Category 5 cables (or Cat-5 cables) are the most used to connect a computer network. They come in various predefined sizes, but creating and crimping them yourself can be a more efficient method of limiting the cabling costs of large networks. Crimping a Cat-5 cable is a simple process that requires few tools.
Steps
Step 1. Determine the number of Cat-5 cables you will need
If you need a few cables to wire a home network or small network, seriously consider buying ready-made cables at a computer equipment store. If you need something different, try to get an estimate of the total length of cables you will need.
Step 2. Purchase the tools needed to create the cables
You will need to buy 3 things: a roll of Cat-5 cable, enough RJ-45 heads and a crimping tool. Cat-5 cables are easily purchased at computer stores; the large chains hardly provide rolls of cable. The plastic end of each cable is called an RJ-45 head, and it can be bought at regular computer stores. Each cable needs 2 heads, so for each cable you make you will need to buy two heads. When purchasing a Cat-5 cable crimping tool, look for a model that provides the tool for cutting / stripping the cable. To be safe, buy more meters of cable and more heads than you need (mistakes can always be made).
Step 3. Cut the cable to the right length
Determine the length of your cable and cut it with the cutting tool on the crimping tool.
Step 4. Prepare the ends of the cable for crimping
Use the crimping tool's cutting tool to pry off about 10-15mm of the sheath from each end of the cable. You will see 8 colored wires rolled into 4 pairs. Carefully separate each pair so that you have 8 separate cables. Now, arrange the cables in the correct order. From left to right, arrange the cables in this order: green and white, green, white orange, blue, blue and white, orange, white and brown, brown.
Step 5. Place the heads of the Cat-5 cable into the RJ-45 connectors
Step 6. Determine the orientation of the cables (as shown in the image)
Step 7. Line up the 8 cables neatly so that they fit into the plastic head
Carefully insert all cables (all together) into the RJ-45 head, pushing them as far as possible. The metal part of the cables will line up with the metal contacts on the print head.
Step 8. Crimp the head onto the cable
Place the plastic head in the crimp slot, making sure you don't move the 8 colored cables. Apply pressure to the crimper levers to secure the head on the cable. The metal blades should now be in contact with all 8 colored wires. Repeat the process for the other end of the cable.
Step 9. Perform a cable test
If you have a cable test tool, insert the ends of the cable and test the signal. The cable should be ready to use.
