In this tutorial, I will show you how to crimp a LAN network cable and make your own internet cable without a tool. Instead of a crimper (a special tool for crimping twisted pair cables into RJ-45), we will use a regular screwdriver. And for stripping the twisted pair - a knife.
In the article how to compress a twisted pair cable into RJ-45, I showed the whole process using a crimper. And he promised to prepare a guide for crimping an Internet cable without crimping pliers. Everything is simple here: if you already have a special tool, then you most likely do not need all these instructions, you are already in the subject. And if you are looking on the Internet how to make a network cable with your own hands, then you most likely do not have a crimper. And you are not going to buy it, for the reason that you simply do not need it. The tool is not cheap, and buying one to crimp two connectors is not a good idea. Therefore, you can do everything with a regular screwdriver and a knife. Yes, it may turn out a little kolkhoz and not the first time, but it will work out. But on a budget and without outside help.
We need the following materials and tools:
- The cable itself is twisted pair. I took a small piece, your cable must be of the required length. Buy a little with a margin.
- RJ-45 connectors. To make one network cable, you need two connectors. But be sure to buy more. The connector is disposable. And if something does not work out the first time, you will have to go to the store again.
- A screwdriver with which we will crimp the twisted pair into an RJ-45 connector.
- Twisted pair stripping knife.
- And preferably more wire cutters to trim the wiring. You can also use the nippers that are usually found on the pliers. If you do not have any wire cutters or pliers, then you can cut the cable with scissors, or with a knife. This is not very easy right, but as a last resort you can.
I have such a set:
My knife is a little big for this kind of business, but it doesn't matter. The main thing is to be sharp 🙂
As it turned out (I learned about this while writing the article) that there are so-called toolless connectors. An interesting thing. With their help, you can make an Internet cable even without a screwdriver. You only need a knife to strip the cable. They look something like this (pictured is a SUPR connector):
How they work: we strip the cable and insert it into the connector. On the connector itself, there is even a diagram of where to insert which wiring. Then we just snap it in and the cable is crimped. The thing seems to be not very popular. I don't even know if you can buy such a connector in a regular store. You have to ask.
Before proceeding with crimping a twisted pair using our screwdriver, you need to decide on the scheme according to which we will make the cable.
Crimping circuits for LAN cable
There are two ways you can make an internet cable. Most likely you want the first method, direct crimp. Let's take a closer look.
1If you need a cable to connect a laptop, computer, TV, or other equipment to a router, or a modem, then you need to make a cable according to this scheme. This is a direct crimp order. The easiest and most common way. Such a network cable, for example, comes with a router.There are two crimping methods: T568A and T568B. I did it according to the T568B circuit, which you can see below. It turns out that we crimp both connectors in the same way.
I think you have decided on the scheme. You can read more about this in the article: twisted pair: what is it? Schemes and methods of crimping twisted pair. I will be making a simple cable (straight crimp) using the T568B scheme.
Twisted pair crimping without tool (crimper)
If you have everything you need, you can start making the cable. I will try to show everything in maximum detail and step by step.
1Remove the outer insulation from the twisted pair. About two centimeters. Cut the insulation lightly in a circle and pull it off. Just watch carefully not to damage the insulation of the wires themselves.
We insert the wiring all the way. They should go completely and rest against the front wall of the connector.
5 Once again, we check whether the twisted pair has entered the connector correctly, and proceed to crimping. We take our screwdriver (maybe you have something else), and press the contacts in turn. Look carefully, do not hurt your hand!
The contacts must be pressed hard. So that they pierce the cable. The contact itself should not just align with the connector body, but be slightly recessed into the body. The lesson is not the easiest one. When I pressed the cable with a screwdriver, it was hardly inserted into the LAN port of the router (but it already worked), after which I still pressed the contacts with a screwdriver.
After I squeezed each pin, I snapped on the cable retainer. It is simply pressed inward and the outer insulation is pressed in.
Everything is ready. We do the same on the other side of the cable. I got it like this:
As you can see, the contacts themselves are slightly damaged by the screwdriver. When crimping with a crimper, there is no such damage.
I tested the cable by connecting my laptop to the router. The Internet appeared on the laptop, which means that everything worked out and works. I managed to make a network cable the first time. Even without a special tool, using a regular knife and screwdriver. I hope you did the same.
What if the network cable doesn't work?
Maybe this. But I would not rush to immediately dump everything on the cable. It is possible that the problem is with the router, computer, or other device you are connecting. Need to check.
- Connect the other device using the manufactured cable. If possible, check the devices by connecting them with another cable. To make sure that it is the network cable that we just pressed.
- Be sure to carefully check the sequence of wires in the connector according to the diagram.
- If you messed up the sequence of wires, then bite off the connector and redo.
- If everything is according to the scheme, then take a screwdriver and squeeze the contacts on the connector. It is possible that there is no contact.
That's all. Write in the comments about your results, ask questions, and share tips. Good luck to all!
