can connect the internet to the modem.
4. Connect all the newly terminated ethernet cables to the switch and the switch to one of the LANs on the modem.
5. Find one of the ethernet cables that runs to my 2nd floor hallway and connect my Netgear router so I can send another signal for the upstairs floors.
6. Hardwire the rest of the ethernet cables wherever possible. Mostly TV's.

The gist is, to hardwire as much as possible, have the modem downstairs to send wifi signal to just the downstairs devices and the upstairs router to send wifi signal to just the upstairs devices. Does this sound accurate to you?

Thank you!

https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2VDU97FX8P937&keywords=ethernet+crimper+klein&qid=1670258119&sprefix=Klien+crimper+eth%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-5

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I love this crimper. As far as the PoE using Cat6 will be adequate with either a PoE switch or power injectors. No special head, but make sure you get Cat6 terminations as the wire gauge on 5E is smaller and will not work well. (this refers to your "American wire Gauge" question) Unless you have a lot of power outlets or romex in the same vicinity you will not need shielded. Keep in mind that it goes against most home codes to have ethernet in close proximity (conduits) of power cables.

You get a termination tool that cuts off the excess.

https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ

Get this: https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ/

And use passthrough connectors.

Although I mostly do fire alarms these days, I might not be the best guy to recommend a crimper. That said, I have some experience with blue, orange, green, brown and have heard things. Avoid buying the no-name versions if you can help it, but if you’re in between paychecks it’s not the end of the world if you buy one. The only other question to ask yourself is if you’re mostly doing pass-throughs or standards. It’s best to have a crimper for standard jacks and a crimper for Pass-throughs, you’ll have better success that way but if you must only buy one, then buy the pass-through crimper.

Klein Pass-Through Crimper: GOAT: I’ve had this one for five years now and it has never let me down. Computer cabling and camera guys say that after about three years it’s time to buy a new one, but I hardly use mine so I think mine will last forever. Like someone said it has a lifetime guarantee, so just keep the receipt and the original packaging and you can return it to any Home Depot and get a new one just like that.

Ideal Feed Thru: It has its charm and people absolutely love this one, if you hate heavy tool pouches this is the one for you.

Ideal Telemaster: Bought this one at Lowe’s when I was a helper, and it crushed The brown pin. Brand new out the box and it was a piece of crap. Perhaps it’s just quality control or a bad batch but a helper spending $60 on a pair of pliers that ultimately failed is very disappointing.

South wire: Bought this kit at Lowe’s when I was a helper. I keep this as a back up in case my Klein crimpers blowup or in case I have a helper that needs to borrow a tool. For occasional use this is fine, but This would hurt my hand if I had to do terminations all day. Their Crimpers that look like Klein crimpers, seen guys with them and they swear by them.

Platinum Tools: Guys that have this or any of the no-name knock off versions of this swear by them.

Looking to terminate your own networking cables? This is what I would recommend.

Klein RJ11/RJ12/RJ45 Crimper

CAT6 RJ45 Connectors

TrueCable CAT6

If you just need patch cables then just buy patch cables. If you want to make cables that will go in the wall, ceiling, etc. then the above list will work fine. Don't tell anyone here, but I use solid copper Cat6 all the time to make regular patch cables and they work fine.

I use Klein tools pretty much exclusively. These are the crimpers I use. Highly recommend.

Plugs or ports? These are what I have.

RJ45 Crimper

RJ45 plugs

Keystone Punch

As for actual keystones, usually what is fair priced with decent reviews. I would stay away from the tool less keystones. The few I purchased were not worth it.

Call your electrician

You also need

Klein Tools VDV226-110 Wire Crimper / Wire Cutter / Wire Stripper Pass-Thru Modular All-in-One Tool for Video, Telecom, Datacom and more https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_GVGYPSQDNVY1BFTY6FFE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

And

UbiGear 100 Pcs CAT5e RJ45 Pass-Through Network Cable Modular Plug 8P8C Gold-Plated Connector End https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B6SM2L4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_V6BZFVD27G5NAWRGMV65

A few thoughts then. If you go direct bury

• If you're willing to learn to crimp get a spool of direct bury rated cat6 or cat6a, some ends, and a pass through crimper.
• If you don't want to crimp just get a pre terminated 300' cable but you'll need to make bigger holes in the walls.
• Easy way to bury. You can do it with a standard shovel but it's not quite as clean.
• As someone else mentioned you should add lightning protection at both ends.
• At the remote location you could just plug directly into your computer, or plug it into a wireless access point, or plug it into a switch and split it out. DO NOT just plug it into another wireless router because you will end up with double NAT.

If you go conduit you could probably dig it by hand in a day if you don't go very deep, but a lot more work. Or rent a trencher and be done in an hour. Don't go smaller than 1" conduit. Bury it empty and use the shop vac method to suck in pull string.

If you go fiber you don't need lightning protection, but you'll need either a media converter or switch with an SFP port to use it.

Klein Tools VDV226-110 https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B076MGPQZQ/

It cuts, strips, trims, and crimps. Only other tool you need is a tester and maybe a pair of linemen's snips.

If you want to make you’re life way easier, get a pass-though RJ-45 crimper. They’re a little more pricey but they will save you so much time and headache in the long run.

You’ll also need special pass-though RJ-45 ends for this tool.

Deal link: Amazon

Deal link: Amazon

Everyone will have their own favorite tools and cable vendors, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cable: Belden, Primus, or Monoprice
• Tools: Klein, or Platinum
• Connectors and Strain Relief: Cable Matters, True Cable, or Klein

My own setup is a combination of Belden and Monoprice cable, Klein tools, and Cable Matters accessories.

As to your crimper compatibility, they will all work together (ethernet jacks are, after all, a standard size), but you should buy pass-through crimpers (also sold as "EZ") if you plan to use pass-through connectors. The pass-through crimper will work with traditional connectors too.

It does not work as easily the other way (pass-through jack, traditional crimper.) You can get the connector crimped, but trimming the wires without shorts is tedious. I wouldn't recommend it (I did it for dish, took an extra 10 minutes with a cable tester to troubleshoot.)

 

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I would also add that before you start, check what type of ethernet cable the contractor ran and make sure you're happy with it. Cat 5e is good enough, but getting on the old side. If you're planning on living there for a long time, it may be worthwhile to pull cat6-A through.

This crimper worked well for me: https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2572XPVHN99JQ&dchild=1&keywords=rj45+crimp+tool&qid=1634340796&sr=8-5

I went with this cable https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FKF48BT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Your tools :

Rj45 crimper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_TC4HMTCXNYVVM3WKX1KM

Klien scissors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0774S9JFS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_MPSB1RBMT467FN8GMZ5Q

Rj45 modular connectors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CDQRNW7/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_T67J81YAFDMKP53ZAKDT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

8 or 16 port gigabit switch. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A121WN6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_dl_TCQKY9RE3FRP740DNHK3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Watch some YouTube videos on technique. Have fun and learn something

You'll need

Rj45 keystone jacks, keystone wallplates, and a 110 punch down tool for the wall jacks.

If the builder used an electrician, rather than a low voltage wiring specialist, you can probably expect more of the same.

Just fix it yourself

Klein Tools VDV226-110 Wire Crimper / Wire Cutter / Wire Stripper Pass-Thru Modular All-in-One Tool for Video, Telecom, Datacom and more https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_DR4ZY814HJ01FNTX42AP

Klein Tools All-Purpose Electrician's Scissors 26001 , Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0774S9JFS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_GMG2XN79HG7KH6BAMHMQ

CableCreation 50-Pack Cat 6 RJ45 Connector Modular Plug with Strain Relief Boots, Transparent… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FHC0MWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_TXX3DC6AZV98KHNXJ44A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You're going to need to re-terminate those lines. Identify what wiring standard was used behind the wallplates (most likely t568a, t568a's reverse compatibility with phone makes it common in smart panel houses )

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_D5TG7JW0AJ0T8Q9901JJ

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HAN2RRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_C9BT6GPK0RKE633WE8NR

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K9Z4FT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_KX5KFG0CYCY5MWTEKMZB

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A121WN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_dl_YTMN8A9406A8JFFCJBNB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Klein Tools VDV226-110 Wire Crimper / Wire Cutter / Wire Stripper Pass-Thru Modular All-in-One Tool for Video, Telecom, Datacom and more https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1KHRDP1YWPW8HTRJ53GJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Yep, I'm using this for stripping and crimping the wires, everything looks flush but some there are some images below of the connectors.

Connector 1 Top

Connector 1 Side

Connector 2 Top

Connector 2 Side

For the crimper, I upgraded mine to one of these: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B076MGPQZQ, which has served me very well. Cuts, strips (takes practice), crimps and even trims.
Use that with "pass-through" connectors. I use these: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B074F44T3Q.
For wall plates, I got these: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07MP1TQPH and https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B004D5PFGW.
I ended up buying a 1000ft box of CAT6 from https://www.primecables.ca/ because Amazon's price was excessively high at the time. You probably don't need near that much, but you'll need more than you initially estimate (trust me on that).
And when you run cables, always keep them long by a couple of feet or more, because adding connectors will take some practice, so you'll find yourself snipping & redoing a bunch. You may want to consider getting a simple tester, such as https://www.amazon.ca/Flexzion-Network-Ethernet-Indication-Countunuity/dp/B017SM0G1U. Troubleshooting/testing your cables without one will not be fun times.
For switches, Amazon, Canada Computers, or see what Staples may have on sale. Get bigger than you think you need (if you find a good price), because once you realize how much better wired is over wireless for serious work, you'll want to start running wires everywhere. :-)

Get Klein Tools Pass-Thru:

https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PT3BMM/

A ton easier.

For the 10 or so I need to do, this one works great.

https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Reliable-Klein-Tools-VDV226-110/dp/B076MGPQZQ/ref=sr_1_3?c=ts&dchild=1&keywords=Crimpers&qid=1597967917&refinements=p_89%3AKlein+Tools&s=power-hand-tools&sr=1-3&ts_id=553392

Cat6

https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Modular-Klein-Tools-VDV826-703/dp/B076PRM7W8/ref=pd_bxgy_2/132-2996613-7756902?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B076PRM7W8&pd_rd_r=510f16d6-c2f8-4ab3-b0a1-70c5b2674613&pd_rd_w=j0hGl&pd_rd_wg=KE52X&pf_rd_p...

Cat5e

https://www.amazon.com/Pass-Thru-Modular-Klein-Tools-VDV826-703/dp/B076PT33QB/ref=pd_bxgy_2/132-2996613-7756902?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B076PRM7W8&pd_rd_r=510f16d6-c2f8-4ab3-b0a1-70c5b2674613&pd_rd_w=j0hGl&pd_rd_wg=KE52X&pf_rd_p...

Even more expensive, Platinum Tools:

https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Tools-100061C-ezEX-RJ45-Connectors/dp/B01N2AHQL6/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=platinum+tools+crimper&qid=1597968062&refinements=p_89%3APlatinum+Tools&rnid=2528832011&s=hi&sr=1-7

https://www.amazon.com/Combo-Connector-Through-one-Piece-Ethernet/dp/B07YCPC4FV/ref=sr_1_15_sspa?crid=2AOPJX1EF0QNJ&dchild=1&keywords=platinum+tools+ez-rj45+cat6+connectors&qid=1597968150&s=electronics&sprefix=platinum+tools+ex...

Length and cheap cable is definitely the problem. The best thing to do is get a roll of 1000' of good quality Cat6 or Cat6A from a reputable vendor online, I like Primus, and get some basic termination tools. I can personally recommend this crimper from Klein Tools which also cuts the excess or this one which is cheaper but does not cut excess and is annoying to use. You'll need pass-thru terminations for the first type of crimper which you can get here.

Otherwise, get a 100' patch cable from a reputable vendor like Monoprice.

Using quality cabling is a good idea in general, but for networking it's critical. Bad/cheap cable will give you all sorts of problems other than 10/100 connections.

EDIT: I thought I'd clarify I think the main reason for the problem you're having is bad quality cable, the length is fine as long as the cable is good. If it's bad cable then you're much more limited on length due to signal loss or interference.