Buzz
You can quickly crimp a network cable into an RJ-45 connector (also known as a network jack) whether you have a crimping tool or not. If you have a crimping tool, strip a section of the cable's outer sheath, untwist the wires, and arrange them in a specific order before inserting them into the connector. Then, use the crimping tool to press the metal pins into the wires to secure the connection. If you don't have a crimping tool, no problem! You can use scissors or a utility knife to cut a section of the cable's outer sheath, untwist the wires, arrange them in order, insert them into the RJ-45 connector, and use a small flathead screwdriver to press each pin down into the connector.
Steps
Using a Crimping Tool
Strip about 2.5 cm of the outer sheath of the cable. Insert the cable into the cutting jaws of the tool and apply pressure. Next, rotate the crimping tool around the cable smoothly and evenly to make a clean cut. Hold the handle steady and pull the tool toward the end of the cable to strip the sheath.
- The stripping hole is the round opening located near the handle of the tool.
- The section of the cable sheath should be stripped neatly to expose the wires inside.
Unravel and straighten the twisted wires inside the cable. Inside the network cable, there are several small wires twisted together. Separate each wire and straighten them to make it easier to arrange them in the correct order.
- Cut the outer sheath or plastic core that divides the wires to separate them.
- Do not cut any wires inside the cable, as it will prevent you from crimping them into the connector.
Arrange the wires in the correct order. Use your fingers to divide the wires according to the correct order to connect them into the network jack. The order should be as follows, from left to right: Orange/White, Orange, Green/White, Blue, Blue/White, Green, Brown/White, Brown.
- There are 8 wires that must be arranged in the exact order as above.
- Note: The wires marked with a slash (e.g., Orange/White or Brown/White) represent two colors on the same small wire.
Trim the wires evenly at a position 1.3 cm from the cable sheath. Hold the group of wires with your thumb and index finger to keep them in the correct order. Then, use the cutting jaws of the crimping tool to trim the wires evenly.
- The cutting part of the tool looks similar to the jaws of a wire cutter.
- The wire ends must be even to be properly crimped into the RJ-45 connector. If the cut is uneven, move the crimping tool down slightly and cut again.
Tip: If the tool lacks a cutting feature, you can use wire cutters or scissors.
Insert the wires into the RJ-45 connector. Hold the RJ-45 connector with the plastic clip facing down and the metal pins facing up. Insert the cable so that each wire fits into the small groove of the connector.
- The cable sheath should barely pass through the base of the connector.
- If any wires are bent or not inserted properly, pull the cable out, straighten the wires with your finger, and try again.
- Make sure the wires are in the correct order and each wire is securely inserted into the groove before crimping the connector.
Place the connector into the crimping tool and squeeze the handle twice. Insert the connector into the crimping tool until it cannot go deeper. Squeeze the handle to crimp the connector and secure the wires. Release the handle and squeeze again to ensure all the contact pins are pressed down properly.
- The crimping tool will press the contact pins into the wires, securing and connecting the RJ-45 network cable.
Remove the cable from the tool and check if all the contact pins are pressed down. Take the connector out of the crimping tool and check whether the contact pins are evenly pressed. Gently pull the connector to check the connection's strength.
- If any contact pin isn't pressed down, put the connector back into the crimping tool and crimp again.
Connecting RJ-45 connector without a crimping tool
Cut the outer sheath of the cable with scissors. Use scissors to carefully cut about 2.5 cm of the plastic sheath from the cable's end. Be cautious not to cut into the wires inside. Once the scissors pass through the plastic sheath, rotate them to create a clean cut. Then, press on the cut with your finger and strip the sheath towards the cable's end.
- Do not cut too deeply when you start.
Tip: If you don't have scissors, you can use a utility knife to cut the cable's outer sheath. However, be careful not to cut into the internal wires.
Separate and straighten the small wires inside the cable. Use your fingers to untwist and straighten the small wires that appear after stripping the cable's sheath. If there is any core or plastic separator, use scissors to remove it.
Arrange the wires in the correct order. Organize the wires in the following order, from left to right: Orange/White, Orange, Green/White, Blue, Blue/White, Green, Brown/White, Brown. The small wires must be arranged in this sequence to be crimped into the RJ-45 connector.
- Some wires may have two colors, such as the Orange/White wire.
Measure 1.3 cm from the cable's sheath and cut the wires. Pinch the group of wires together using your thumb and index finger, then cut with scissors. Make sure the wire ends are even.
- The wire ends need to be even to fit into the 8 slots of the RJ-45 connector.
- If the cut is uneven, adjust the scissors and cut straight again.
Insert the wire ends into the RJ-45 connector's slots. Hold the RJ-45 connector with the metal contact pins facing up and the plastic tab facing down. Insert the wire ends into the connector in the correct order, making sure the cable sheath just barely passes through the base of the connector.
Use a flathead screwdriver to press each contact pin down. Locate the small metal contact pins at the end of each slot inside the RJ-45 connector. Use a flat, thin screwdriver to press each contact pin down. Ensure that all pins are pressed into the wires one by one.
- Be cautious not to crack or break the plastic connector.
Insert the cable end into the RJ-45 connector securely. Double-check that all contact pins have been fully pressed into the wires and gently push the cable end into the connector to ensure it is secure. All pins should be pressed in at the same depth and evenly.
- Gently shake the cable to listen for any "clicking" sounds, indicating that one or more contact pins may not be securely fixed.
What you'll need
Using a crimping tool
- Universal crimping tool
- RJ-45 connector
Connecting RJ-45 connectors without a crimping tool
- RJ-45 connector
- Scissors
- Flathead and thin screwdriver
