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We’ve done a lot of videos on social media such as Instagram and TikTok showcasing some of our common tools that we have here at LANshack and how they are used.
This article goes further in depth on why you might need these products and where you can purchase them in our store.
If you have any other tools you’d like to see showcased, just let us know!
We’re always adding new products to our store. If you don’t see something that you need we can include it in our store as long as it fits our high standards of excellence. We always test our products to make sure they are perfect.
Types of Tools
Let’s take a look at the common types of tools you may encounter in an ethernet installation. If you’re just starting out, use this as a jumping off point to see how each tool works.
Ethernet Coaxial Cable Cutting Tool
https://www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-Cleancut-Cable-Cutter-P2629.aspx
What They Do:
These tools provide a smooth even cut, which is essential for pre-termination cable preparation. Our tool also works with shielded and unshielded Cat 6, 6, and 6A ethernet cables.
Why You May Need Them:
To ensure you have an even cut on your cable without any jagged edges, you’ll want to make sure you have these coaxial cable cutters.
Kevlar Scissors
What They Do:
Kevlar scissors are specifically designed to cut through Kevlar or aramid yarn strength members in fiber optic cabling, but they are also versatile and work with cutting ethernet cables from 26 to 18 AWG.
We keep them in stock in our store because they are super durable and hold up under extreme use. They are very high quality and offer precise and clean cutting for wire, braiding, and more.
Slight serrations on the blade prevent wire slippage and the rubber handle offers a better grip while you may be cutting numerous wires.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyy2ciBAOr3/
Why You May Need Them:
Regular scissors will dull quickly when cutting Kevlar.
Our German-made, ice-tempered steel Kevlar scissors can easily cut through fiber optic cables and Ethernet cables, ensuring even cuts that minimize data loss in your network connection.
https://www.tiktok.com/@lanshack/video/7256105711501872427
https://www.instagram.com/p/C67oXrJtJm9/
Ethernet Cable Stripper
https://www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-EZ-UTP-STP-Cable-Stripper-P3179
What They Do:
These cable strippers help make your installation quicker and easier. They strip and cut ethernet cables with an outer diameter of 3.5mm to 9mm.
Our cable strippers are fast and precise, and never nicks the wire.
Why You May Need Them:
These are a must for all ethernet installations, but work perfectly for Cat8 shielded cables. The adjustable knob offers different insulation diameters and is great for Cat 5, 6, 7, and 8 prior to terminating with modular plugs or keystone jacks.
The regulator we have on our model prevents scoring the inner cable conductors.
Electrical Wire Stripper
What They Do:
This wire stripper strips & cuts electrical wire conductors that are 10-24 AWG.
It includes a set screw which locks the wire stripper capacity preventing scoring or damage to your wire conductors. It also includes a self-opening spring-loaded hinge and looping holes to assist in bending wire for proper fit around screw terminals.
Why You May Need Them:
This tool is helpful in removing insulation from electric wires safely. Trying to use a different tool such as pliers or side cutters to strip cable would risk cutting or scoring the wire. This leads to signal degradation and you may have to replace the wire sooner than you hope.
In Ethernet installations, especially when dealing with Power over Ethernet (PoE) switches, an electrical wire stripper becomes particularly useful.
PoE switches require both data and power connections, and precise stripping of the power cables is crucial. The wire stripper ensures that the wires are prepared correctly for connection, maintaining the integrity and performance of your network.
Ethernet Cable Conductor Separator and Straightener
https://www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-Easy-Ethernet-Cable-Conductor-Separator-Straightener-P9819
What They Do:
This tool will let you quickly separate and straighten ethernet connectors for Cat5, Cat5E, Cat 6, and Cat6E cables prior to placing them into modular plugs.
Why You May Need Them:
This process can be tedious and time consuming so this helps to speed up the entire process and terminate quicker and more efficiently.
RJ-45 Modular Crimper
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QuickTrex® Professional All-In-One RJ-45 Modular Crimping Tool
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https://www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-Hex-Crimper-for-RG-6-Co-ax-and-QuickTrex-Shielded-Plugs-P3172
What They Do:
RJ-45 modular crimpers are designed for crimping RJ45 plugs onto Ethernet patch cables.
We have different tools specified for each type of ethernet cable.
For example, our economy RJ-rt crimper is best for Cat 5 and Cat 6 and is the best option for homeowners as they often don’t need Cat 8 in the home.
Also, our Hex crimper is great for co-axial cables such as RG-59, RG-6 Tri-shield, and RG-6 Quadshield.
https://www.tiktok.com/@lanshack/video/7228303630506560814
Why You May Need Them:
These tools provide a secure and reliable connection for your Cat 5, 6, 7, and 8 Ethernet cables, ensuring optimal performance of your network by crimping the gold contacts onto the wires of the cable.
They make termination easier as they can terminate larger diameters of modular RJ-45 plugs. They’re useful for home use or more industrial uses.
Impact Termination Tool
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QuickTrex® Professional Wire Surgeon Impact Termination Tool
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https://www.lanshack.com/QuickTreX-4-Pair-EZ-Termination-Tool--P7264
What They Do:
Impact termination tools are used to punch down conductors into keystone jacks or patch panels.
You’ll be able to punch all four pairs of your ethernet cable into a 90 degree keystone jack with just one crimp. Simply load the wires into either the A or B configuration, slide the jack into the keystone socket, and squeeze the handles together and you’re done!
https://www.tiktok.com/@lanshack/video/7239059626484895018
Why You May Need Them:
These tools ensure that conductors are properly seated and securely connected, which is vital for maintaining a stable and efficient network.
They are also vital if you are terminating a large number of patch panels. The rubber cushioned handle allows for better grip to reduce hand fatigue.
If you are doing a limited amount of terminations, such as in the home, our economy ‘110’ termination tool will do the job.
All-In-One Cable Cutter and Jacket Stripper
What They Do:
These tools are designed to cut and strip the outer jacket of cables and you can use this to crimp your cable as well.
https://www.tiktok.com/@lanshack/video/7240930994059037995
Why You May Need Them:
An all-in-one tool simplifies the cable preparation process, making it quicker and more efficient.
The reason you’d use the all-in-one cutter and jacket stripper is to save space in your tool box and also speed up your terminations with one tool. You’ll be able to strip the cable and crimp all with one tool.
Check Out Our Products:
Comprehensive Tool Kits for Ethernet Installations
If you’re just starting out, or looking for fresh tools, you might be best suited for a toolkit that includes everything we showcased in this article.
We offer a variety of kits that contain all the essential tools for ethernet installations.
Whether you're a network administrator, low-voltage electrician, or any low-voltage cable installer, our QuickTrex® Toolkits are the perfect choice for you.
These premium toolkits include the highest quality tools available and are designed to meet all your cabling needs. Assembled in the USA, our toolkits come in different sizes and configurations to suit various requirements.
What’s included in our kits?
Our toolkits include professional tools such as RJ-45 modular crimping tools, Ethernet cable strippers and cutters, wire and Kevlar scissors, network testers, and a wide range of standard hand tools.
Depending on your needs, we have multiple kits that can meet your needs
Why You May Need Them:
Having a comprehensive toolkit ensures you are prepared for any situation during installation, whether you need to crimp connectors, strip cables, cut through tough materials, or test your network connections.
Tips for Ethernet Installations
Untwisting Conductors
To quickly untwist your conductors, take a piece of the cable you cut off and use it to untwist the conductors instead of using your hand or a tool. This method is faster and more efficient.
Label Your Cables:
Always label both ends of your cables during installation. This practice helps in identifying and troubleshooting connections quickly.
Use Cable Management Accessories:
Utilize cable ties, Velcro straps, and cable management panels to keep your installation neat and organized. Proper cable management reduces the risk of tangling and damage.
Test Your Connections:
After completing an installation, use a network cable tester to verify all connections. This step ensures that everything is functioning correctly and can save time troubleshooting later.
