Platinum Tools EZ-RJ45 CAT5/5e Connectors (Jar of 100) - 202003J

I've tried a lot of RJ45 plugs, and these are the easiest and fastest I've ever seen. In fact, I'm not sure why anyone ever designed them any different!When I first received these, I did not realize that you needed a special crimping tool. I've tried using side-nippers, but there is a nub on the end of RJ45 connectors which prevents one side of the nippers from making contact with the wires. The only way to cut them is with a straight-blade directly down on the wires.Since I did not want to spend $60 on their special crimpers, I looked for other ways. The BEST way I've found is to use the straight blade cutter on regular crimpers. My regular crimpers have an area for cutting wires using a long straight blade on one side and a half-length one on the other side. Next to the half-length blade is just metal from the handle that pushes against the other longer blade to cut on just one side. That is what I used. You have to hold the plug really steady, but it works fine.I was going to give this product a 3-star on account of the requirement of a special tool, but when I figured out how to trim without the special tool, I will easily give this product a 5-star.

The connectors are good quality, which accounts for the price. However, the crimper tool that's required fails to punch down one of the pins occasionally. Additionally, the cutter blade often doesn't make a clean cut and you have to shave off the hanging pieces with a razor or sharp knife. All in all with the visual aid of confirming your color code they're worth the money.

**This is gonna sound like an infommercial or a planted review but its the real deal. I was hopin this review other cable guys who've had the same issue. Im a Tech 4 working out of Northpoint Prkwy Office in WPB. Here goes:Im a Business Services tech for Comcast, meaning when a commercial install need to be done, I get it; I quickly found out how easy it is to screw up RJ45 fittings. All it takes it for 1 color to be out of place and the internet won't work. I had one install where I had to recut the connector 5 times, which takes time and adds alot of stress! I decided to look for an easier way - and THIS is it!! Yes, Platinum's connectors and the crimping tool are a little pricey, BUT anything that makes my life easier Ill gladly pay for. Even my most judgmental, pessimistic coworkers - once they see how fast, proffesional looking, and perfect the "custom" ethernet cables come out..long story short, they used to make fun, now they are jealous. Now, I end up crankin out the rj45's when I assist on their installs; Im sure they can do it, but with the Platnium stuff, I only have to do it ONCE. If u do custom installs - try it, youll thank me!!

What can I say that hasn't already been said here? These connectors do cost more (like 8x) than similar connectors, but they are worth it. First, they are the proper size. I thought RJ-45 connector size was standard, but I have found that the cheaper connectors these are replacing to be smaller than the Platinum Tools connectors. These will maintain their secure connection in the socket.Second, being able to thread the individual wires all the way through the connector is invaluable, and has saved me a bunch of headaches. No more re-cutting the cable because the original cut left the wires too short or too long; no more wondering if one of the wires was too short in the connector.I used these with the Platinum Tools crimper, which was also pricier than a standard crimp tool, but also worth it.

Though better than the ones that don't allow you to get the wires out still not as simple as they showed in the video I saw you really have to watch the color code to get each wire in the correct position. And you need to straighten each wire a lot more than the video I watched it took some time to get them in the correct position to crimp and cut the ends off. Just be aware that if the position is not right it won't work as needed for network cable.

It is such a brilliantly simple concept I can't understand why it took so long to invent these things, nor why they have not become a universal standard! The simple trick of allowing the wires to extend beyond the end of the connector, to be trimmed after crimping, makes these far easier and quicker to fit (takes about half the time!) than conventional RJ45 connectors.The downside is that if you don't have a VERY expensive purpose-made crimp tool then you need to trim the wires afterward, and I found this to be trickier than expected if I wanted to keep things neat. Nonetheless, having used EZ-RJ45 I won't go back to conventional connectors

Love these connectors! The pull though wire is must style for me. I'm new to this stuff but with the Platinum tool EZRJPRO and these connectors I look like I've been doing it for years. Not one problem yet. Have installed about 50 of these so far and I don't find it to be a chore at all. My surveillance system is just about complete now. The you tube video Platinum Tools have on their website explains how to do it perfectly. Thank you!

I've been making CAT5 cables for over 20 years and this plug is the best I've ever used. No more testing cables after you create them to make sure nothing got twisted during the insert. You can see if the wires are in the right order before you crimp. Saves me a ton of time.