Warning: my $40 network crimper ruined 12 cable ends before I figured it out

Bought a cheap Klein knockoff off Amazon last month to save cash on some home runs for a client in Katy. Turns out the die was misaligned and crushed every RJ45 I tried, wasted half a box of Cat6 before I bought a proper one. Anyone else get burned by discount tools or was I just unlucky?

3 comments

3 Comments

brooke_murray5d ago

Blame the tool but half the time it's just user error with the depth or the connector brand not matching the die. I've used a $15 no-name crimper for like 3 years and it's been totally fine for basic runs. Honestly, people are quick to call a tool junk when they might just be rushing the job or using the wrong ends for the slot.

the_felix6d ago

Dude that misaligned die thing happened to me with a $20 crimper from some random brand. Wasted like 8 ends before I realized it was crushing the pins sideways instead of seating them right. So frustrating when you think you're saving money and it just costs you more in the long run.

sandra_moore306d ago

Eight ends isn't that bad though, @the_felix. I've seen guys burn through a whole box of connectors on a bad tool before they figure it out. Could've been worse.