Cat 5 wiring (2025 Update)

Sure you have the correct die for the specific cable and connectors you're using? They're _very_ specific and dependent on precisely the correct dimensions of each constituent component--lead, shield, jacket diameters. Also, making the cuts and strips accurately is important. For more than just one or two, the time/effort saved for the tool is worth the investment imo.

What, specifically kinds of problem(s) are you having?

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I have a pair of Ideal Telemaster pliers #30-496. They are made for cat 5 and telco cables, a different area for each type of connector. I'm using Tripp-Lite connectors. Maybe it's age, but trying to see if each of the 8 conductors is properly aligned inside of the cat 5 connector is tough. I am having problems after the crimp, sometimes I have a shorted pair or a crossed pair. I'm testing using a Linkmaster, also from Ideal. I am installing a whole house audio system, and the cabling to the keypads uses cat 5. My batting average is about .400 in getting good crimped connectors. I'm also trying to run cat 5 to various rooms from a wired router, using wall jacks in each room. I need to attach a connector for each room run.

What kind of CAT 5? With the right tool and right components; it's just a matter of finesse.

The trick is to get the wires as flat as you can. Strip the wires about an inch to make them easy to work with, flatten them out and then cut them the proper length.

That should be strip the jacket an inch.

That should be.....score the jacket with strippers then break it.

Too much coffee. :)

mark wrote: ...

My bad, sorry...I was thinking coax, not Cat-5 while writing--brain cramp. :(

Not using enough Cat-5 to help, I'll retire before sticking keyboard further into mouth... :)

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Buy a better quality crimper.

Oh my! It's not rocket science, believe me, but get it right and avoid cross-talk or you'll be very sorry...

See if this helps:

If it's any help, you only need four of the eight connectors for computer work. Also, once the connector checks out, we fill the back of the connector with hot glue.

We finally gave up on that s*it (unless it's a really long run) and buy cables from Cyberguys.

Agreed. Premade cables are so cheap now, that even if you leave 20 feet coiled up in a dead space, that it usually isn't worth the hassle to roll your own, unless you just want to know you can. Mebbe if you do it all day every day- but for us once-in-a-blue-moon folks with aging eyesight- well, I've only got so many years left.

-- aem sends...

Thanks to all for the help. I'll try the advice, and if all else fails, cyberguys it is....

You're just not separating the wires. The way I do it is strip too much (2-3") of the outer jacket off, untwist the wires, separate them fan-like by color, flatten & straighten them, then cut off the excess so that there's just enough wire showing out of the outer jacket, then slide the connector on & crimp.

Just strip the outer jacket. The copper things inside the plug have teeth that cut into the insulation & touch the wire inside. (the crimper pushes them down into the wire).

You do know that a 20 ft coil is bad for two reasons? 20 extra feet and coiling up a cat 5 cable. I want my network running optimally.

It's most definitely an acquired skill. Just keep at it, it will get better :-)