10 Must-have Network Cabling Tools in Your Tool Bag

Are you tired of network installation nightmares and the frustration of working without the right tools? Having the right tools can mean a difference between a smooth installation and a troubleshooting headache. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or network technician, these ten must-have network cabling tools will help you build a robust and reliable network infrastructure.

What is Network Cabling?

Network cabling is often classified into point-to-point cabling and structured cabling. It is designed to connect the computer and other network devices within a network. A complete network cabling usually consists of cables, connectors, and related network hardware, including routers, computers, switches, and access points.

Network cabling serves as the backbone of a modern network infrastructure that enables the device to share and exchange information efficiently. Properly installed network cabling systems are beneficial to network performance and long-term maintenance.

Network cabling systems are used in different scenarios with the development of automation and IoT, including homes, offices, data centers, and other industrial environments.

10 Must-have Network Cabling Tools

High-quality and functional network cabling tools are essential for a perfect network cabling system at home or office. Here are the top ten network cabling tools every DIY enthusiast, technician, and professional should have:

RJ45 Crimping Tool

A helpful cable crimping tool is essential for Ethernet cable termination. There are different types of RJ45 crimping tools on the market. The two most common RJ45 crimping tools are available for pass-thru and non-pass-thru RJ45 connectors, but they can not replace each other. The good idea is to choose an all-in-one crimping tool! You can use just one tool to terminate pass-thru and non-pass-thru RJ45 connectors, connectors with ground tails, and shielded and unshielded Ethernet cables. These all-in-one crimping tools only require an adjustment to terminate different category cables.

Cable Cutter

Don’t underestimate the importance of a small cable cutter. It's important for creating neat and properly sized cables. A sharp cable cutter can easily cut an Ethernet cable to your desired length. A mini cable cutter is recommended if you don’t want it to take up too much space in your tool bag.

Punch Down Tool

The punch down tool is a hand tool often used for terminating and connecting wires in telecommunications and networking. If you use keystone jacks and patch panels in your network installation, punch down tools are essential. Punch down tools come in various blades such as 66, 110, and Krone blades. 66 blades are usually used for termination of telephone lines, while 110 and Krone blades are used to punch down Ethernet cables.

Wire Stripper

You should remove the outer insulation from the Ethernet cables and expose the individual wires for termination. Some professionals will use a pair of scissors to strip cables, but they may damage the copper wire and affect the termination. You’d better have a professional wire stripper or mini wire stripper for a clean and precise cut.

RJ45 Strain Relief Boot

RJ45 strain relief boots are small yet valuable network cabling tools that can enhance the durability and protection of Ethernet cables. You know that Ethernet cables are prone to damage, and these small items are designed to protect the cable near the connector from damage caused by bending, twisting, and pulling for durability. RJ45 strain relief boots come in various colors, making them easy to identify. Color coding can simplify cable management and troubleshooting, so strain relief boots can also contribute to improved cable management.

Ethernet Cable Tester

Some people may forget the last step of Ethernet cable termination. After cable termination, you need to use the cable tester to check the integrity of your Ethernet cable. A professional Ethernet cable tester has the function of continuity testing, pinout verification, length measurement, and cable type identification. Some Ethernet cable testers even include a tone generator that allows you to trace another end of cables within walls. Ethernet cable testers are essential network cabling tools for maintaining and troubleshooting network installations. They help ensure that network cables are correctly installed, reducing downtime and improving network reliability. But these professional cable testers are usually very expensive; if you’re on a budget crunch, a very basic Ethernet cable tester is enough.

Cable Management Tools

Have you ever been frustrated by cable clutters and tangling cables? You may ignore the essential part of network installation - cable management tools. There are many cable management tools on the market, providing an efficient solution to cable arrangement in various environments such as data centers, offices, homes, and other industrial settings.

Common cable management tools include cable zip ties, Velco, cable raceways, and cable labels. If you don’t want your cable exposed, raceways can be used to conceal and organize cables. These items are wall-mounted, so don’t worry that they are space-eating. Cable zip ties and Velco usually help you bundle and fasten cables without adhesive. Cable labels and tags are used for easy identification during installation, maintenance, or troubleshooting.

Patch Panels and Server Racks

Patch panels provide a network cable termination and management solution, while server racks offer a standardized and secure mounting platform for various network hardware. Patch panels are often paired with server racks and cabinets to create a structured and organized network environment. They are also an important part of cable management, simplifying cable troubleshooting and testing.

Pass-thru Connectors

These tiny connectors serve as an important part of network installation. There are different types of RJ45 plugs on the market, but pass-thru connectors are more recommended for network beginners and small-place network installation. Some professionals may think pass-thru connectors are exposed to air and easily oxidized, but they are enough for home use. Why not choose these easy-to-install connectors for a successful network installation?

Keystone Jack

Users often use patch cables for temporary network connection, but keystone jacks are fundamental to long-distance and structured cabling systems. Keystone jacks are divided into different types, such as shielded and unshielded types, punch down, and toolless keystone jacks, and you can choose the most suitable one according to your own needs. Punch down keystone jacks are often used with punch down tools.

Whether in home, office, data centers, or industrial settings, keystone jacks help create a reliable and efficient network connection.

Final Thoughts

Not all network installers or IT technicians have these ten Ethernet cabling tools, and they may also have other useful tools such as precision screwdriver sets and cable trackers. Still, the above tools may be the best choice for everyone whether you’re a network beginner or a professional.

For more information on this topic, you can keep up on our blogs. While VCELINK offers general and basic information for our customers and other visitors to the website, it’s not professional advice.