Review on RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit With 50PCS Cat5E/Cat6 Connectors And Covers - Ethernet Network Cable Crimper For CAT6 Crimping. by Jeffrey Johnston

This is a winner! I was able to make some custom-length network cables, saving money versus buying new cables. Pictured is a cable I cut in half, so I can have better cable management and neatness around my router and network switch.The crimper is compact (just over 5 inches), lightweight, but still sturdy. There is a lock to keep the cutter closed. This was my first time using a pass-through crimper, and it does make it easier to see the color-coding. I asked a more-experience network tech friend if they had ever used a similar crimper, and he said the problem with the pass-through crimper he used is they did not cut close the wires enough on the end. He would have to get a razor to shave the copper flush. I had no such issues with this model crimper - they were completely flush on the end. I tested my crimps with the included tester, and in gigabit networked devices, and they worked great. Blades on the crimper are replaceable but I have no reason to believe in my limited use that they would get dull since you are just cutting copper with steel.The cable tester works well and does slide apart so you can test runs of cable that is installed in place. It does require a 9-volt battery, not included. The tester comes with a small book that includes the network cable color codes. I personally did not read them word for word, and just as easily looked up the color codes online.The side-cutting pliers are specifically for wires. It's super sharp and good-sized at about 6 inches. It's a flush-cut pliers, which most side-cutters you find are not this way. They work well for cutting the fanned out wires of equal length before putting on the connector. If you ask a circuit board repair technician, it's a requirement to have this type of flat cut when working with electronics.The kit comes with about 50 Cat 6 connectors, which is enough for the average person to run Ethernet in their home, or repair the ones that the retaining clips have broken. Also included is a simple punch-down tool. I did not use it, as the crimper & pliers did everything I needed.Doing network cable repairs still requires patience and is tedious to line up the wires in the proper order and slide them into the connector, but these tools work very well if you have the desire to tackle the job!