Platinum Tools EZ-RJ45 Crimp Tool for RJ-11, RJ-12 and RJ-45

Probably not essential but definitely the best tool ever for making RJ45's up and essential for for the EZ plugs.

Awesome tool

What an improvement over my old standard crimp tool. I love the push through and cut system. Makes inserting the wires soooo easy.

Works well, lets me make CAT6 connections with the twists very close to the pins, using EZ RJ-45 connectors. (Sometimes doesn't quite cut the wires on the "ends" e.g. orange+white and brown--sometimes these hang by a thread of plastic and I need to pull them to remove them, but still works great and lets me make very tight connections.) When used with the matching EZ RJ-45 strain-relief locking clip protectors, it is necessary to press down the clip covers to insert the plug all the way into the crimper. If you don't do this the wires will not be cut close enough to the plug.

This crimper is well made and does a great job. It has a comfortable grip and a ratchet to help ensure enough force is used. When used with the matching connectors it allows you to work much faster then before while making fewer mistakes. The only real issue is that it does not always cut all of the excess off. It usually gets almost everything cut, but the excess at pins 1 and 8 usually remain attached by their jacket and have to be wiggled or snipped off. It really does not slow you down much, but it can get frustrating at times. The wire cutter / stripper combo built in to this crimper leaves a lot to be desired. It function fine enough for someone making a few cables and most pros will have specific tools for each task so it is not really an issue. One interesting feature that will help those that don't make patch cables on a regular basis, engraved on the tool is the location of pins 1 and 8 and the color code for both ethernet wiring standards (T-568A and T-568B).