cable crimping

I need a 30-ft. Cat 5e cable, and also a 20-ft. of the same. I found the 20-ft, but am considering getting a crimper, as I have wanted one before, and 50 ft. or more cable instead. I know the crimper wouldn't make as good ends as a manufacturer, especially the molded ones I'm used to. I may get a 50-ft. molded cable, and just cut it in two. I was wondering if I could make crossover and patch cables about as easily (change one into another), and if anyone has any other thoughts or tips (besides going wireless.) Thanks.

 

A crimper is a very handy tool to have if you mess with computers much. If you get good RJ-45 connectors, your cables should be as good as the ones you buy. (if you do them right!) :-D You can make straight, crossover, rollover, or whatever odd combination cables you want.

Wow, this used to be $20 cheaper, but here is a decent deal for plenty of cable, a pretty good crimper and a tester for $70 or so. http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=CT-CAT5E-1000-6U&cat=NET

I bought this several years ago, the crimper and testor still work great. The RJ-45 connectors were junk, I tossed them and bought some good ones locally.

 

You can make your own cable and use covers like these:
http://www.vpi.us/catacc-plugs.html
Scroll down to "RJ45 Strain-Relief Boots"
If your looking to make your cables more professional.

And I have to disagree with the previous post, I bought a kit like that from Geeks & the crimper was junk, get a good ratcheting type crimper like:
http://safe.dhwd.com/cgi-bin/debco/300574.html

Once you cut the cable all you have to do is look at the plug end and determine the wiring type they used 568A or 568B.. http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable5.htm (This is the best diagram, I printed it and laminated to carry in the tool box)
Quick way to tell is if pin 1 is orange/white your 568B, green/white it is an 'A'.

For straight cable you'd make the ends 568B, for a cross over, leave the one end 568B and make the cut end a 568A.

 

Thanks to both of you for this usefull info, next time that I need something like this, I will make my own!!!

 

Nice link for the cable pinouts foogoo. I lost the one I had in my toolbox, need to print another one. :-D

The crimping tool combo I linked to is ok, I have done probably 30 cables with it over the last few years. But you are right as well, it is an inexpensive one, and if I was doing more network setups, I would definately get a better one. The cheap one is ok if you only do a cable every once in a while.

Cheap tools usually work ok for occasional work, quality tools are always better, and last longer. Would be nice if they made a crimper with the pinouts etched on it. :cool