How to Crimp UTP Cables to RJ-45 Connectors

In order to connect networking devices or individual computers, network cable – otherwise known as category 5 or unshielded twisted pair cable – is required.  These cables can be purchased from any office supply, computer, or big box store available.  The trouble with purchasing the cables at a retail location is that they are expensive.

If you have a need for a long cable, you will pay a great deal for it.  Instead, with a spool of cable, and a crimping tool, you can customize build your own cables in a much more cost effective way.

1. Measure twice, and cut once.  Be certain that you accurately measure the length of cable required in order to connect the networking device and the hardware device.  Remember that you cannot measure in a straight line, you will want to measure along the line where the cable will lie.  This could mean accounting for the height of a doorway or ceiling.  Always add about six inches to your measured length.  It is better to have some extra room, than not enough.


2. Insert the cable into the stripping hole on your wire crimper.  Strip plastic sheathing off of the cable in order to expose the colored wires underneath.  Once exposed, the wires will need to be untwisted, as they will need to be ordered in a specific manner before completing the end.


3. Order the exposed wires in the following manner – white, green, green, white, orange, blue, white, blue, orange, white, brown.  The order must be exact, and is standard for a cable that will be connecting hardware to a switch, router, hub, or network card.  If the goal is to connect two computers directly without a router or switch in between, order the wires in the following manner – white, orange, orange, white, green, blue, white, blue, green, white, brown, and brown. 


4. Ensure that the wire ends are the same length, and if they are not, cut off the excess using the wire cutting end of your crimping tool.  Make sure that you maintain the appropriate order of the colored wires as you insert the exposed sires into the opening on the RJ-45 jack.  Insert the wires all the way into the port, and then insert the jack into the crimping hole on your wire stripping tool.


5. Complete the process for the other end of the cable.  Label the cables once completed as networking (first configuration) or file sharing (second configuration).  Test your cables in a non-critical setting before you have to depend on them to ensure that they are working properly.  If they are not, the ordering of the wire may have changed in the crimping process, and you will need to cut the end and repeat the process.