Crimping network cables - how to proceed

While you can crimp a speaker cable quite easily, it makes sense to proceed more specifically with a LAN cable. This is because a network cable consists of several components, which you should know in order not to make a mistake.

When it comes to network cables, there are a few things to keep in mind.

This is what you need if you want to crimp a network cable

If you want to crimp your network cable, that is, extend or shorten it, you should make sure that you separate all eight contacts cleanly so as not to interfere with its use. First of all, get all the tools ready. These include:

• RJ45 crimping pliers
• cable or side cutters
• patch cable, ideally CAT 5-7
• RJ45 plugs, preferably with threading aid
• cable tester for RJ45 connectors
• circuit diagram

Frequently you can buy the required items in a set. This has the advantage that these offers are cheaper than buying them individually.

How to crimp a network cable correctly

Before it comes to the actual crimping, you need to prepare the patch cord. To do this, cut off about 4 cm of the insulation, making sure not to damage the foliation of the wires. Pull the bend protection onto the cable and untwist the wire pairs. Once you have inserted the cores into the threading aid, you can cut off the protruding ends flush.

1. Now slide the connector over the threading aid and apply the crimping pliers.
2. Now apply as evenly as possible a strong pressure aud, so that the connectors are firmly connected to the cable ends.
3. Now connect the individual wires with the contacts of the connector.
4. You can finally cut off the protruding shielding and pull the insulation back over the connector.
5. With the cable tester you now check whether the LAN cable is functional. It must light up all eight LEDs.