FireFold blog

• Tools Needed

• (2) RJ45 connectors
• Category 5 Jacket Stripper
• Crimp Tool
• CAT5e/6 cable

Tired of having too long of a cable making it look like a nightmare to untangle? Well we can fix that problem for you by showing you how to create CAT5e/6 network cables with RJ45 connectors. By doing this it will give you the ability to set up your Local Area Network (LAN) to the exact length needed.  By following these simple steps listed below you can finish this project in a snap.

Step 1

By using a Crimp Tool, trim the cables to ensure the end of the wires you are patching are constant.

Step 2

While using the Category 5 Jacket Stripper be careful not to damage any of the wires by stripping off roughly 1 inch of the jacket.

Step 3

Untangle the wires by using the discarded jacket making them 8 individual wires. Use your hands to straighten the wires.

Step 4

Once the wires are straight, face the ends of the wires away from you. Place the wires side by side in the correct order from left to right: white/orange, solid orange, white/green, solid blue, white/blue, solid green, white/brown, solid brown (T568B Pair is used in the United States).

Step 5

Making sure the connector clip is facing down on the RJ45 connector; place the wires in the connector still facing away from you. Push the wires firmly to the end of the connector aligning the cables to the pins. For a strong connection try to push as much of the cable jacket into the connector as possible.

Step 6

By using the Crimp Tool again, place the RJ45 connector in the correct slot labeled 8P. Squeeze down on the handles crimping the connector and the wires together.

Step 7 (Optional)

Optional Step – Test the connection of the wire by using a Cable Tester to ensure your colors are crimped in the correct slots allowing a strong connection. Steps on how to use a Cable Tester will be explained in a future blog.

Repeat steps 1-6 to patch the opposite end of the cable.  Now you have successfully modified your CAT5e/6 cable to your desired length.  This cable can be used with any networking devices such as network switches, routers, and Keystone Jacks.