What Is a 10Gig Termination Kit and Do You Need One?

The Quick Answer

If you've been doing Cat5e or Cat6 terminations and are moving into Cat6A territory, your existing tools and connectors almost certainly won't work. Cat6A cable is physically larger than Cat6, and its connectors and crimp dies are a different size. A 10Gig termination kit solves this by giving you every Cat6A-specific component you need in a single package.

Let's break down exactly what "10Gig" means, what's in these kits, and how to decide if you need one.

What Does "10Gig" Actually Mean?

In the context of termination kits, "10Gig" refers to 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE), which is a network speed standard that transfers data at 10 billion bits per second. That's ten times faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet, which is what most Cat6 and Cat5e installations support today.

To achieve 10GbE over copper cabling at the full 100-meter distance defined by the standard, you need Category 6A (Cat6A) cable. Cat6A is specified to operate at frequencies up to 500 MHz, double what Cat6 supports (250 MHz). This higher bandwidth is what enables reliable 10-Gigabit data transfer.

The key physical difference is size. Cat6A cable has a thicker jacket (roughly 25-30% larger outer diameter than Cat6), a bulkier internal separator, and sometimes uses larger 22 AWG conductors instead of the standard 23 AWG. These physical differences are why Cat6A requires its own connectors and tools. For a deeper comparison, see our full Cat6 vs Cat6A breakdown.

Why 10Gig Requires Different Tools and Connectors

If you're coming from Cat5e or Cat6 work, you might wonder why you can't just use your existing crimp tool and connectors on Cat6A cable. The answer is straightforward: nothing fits.

• The connectors are different. Cat6A's thicker jacket (7.5-8mm vs 6mm for Cat6) will not fit into a Cat6 connector's strain relief area. The larger internal separator in Cat6A cable takes up space that Cat6 connectors were not designed to accommodate. Using the wrong connector leads to wires that can't seat fully, crimps that don't hold, and terminations that fail on a cable tester. This is the number-one reason Cat6A crimps fail.
• The crimp tool die is different. ezEX48 Cat6A connectors have different external dimensions than EZ-RJ45 Cat6 connectors. A Cat6 crimp tool die will crush or deform a Cat6A connector. The differences between EZ-RJ45 and ezEX connectors are significant enough that using the wrong tool destroys the connector.
• The cable prep is different. Cat6A requires approximately 1.25 inches of jacket stripped (vs about 1 inch for Cat6), and the larger separator must be trimmed flush. A cable stripper with adjustable depth is essential to avoid nicking the larger conductors inside Cat6A cable.

A 10Gig termination kit solves all three of these issues by bundling matched components that are specifically designed to work together on Cat6A cable.

What's in a 10Gig Termination Kit

The Platinum Tools 10Gig Termination Kit (Part #90170) is the standard 10Gig kit, priced at $249.99. Here is what it includes and what each component does.

The core value proposition is that every component in the kit is matched. The crimp tool works with the connectors. The connectors fit Cat6A cable. The stripper handles the larger jacket diameter. There's no guesswork about compatibility.

What's Not in the Kit

Most 10Gig termination kits, including the Platinum Tools 90170, do not include a cable tester. This is worth noting because you will need to test every termination. At minimum, you need a wiremap tester like the VDV MapMaster 3.0 ($149.99) to verify pin continuity. For full 10Gig speed certification, the Net Chaser Ethernet Speed Certifier ($699.99) validates actual throughput. If you don't already own a tester, factor that cost into your budget. See our cable tester buying guide for help choosing.

Kit vs. Buying Pieces Individually

The primary question most installers ask is whether the kit is a better deal than buying each component separately. Here's the math.

Looking at the raw component costs, the kit carries a premium over buying pieces individually. However, the kit includes a larger quantity of connectors than a single retail pack, plus the matched carrying case. More importantly, the kit eliminates any risk of buying incompatible components. If you are new to Cat6A work, the kit is the safer purchase.

When to Buy the Kit

• You're starting Cat6A work from scratch. If you don't own any Cat6A-rated tools, the kit is the fastest way to get everything you need in one purchase.
• You want guaranteed compatibility. Every component is matched. No risk of buying the wrong die, the wrong connector, or a stripper that can't handle Cat6A's jacket diameter.
• You want professional presentation. The carrying case keeps your Cat6A tools organized and separate from your Cat5e/Cat6 tools, which prevents grabbing the wrong tool on a job.

When to Buy Individually

• You already own the EzEX Crimp Tool. If you've been doing Cat6 work with the EzEX Crimp Tool, it already has the correct die for ezEX48 Cat6A connectors. You just need the connectors and potentially a stripper.
• You prefer the PTS PRO Universal. The kit includes the EzEX Crimp Tool, but the PTS PRO Universal Crimp Tool is an alternative that handles EZ-RJ45, ezEX, and standard connectors. If you'd rather consolidate to one tool, buy it separately.
• You need a specific connector count. If you have a large Cat6A job and need bulk quantities of ezEX48 connectors beyond what the kit includes, buying tools and connectors separately lets you order the exact quantities you need.

Who Needs a 10Gig Termination Kit

You Need This Kit If...

• You're a data center technician. Data centers are the primary environment for 10GbE copper. If you're terminating Cat6A runs in a data center, this is standard equipment.
• You're a commercial network installer. Enterprise offices, hospitals, schools, and government buildings are increasingly specifying Cat6A for new installations. If Cat6A is on your job specs, you need the tools.
• You're running new construction cabling. Cat6A is the standard recommendation for future-proofing new builds. Even if the network runs at 1 Gbps today, Cat6A cabling supports 10 Gbps when the switches and endpoints eventually upgrade.
• You're upgrading a network backbone. Switch-to-switch and switch-to-server links benefit most from 10GbE. If you're replacing backbone cabling with Cat6A, you need the right termination tools.

You Probably Don't Need It If...

• You only do residential Cat5e/Cat6 work. Home networks run at 1 Gbps. Cat5e and Cat6 handle that fine at residential distances. The standard Clamshell EZ-RJ45 Starter Kit or EzEX-RJ45/RJ11 Termination Kit covers residential work.
• You're making short patch cables. For patch cables under 10 meters in a home or small office, Cat6 is more than sufficient for 10GbE at those short distances. You don't need Cat6A tools for patch cables.
• Your current work is all Cat5e/Cat6 with no Cat6A on the horizon. There's no benefit to buying Cat6A tools if you're not working with Cat6A cable. The tools are specific to Cat6A connectors and don't offer any advantage on Cat5e/Cat6.

How to Evaluate a 10Gig Termination Kit

Not all kits are created equal. If you're comparing options, here are the factors that separate a professional-grade kit from a budget kit that will cost you more in wasted connectors and failed terminations.

Crimp Tool Quality

The crimp tool is the most important component. Look for a precision ratchet mechanism that ensures a complete crimp cycle every time. The ratchet prevents you from releasing the tool mid-crimp, which produces a partial crimp that looks fine but fails under load. The tool should have a built-in trim blade that cuts pass-through conductors flush during the crimp cycle. Steel construction and ergonomic grips matter for all-day use. The EzEX Crimp Tool included in the Platinum Tools kit checks all of these boxes.

Connector Count and Quality

Check how many connectors come in the kit. You'll waste some learning the technique, and every Cat6A job needs spares. The connectors should be specifically rated for Cat6A cable with enlarged internal geometry for the thicker jacket and larger separator. Gold-plated contacts (50-micron minimum) ensure reliable electrical connections. The ezEX48 connectors in the 10Gig kit meet all of these criteria.

Does It Include a Tester?

Most termination kits do not include a cable tester. This is not a dealbreaker, but it's important to know before you're on a job site with no way to verify your work. If you need a kit with testing built in, the Net Chaser Deluxe Kit ($849.99) bundles the Net Chaser Ethernet Speed Certifier with accessories, but it's a testing kit rather than a termination kit. Most professionals own both a termination kit and a tester as separate purchases.

Carrying Case

This sounds minor, but on a job site it matters. A good carrying case keeps your Cat6A tools organized and separate from your Cat5e/Cat6 tools. Mixing tools is how you end up using the wrong crimp die on the wrong connector. A dedicated case eliminates that risk.

The Platinum Tools 10Gig Termination Kit in Detail

The Platinum Tools 10Gig Termination Kit (Part #90170) is the primary 10Gig termination kit we recommend. At $249.99, it bundles professional-grade components that are purpose-built for Cat6A 10-Gigabit installations.

Key Strengths

• Guaranteed compatibility. The EzEX Crimp Tool is factory-matched to the ezEX48 connectors. No die mismatches, no crushed connectors.
• Backwards compatible. The EzEX Crimp Tool also crimps EZ-RJ45 Cat5/5e and Cat6 connectors, so it replaces your existing EZ-RJ45 crimp tool rather than adding to your toolbag.
• Professional carrying case. Keeps your Cat6A tools organized and separated from other tools, preventing accidental use of the wrong tool on the wrong connector.

What You'll Want to Add

• A cable tester. The kit does not include one. At minimum, add a VDV MapMaster 3.0 for wiremap testing. For full speed certification, the Net Chaser proves your links run at 10 Gbps.
• Additional connectors. If you're doing a large Cat6A pull, you'll need more ezEX48 connectors than the kit includes. Order extra packs so you don't run out mid-job.
• Shielded connectors (if applicable). If you're working with shielded Cat6A (STP) cable, you'll need the Cat6A/7 Shielded Connector instead of or in addition to the unshielded ezEX48.

How the 10Gig Kit Compares to Other Kits

CrimpShop carries several termination kits at different price points. Here's how they compare so you can choose the right one for your work.

The 10Gig Termination Kit is the only kit that includes Cat6A-rated connectors and a crimp tool with the correct die set for those connectors. The EzEX-RJ45/RJ11 Kit includes the same crimp tool (which is technically compatible with ezEX48 connectors), but it ships with Cat5e/Cat6 connectors rather than Cat6A connectors. If you're doing Cat6A work, the 10Gig Kit is the right starting point.

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• Why Your Cat6A Crimps Keep Failing (And How to Fix Them)
• EZ-RJ45 vs ezEX Connectors: Which Do You Need?
• How to Crimp an RJ45 Connector
• Best Network Cable Testers for Every Budget
• Pass-Through vs Standard RJ45 Connectors