Quick answer
To make your own Cat6 patch cables you need six things: bulk Cat6 cable, a jacket stripper, RJ45 plugs, strain reliefs if you want boots, a crimp tool that matches the plugs, and a cable tester. From our catalog, that is the Cat5/6 Cable Jacket Stripper (15015C), EZ-RJ45 Cat6 plugs (100010C, 50 per clamshell), Cat6 strain reliefs (100036C, 50 per clamshell), the PTS PRO Universal Crimp Tool (12520C) and the LanSeeker Cable Tester (TP500C). We do not sell the cable. If you only need two or three cables, buy them pre-made; the tools cost more than a few finished cables.
The shopping list
| Item | Our pick | Price | Part | Sold as | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable | Not sold here | Not sold here | None | Not sold here | Bulk Cat6 or Cat5e from a cable supplier |
| Jacket stripper | Cat5/6 Cable Jacket Stripper | $12.81 | 15015C | 1 tool | Strips the outer jacket; Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6, 0.18 to 0.25 in jacket |
| Plugs | EZ-RJ45 Cat6 | $37.50 | 100010C | 50 per clamshell | Pass-through, so you can check the wire order before you crimp |
| Strain reliefs | Strain Reliefs Cat6 | $14.30 | 100036C | 50 per clamshell | Boots made for the EZ-RJ45 Cat6 plug |
| Crimp tool | PTS PRO Universal | $85.88 | 12520C | 1 tool | Crimps EZ-RJ45 plugs, plus ezEX and standard plugs |
| Tester | LanSeeker Cable Tester | $80.08 | TP500C | 1 tester | Pass/fail check of the wiring on each cable |
There is no single box in our catalog with everything for this job. Our kits page holds kits for other jobs, such as shielded termination and punch-down.
Each item, and what it does not do
Cable
We do not sell bulk cable. Buy Cat6 for Cat6 plugs, or Cat5e with the EZ-RJ45 Cat5/5e plugs (100003C). Patch cables are usually made with stranded cable because it flexes better. Check that your plug is made for your conductor type (solid or stranded) and gauge before you buy.
Cat5/6 Cable Jacket Stripper (15015C)
The Cat5/6 Cable Jacket Stripper strips Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6 cable with a jacket from 0.18 to 0.25 in. Platinum lists it for Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6. Cat6A is not on that list, so do not count on it for Cat6A cable.
EZ-RJ45 Cat6 plugs (100010C)
The EZ-RJ45 Cat6 is a pass-through plug: the conductors pass out the front of the plug, so you can see the wire order before you crimp. That is the main reason we suggest it for someone making their first cables. It comes 50 to a clamshell and needs the EZ-RJ45 die (the shaped jaw in the crimp tool that presses the plug onto the wires).
Strain reliefs (100036C)
The Cat6 strain reliefs are boots made for the EZ-RJ45 Cat6 plug, 50 to a clamshell. Slide one onto the cable before you put the plug on. They are optional.
PTS PRO Universal Crimp Tool (12520C)
The PTS PRO Universal crimps EZ-RJ45 plugs, which is what you need for the plugs above. It also crimps ezEX and standard RJ45 plugs, so it still fits if you change plugs later.
LanSeeker Cable Tester (TP500C)
The LanSeeker checks the wiring of a finished cable and gives a pass or fail result with lights: four pair lights, a shield light, four fault lights and a tone light. It has no display, so it does not show cable length. If you want length as well, the VDV MapMaster 3.0 (T130) measures length from 0 to 1,000 ft and finds split pairs.
What it does not do: neither tester certifies a cable or tests its speed.
When to buy pre-made instead
If you need two or three cables of standard length, buy pre-made Ethernet patch cables. The stripper, crimp tool and tester cost more than a few finished cables. Make your own when you need many cables, custom lengths, or cables through tight spaces where a plug has to go on after the cable is pulled. We do not sell pre-made Ethernet patch cables.
How to choose
- Count the cables. A handful: buy pre-made. Dozens, or custom lengths: make your own.
- Match the plug to the cable. Cat6 plug for Cat6, Cat5e plug for Cat5e.
- Match the tool to the plug. EZ-RJ45 plugs need the EZ-RJ45 die. The PTS PRO Universal crimps them.
- Test every cable. A cable that looks right can still be miswired.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a crimping tool to put connectors on Cat6 cable?
Yes, for crimp-on plugs like the EZ-RJ45 Cat6. The plug needs the die its maker specifies; for EZ-RJ45, that is the EZ-RJ45 die, which the PTS PRO Universal crimps.
Do I need a network tester if I crimped the RJ45 correctly?
Yes. A wiring fault inside the plug, such as a wire that does not connect (an open), two wires touching (a short) or two wires swapped, is not always visible from the outside. The LanSeeker gives a pass or fail result with lights. Our cable tester guide shows how to read it.
Is it cheaper to make your own Ethernet cables?
Only if you make enough of them. The tools cost more than a few finished cables. For many cables or custom lengths, making your own can pay off.
Should I use T568A or T568B?
Either works for a straight-through patch cable if both ends match. Pick one as your standard and use it every time. Our crimping guide shows the color order.
Can I use this stripper on Cat6A?
The 15015C is rated for Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6 with a jacket from 0.18 to 0.25 in. Cat6A is not on Platinum's list for it.
Shop the tools
See our connectors, crimp tools and kits.
