I used Monoprice Monoprice Cat6 Ethernet Bulk - Single Core, 550MHz, UTP, CMR, Riser Rated, Pure Bared Copper Wire, 23AWG, Bulk. Problem: These plugs do not fit standard RJ45 sockets. They bond before being fully inserted into the nest. I'm stuck I have to work so I made a sanding block and sanded each side. As previously mentioned, a wire protruding past the end of the connector will not seat. You will need to cut the wire using the tab as a guide and then pull back slightly on the exposed 1/16" cable to pull the ends of the cable in. . Pulling in the 1/16" open ends can loosen the connection at the grip portion of the fully shielded portion of the cable inside the connector. The bottom line is that too many things don't work properly, resulting in wasted useless connectors, wasted time and a certain level of frustration, too much to use this RJ45 connector. Also see the parts information for a list of other brands of socket headers this will work with.