Top 10 Network Cable Pliers Brand & Manufacturers

What is Network Cable Pliers

Network cable pliers are specialized pliers designed for working with network cables, particularly Ethernet cables. They are used to cut, strip, and crimp connectors onto the ends of network cables, ensuring proper connection for data transmission. These pliers are essential in networking and telecommunications for installing and maintaining network infrastructure, such as setting up local area networks (LANs) and wiring computer networks.

History of Network Cable Pliers

The development of network cable pliers came about with the widespread use of network cables, especially as Ethernet technology evolved. As the demand for structured cabling grew in offices, homes, and data centers, the need for specialized tools to handle network cables efficiently led to the creation and refinement of network cable pliers. They have become more sophisticated over time, incorporating features for different cable types and connector standards.

Purpose of Network Cable Pliers

The main purpose of network cable pliers is to prepare network cables for connection. They can cut the cable to the desired length, strip the outer insulation to expose the inner wires, and crimp RJ45 (or other) connectors onto the cable ends. This enables the cable to be plugged into network devices like routers, switches, and computers, facilitating data communication by ensuring proper electrical connections between the wires and the connectors.

Principle of Network Cable Pliers

Network cable pliers operate through mechanical force applied by the user. The cutting function works similarly to regular wire cutters, using sharp edges to cut through the cable's insulation and conductors. The stripping function uses adjustable jaws to precisely remove the outer jacket without damaging the inner wires. The crimping function utilizes a crimping mechanism that compresses the connector onto the wires, ensuring a secure fit. The design of the pliers allows for sequential operations, often with built-in guides and stops to ensure proper cable preparation and connector installation.

Features of Network Cable Pliers

• Cutting Function: Equipped with sharp cutting edges to cleanly cut network cables, ensuring the cable ends are straight and ready for further processing. This helps in achieving proper cable lengths and reduces the risk of signal interference from frayed ends.
• Stripping Function: Has adjustable stripping jaws or blades to remove the outer insulation at precise lengths, crucial for exposing the correct amount of inner wires for connector attachment. Different settings may be available for various cable diameters.
• Crimping Function: Features a crimping mechanism, usually with a die that matches the shape of the connector, such as RJ45. The crimping action presses the connector onto the wires, deforming it slightly to hold the wires firmly in place and make electrical contact.
• Versatility: Some network cable pliers can handle different types of network cables, including Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7, adapting to different cable thicknesses and connector types, making them versatile for various networking projects.

Types of Network Cable Pliers

• Combined Function Pliers: Integrate cutting, stripping, and crimping functions in one tool, offering convenience and efficiency. They are commonly used in both professional and DIY network installations due to their all-in-one design.
• Specialized Crimping Pliers: Focus primarily on the crimping function and may offer more precise crimping for specific connector types or cable grades, ensuring high-quality connections, especially in professional data center installations.
• Automatic Crimping Pliers: Some advanced models have automatic crimping mechanisms, which can apply consistent pressure, reducing the risk of human error in crimping and improving connection reliability, typically used in high-volume cable termination tasks.

Precautions for using Network Cable Pliers

• Safety Gear: Wear safety glasses to protect against flying debris when cutting cable insulation. Although network cable work is generally low-risk, debris from cutting can cause eye injury.
• Proper Handling: Use the correct setting for the cable type and connector. Incorrect stripping or crimping can lead to poor network performance or cable damage. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cable preparation and connector installation.
• Tool Maintenance: Clean the pliers regularly, especially the cutting and crimping parts, to prevent debris buildup that could affect performance. Check for blade sharpness and crimping die integrity, and replace worn parts if necessary.
• Quality of Cables and Connectors:[!--empirenews.page--] Use high-quality network cables and connectors. Poor-quality materials can lead to unreliable connections, even with proper use of the pliers. Ensure the cable and connector specifications match the network requirements.

Things to consider when purchasing Network Cable Pliers

• Functionality: Decide whether you need combined function pliers for general use or specialized pliers for specific tasks. Consider if you need advanced features like automatic crimping, depending on the scale and complexity of your network projects.
• Compatibility: Ensure the pliers are compatible with the cable types and connector standards you will be using, such as RJ45, RJ11, or other connectors, and the relevant cable categories like Cat5e, Cat6, etc.
• Quality and Brand: Opt for a reputable brand known for manufacturing reliable network cable pliers, especially for professional or critical network installations, to ensure accurate and durable cable terminations.
• Accessories: Some pliers may come with spare blades, crimping dies, or cable testing tools, which can be useful for maintaining and troubleshooting network connections. Check what accessories are included or available separately.

Terms of Network Cable Pliers

• Cutting Edges: The sharp parts of the pliers used to cut network cables. Properly sharpened cutting edges ensure clean cuts without damaging the inner wires, which is crucial for network performance.
• Stripping Jaws/Blades: The parts of the pliers used to remove the outer insulation from network cables. They should be adjustable and accurate to expose the correct length of inner wires for connector attachment.
• Crimping Mechanism: The part of the pliers that compresses the connector onto the cable wires, ensuring electrical and mechanical connection. The crimping die's shape and quality affect the connection's reliability.
• Die (for crimping): The part of the crimping mechanism that matches the shape of the connector, pressing the connector onto the wires. Different dies are used for different connector types and cable categories.
• Cable Categories (e.g., Cat5, Cat6): Refers to different specifications of network cables, indicating their performance capabilities. Network cable pliers should be compatible with the cable category you are using to ensure proper handling and connection.