The need to cut and secure wires will probably arise if you’re installing or repairing cables for your home. Here is a detailed tutorial on how to use a punch down tool.
The punch down tool, which is a small hand tool also known as a krone tool, is most frequently used by telecom and data network technicians to install wiring for telephone, computer, and various audio networks.
Continue reading, this article includes what is punch down tool and how to use it correctly.
Table of Contents
What is a Punch Down Tool?
What a punch down tool is used for may not be clear to some people. A punch down tool is a compact but practical hand tool used in low-voltage or communications applications.
It can also be named as RJ45 punch down tool, ID tool, or Krone tool. When terminating wires for telephone, audio, computer, and other network installations, people frequently use the punch down tool.
The handle, an interchangeable blade, and an internal spring mechanism make up the majority of the punch down tool’s three components. The blade will press the wire into the IDC (Insulation Displacement Conductor) slot when you use the punch down tool to press on the Ethernet cable wires, triggering an internal spring mechanism that will cut and fix the wires.
In addition to cutting any extra wires, the punch down blade is also used to connect wires to slots.
How to Use a Punch Down Tool?
You’ll inevitably need to cut and secure wires when it comes time to install or repair cables. Your connections could short out if your wiring is exposed, which is dangerous.
In order to ensure that your wires are secure and to aid in trimming and containing the wires in a simple jack, you must use a punch down tool. How then should the punch down tool be used? Here, we provide you with a reference guide.
Step One: Strip Back the Cable Jacket
Always leave about 2.5 inches (6.0 cm) of cable at the end, it should be noted. Then, spin the cable around a few times in the cable stripping tool or modular crimping tool. then take off your jacket.
Stripping back the cable will help you remove the jacket to expose enough of the cable, so you can separate it.
Step Two: Expose the Wires
You will have a few inches of cable exposed after removing the cable jacket.
Then gently pull away from the wire pairs from the center of the cable so they fan out.
Separate the wire pairs by twisting in a counterclockwise motion.
To make them simpler to terminate, try to straighten the ends as much as you can.
Step Three: Place the Cable Wires in the Jack
Set the cable into the jack’s block after removing the protective cover from the top. Make sure that each wire is inserted into its own distinct slot and that it corresponds to either the A or B configuration. The conductor wires should be extending out of the jack.
Step Four: Terminate the Conductor Wires
To cut the conductor wires, use your punch down tool to apply pressure to them. The jack’s long, sturdy side should come into contact with the blade’s angled (cut) portion. Additionally, this will guarantee that the cut wires are flush with the jack.
Step Five: Inspect the Wires
Check each wire to make sure it doesn’t stick out the side of the jack. The edge of the cable jacket should also be close to the jack’s base and the wires you just terminated. Wires should be firmly attached. Take a wire cutter and carefully trim any wires that are protruding from the side of the jack if you see them.
Step Six: Place a Dust Cap on the Jack.
To shield the wires, snap the dust caps into place. This will keep the connection secure and can prevent strain on the wires. A flat-head screwdriver inserted into the side indentations of the dust cap will easily pop off the dust cap.
Conclusion: How to Use a Punch Down Tool
How to use the punch down tool is explained in detail in this article.
Punch down tools are easy to use and a great helper for your network wiring, which can save a lot of time in the process of termination.
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FAQs
Why Do We Use Punch Down Tool?
It is used for inserting wire into insulation-displacement connectors on punch down blocks, patch panels, keystone modules, and surface mount boxes.
How Does a Punch Down Block Work?
Short, open-ended slots that act as insulation displacement connectors are punched with solid copper wires.
Do You Have to Use a Punch Down Tool?
When it comes to repair or install Ethernet cable, you’ll inevitably need to cut and position wires. Your connections could break due to exposed wires, which is dangerous. Punch down tool thus is necessary to ensure that your wires are secure, and meanwhile to help trim and contain the wires in a basic jack.