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CRAFT HOME
CRAFT MODULES
MODULE ONE
MODULE TWO
MODULE THREE
MODULE FOUR
 
 
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Module One - Tools and Materials

Ratcheting Crimper - Used to crimp RJ45 connectors onto CAT5 cable. Ratcheting crimpers will not release until the crimp is fully completed - it is recommended that this type of crimper be purchased if possible.
Non-ratcheting Crimper - Although this tool is less expensive, new users may find it less reliable than a ratcheting style because it isn't easy to determine when a crimp is correctly completed.
Cable Jacket Stripper/ UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Jacket Stripper- This is a very useful tool. It is spring loaded to allow it to gently close on the cable jacket. It is then spun once around the jacket, cutting through to an even depth. Used gently, it will not cut the wires inside the cable, but will strip the jacket nicely.

Wire Cutters - A good set of wirecutters like these, or side-cutters, are used to cut both co-axial and twisted pair cable.
CAT 5 Cable- As Noted in Module One Activities, This four-paired cable is available with stranded wires for patch cables, solid core wires for fixed wiring, and plenum-rated style for location in return air spaces. Each is available in several different jacket colours - the colours determined by your organization to reflect the purpose of the wire. Be sure to plan carefully and purchase ample quantities of each type that you will require for building your network.
RJ45 Connectors - Used to terminate your own Patch and Crossover cables, RJ45 Connectors are an essential for networking.
Cable Testers - Several different kinds of testers are available. Each comes with its own instructions that will clearly explain how to test the cabling correctly. A good tester should test to ensure both that twisted pair wires are in the correct order, and that the connection is sound. Some testers will also state whether a cable is a straight-through or a crossover, and will give the length of the cable runs.
Punchdown Tool - Essential for creating the network, punchdown tools are used for connecting wall jacks, patch panels and similar devices.
Wall Jack connectors - These connectors have slots for punching down twisted pair wires, and generally have the wiring standard colour codes marked right on them. Network devices are connected to the network using patch cables (with RJ45 connectors)- one end inserted into these outlets and the other into the device.
Wall Jack mount - Pre-drywall - This jack mount is used for new construction, where drywall installation is occurring after network cabling is completed.
Wall Jack Mount - Post Drywall - These wall jack mounts are used for network and other low voltage installations in existing structures. The drywall is cut to size, the tabs fold down and back through the hole in the wall to grab onto the existing drywall, and the ethernet jacks are mounted with a standard jack face plate as normal.
Ethernet Jack face plate - After the wall jack connectors have been correctly wired, they snap into the back of ethernet jack faceplates, which can then be mounted using the appropriate wall jack mount for the type of installation being done.
Patch Panel - Available in a variety of sizes and styles, from wall mount to rack mount, patch panels are generally available in port multiples of four. CAT5 cable is connected to the back of a patch panel using a punchdown tool.
Fish Tape: This tool is used to pull or push cable through difficult areas such as in walls and under floors. The steel tape spools off the roll and is rigid enough to be pushed through long runs. Fish tape is VERY sturdy for pulling cable through conduit, but cable must be WELL taped to it.
Cable Joe - This device will prevent cable from snagging through tight spaces and corners, especially if running several cables at a time. When running cable for larger network installations, several of these clamped in strategic locations will enable the job to be done by a single person.
Pigtail - These pigtails are very handy for wire management, particularily in crawl-space or ceiling installations. They are available in wood-screw, machine screw, and T-bar configurations. Cables are kept loosely together, out of the way, and can be added or removed as required. If these are not available, simple storage hooks can be used instead.
Storage hooks - As noted above, these are useful for cable management, are readily available, and come in a variety of styles so that they may be adapted to different installation requirements.

Other common tools and materials used in network installations:
String or Rope (for pulling wires through conduit or small spaces)
Electrical Tape (for fastening wires to pull throughs, finishing off wiring connections, and protecting grounding straps)
Silicone Sealer
Drywall saw
Ladder
"Fish Tape" or "Fish Pole" (Used for pulling wires through ceilings, walls, floors and conduit.)
Stud Finder
Screw Gun / screws