AMPCOM STP CAT6A RJ45 Connector Zinc-Alloy Tool-Free Ethernet Field Termination Modular Plug -12 Pack

With these RJ45 connector ends, all one needs is a stripper and clipper. Installation of these ends takes very little time. Don't forget to place the collars on first, and you can have these plug-n-play ready in under five minutes. A/B both included printed on the insert, keeps wires tended and in place until closed. Ground the ends properly and use a tester to confirm proper connectivity. These Ends are the best ends I've found as yet. Less mess than with pass through ends that require specialized crimpers, and less destroyed ends from breakage. The included covers/protectors on the ends keep dust and finger oils from the connection points. Being tool-free allows for quick fixes without having to scrap the whole end. Well worth the time and extra cost of having quality ends that will be maintainable and reusable.

I’ve always had trouble terminating cables in RJ45 connectors. Like lining up the cables just right and terminating with this blue thing is something I’ve never done successfully. I usually wuss out and get a biscuit box instead. This however is a great compromise. I specifically wanted these to correct an error i made when I ran a cable to my rack. It’s way too short and only just goes into the patch panel. With this, I can terminate the existing patch cable end, terminate the end of another length of cable, put them both in a coupler, and then put the other end of the length of the cable into the patch panel. Voilà! From too short to service loop! You just line up the wires in the guide, trim the blue and the brown ones a bit (it really helps to trim each pair separately as they hold the green and orange wires in place on the top row), Place on the connector, press down hard, and it’s in place. *Be sure to open the connector all the way to remove the guard.* Once you screw on the collar, you’re good to go. The reminder for A and B configurations is on the guide itself, and this is the only place you receive instructions. Based on the Chinese on the back, this is a product for the Hong Kong market sold in the US. There are no instructions of any kind, so to an extent, you need to have experience with this. It’s not too difficult to figure out, but some instructions would have been nice. I have no clue what the copper strips are meant for, for instance. Aside from that, you get a heavy-duty Cat 6A connector ready to go and easy to correct if you need to. It also has an exceptional snag-proof tooth so you don’t accidentally snap it off (as we’ve all had happen). I’m very happy with this and how it works. If you know what you’re doing and don’t want to deal with the actual pain of terminating an RJ45 connector normally, I highly recommend this!

The first thing that becomes obvious is that these connectors are quite bulky. Then... in spite of the listing title, tools _are_ required: you will need to cut the cable, strip the outer insulation, and cut the individual conductors to length after inserting them in the wire guide. All that is the usual amount of fiddly, although this wire guide is easier than most I have used for stranded cable. Hint: make sure the closing nut is on the cable before you start. After positioning the wire guide and closing the housing, twist-on the nut (gently - it is easily cross-threaded), then tighten the nut. Then wonder about... strain relief. There is none. There is a curved contact that provides a connection for shielding (the connector comes with copper foil to make that more reliable - but I doubt it will ever be 100%), but it is definitely not strain relief. Once you connect them in a switch, the bulk becomes very noticeable. In high density situations, pushing down the release clip gets complicated since it is hiding behind the bulk of the housing and requires significant force. Conclusion... In a situation where bulk and lack of strain relief are not a factor, and you have your cutting tools but not a crimper handy... sure. For situations where bulk is desirable, I expect strain relief will be a requirement as well, so that would likely be a no-go.

Great quality connectors! Would recommend!