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Print & Go DIY Cable Installation Tool Checklist
Written by Dave Harris, trueCABLE Technical Specialist
Getting your home or small business network in place is easier than you might think. The primary obstacle for many is identifying what tools you'll need to complete the task. Our Cable Academy has many resources on different aspects of choosing a cable and steps needed to complete your installation.
Preparations for your installation and where to source
These are the basic tools to get you started. trueCABLE now offers many of the cabling tools. For the others, we recommend Amazon or your local hardware or home improvement store. Because different termination options require their own specific tools, we have listed termination tools in their own section. Other installation and construction tools are listed in the sections that follow.
Basic Tools Needed For Ethernet Cable Termination
- Impact punch-down tool or Specialized keystone jack tool
- Ethernet cable jacket stripper
- Micro flush cutters
- Parallel crimp pliers or Slip-joint pliers
- Ethernet cable jacket stripper
- Micro flush cutters
- Parallel crimp pliers or Slip-joint pliers
- Ethernet cable jacket stripper
- Micro flush cutters
- RJ45 termination crimp tool
- Ethernet cable jacket stripper
- Micro flush cutters
- Small metal dowel rod (screwdriver shaft)
- Gloves
- Strain-Relief Boots
Basic Tools Needed For Running Ethernet Cable Through Conduit
- Large slip-joint pliers
- Multi screwdriver
- Pull string
- Fish tape
- Cable lubricant
- Swivels and Cable grips
- Electrical tape
- Tape measure
- Cable spool holder, aka reel caddy
Basic Tools Needed For Running Ethernet Cable Through Walls
- Stud finder
- Flexible glow rods
- Pull string
- Ship auger drill bit
- Long flexible drill bit
- Multi screwdriver
- Electric drill driver
- Electrical tape
- Tape measure
- Cable spool holder, aka reel caddy
Basic Tools Needed For Installation of Wall Mounted Receptacle
- Multi screwdriver
- Electric drill driver
- Drywall saw
- Stud finder
- Pencil
- Level
- Tape measure
Testing
- Cable tester [see Testing 10Gigabit Ethernet Over Copper on a Shoestring Budget]
Specialty Tools That May Be Needed
- Concrete drill bit
- Hammer drill
- Measuring wheel or laser range finder (used to avoid the 1" too short cable problem you don't want to have)
Download & Print this checklist here:
Going Through The Steps
Our “Cable Academy” offers a wide range of instructive and tutorial topics to help guide you through each phase: the planning, preparation, execution and troubleshooting of your Ethernet cable network, regardless of whether it’s outdoor or indoor.
Be sure to read this post on Top 5 Things to Consider When Running Ethernet Cable, before you begin the process. We can also help you determine the best cable type for your budget and long-range network goals. Reach out if you need help on which type of cable to go with.
We’d also love to hear from you on questions you might have or things that you’re doing to make the job easier. Please drop a comment in the section below to share your insights or challenges.
trueCABLE presents the information on our website, including the “Cable Academy” blog and live chat support, as a service to our customers and other visitors to our website subject to our website terms and conditions. While the information on this website is about data networking and electrical issues, it is not professional advice and any reliance on such material is at your own risk.
