Networking Tools Every Installer Must have For Cable Termination and more

In order to complete any network installation effectively, you need the right tools to properly perform the job. Many Network installers will tell you when you have the correct tools, it makes the job easier, faster and more efficient. So, what tools should be on your list of must haves.

Let’s begin with the most popular tools to properly install a network in any situation. Each tool has a brief description of its function to guide you if you are new to network installations. But, whether you’re a professional installer or novice, you will find these tools very beneficial.

Network Installation Tools You Must-Have:

Punch Down Tool - The Punch Down tool is used for efficiently connecting/inserting wires into punch down blocks, patch panels and keystone jacks. It can be used for Cat5/Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a Network Cables and more.

The Punch Down blade tool comes with two blade types, 110 and 66, with cutting and non-cutting sides so that you have a choice based on the type of installation you’re doing. The 110 blade is used for Category 5 and above Ethernet terminations and the 66 blade is most typically used for Cat3 (voice/telephone) punch down blocks.

 

 Wire Stripper - A Wire Stripping Tool is used to remove the jacket or insulation from the wires. It typically has sharp serrated teeth for precision wire stripping and comes with different strip cartridges for multiple cable applications.

 

Crimp Tool for RJ45 Connectors - A crimp tool is designed to create a junction between Ethernet cables and RJ45 connectors. It will seat and punch down wires with very little effort, saving you time and energy.

There are different types of crimp tools available on the market such as:

  • Single-use which only has one crimping port used for 4P4C, 6P6C, or 8P8C;
  • 2-in-1 crimping tool featuring two crimping ports that are designed for 6P+8P;
  • And finally, the all-in-one crimping tool which has all the functions for crimping, cutting and stripping.
 

 Keystone Easy Jack Termination Tool – The Easy Jack Termination tool is designed to do keystone jack terminations with ease. It can be used for Cat5e and Cat6 keystones. This tool will greatly increase termination accuracy and speed. Note: Be sure to check what type of keystone (45/90/180 degree keystones) so you choose the right termination tool.

 

 Screwdriver Set - A good screwdriver set will compliment any networking tool kit and can be used for a wide variety of networking tasks.

Pliers - You should get a few different pliers, such as pump pliers, diagonal cutting pliers, high-leverage side-cutting pliers, and standard long-nose pliers (both side cutting and skinning) to compliment your tool kit.

Wire Cutters – Good wire cutters are a must. Wire cutters are often used to cut all different types of wires including copper, brass, iron, aluminum and steel wires.

Gloves  – A good pair of work gloves is a must. They keep your hands protected from sharp tools, wires, connector clips, etc.

Network Cable Tester - This handy tool is used to test the reliability of your network by checking continuity, short circuits, crosstalk and crossed pairs. In other words, it checks the continuity of the cable to see if the signal is strong enough throughout the length of the network and checks for interferences. Which is why this is a great tool when troubleshooting problems.

It’s important to note that you should never connect a live wire circuit to a network cable tester. Make sure you disconnect the cable from the router, modem and computer first. Once you have done that, it is safe to test.

Most network cable testers will come with the tester and a remote and work with two or three connectors. They will have an Ethernet RJ-45 connector, telephone cable RJ-11 connectors and one BNC for the coaxial cable.

The remote has connectors for Ethernet and telephone cable. Just connect the cable to the right port on the tester and connect remote to the other end. Run the test to figure out if the network problem lies in the connectivity. If it doesn’t, you can rule that out and continue troubleshooting.

Here are two examples of tools needed for RJ Connectors and RJ45 Keystone Terminations:

Tools needed for 8P8C RJ45 Plugs – RJ45 Connectors:

  • RJ45 Termination Crimp Tool
  • Ethernet Cable Jacket Stripper
  • Micro flush cutters
  • Small metal dowel rod (screwdriver shaft)
  • Gloves
  • Strain-Relief Boots

Tools needed for RJ45 Keystone Termination:

  • Impact Punch-Down Tool
  • Keystone Easy Jack Termination Tool
  • Ethernet Cable Jacket Stripper
  • Micro flush cutters

Conclusion:

With these tools, you will be able to effectively perform the tasks necessary when doing network installations or terminations. It’s not at all a comprehensive list by far since there are so many tools available on the market, but it will certainly get you started with the most important ones. As you become more experienced and familiarize yourself with the different phases of network installations, you can add to your tool kit over time and know that you got a good start with these must have tools.