How to use punch down tool

Many tools have a dual blade that can be flipped depending on which style of block is in use. Network performance and reliability are the foundation of a robust and sound communication system. Therefore, to ensure a successful connection between the computers and the data center, network technicians need the right assistance tools, punch down tool among which, is extremely essential for the smooth networks running.

So, in this article, we will offer you some tips on how to use punch down tool effectively. Also referred to as krone tool, the punch down tool is a small hand tool most often used by telecom and data network technicians to install wiring for telephone, computer and various audio networks.

This tool allows for the quick and effective cross-connection of wires through the use of type or type connection blocks.

Punch down tool is commonly used for the termination works in the copper network. The name is thus derived from the method by which the tool pushes a solid copper wire between metal blades on the connection block, and cuts off the excess by punching the tool, driving the tool blade through the wire.

However, exposed wiring can be dangerous and may cause your connections to short out. 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. Then how to use the punch down tool? Here we offer you a guide for reference. What should be noticed is that always leave about 2.

Insert the cable into the cable stripping tool or modular crimping tool, and spin it around a few times. Then remove the jacket.

Stripping back the cable will help you remove the jacket to expose enough of the cable, so you can separate it. After removing the cable jacket, you will have a few inches of exposed cable. 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. Try to straighten the ends as much as you can, and this can make them easier to terminate. Take the protective cover off the top of the jack and set the cable into the block of the jack.

Insert each wire into its own separate slot, making sure that the wire matches the A or B configuration. The conductor wires should be extending out of the jack. The TB is becoming more popular since it can be used with older color codes as well as newer codes.

Take your punch down tool and press it down on the conductor wires to cut them. The angled cut part of the blade should contact with the long sturdy side of the jack. This will also make sure the wires that are cut are flush with the jack. Look at each wire to make sure there is no overhang out the side of the jack. You should also make sure that the edge of the cable jacket is near the base of the jack and the wires you just terminated.

The wires should be securely in place. Snap the dust caps in place to protect the wires. This will keep the connection secure and can prevent strain on the wires. The dust cap is also very easy to remove: simply pop off the dust cap using a flat-head screwdriver inserted into the indentation on the side. Note : Fail to set the dust caps back on the jack indicates that your wires may not be seated correctly.

It is better to check the wires again and make sure they are secure and trim. A punch down tool, also referred to as krone tool, is a small but primary tool for network technicians to install wiring for telephone, computer and various audio networks. It is widely used to terminate the Ethernet cables by inserting the cables wires into the insulation-displacement connectors IDC on the punch down blocks, patch panels, keystone modules, and surface mount of boxes.

It works by inserting the wire for a corrosion resistant termination and then trims off excess wire, which ensures fast and precise connections with less effort. The most common punch down tools available on the market include standard impact tool, universal automatic impact tool and corrosion resistant termination tool.

A typical punch down tool consists of a handle, an internal spring mechanism, and a removable slotted blade. Punch down tools are typically inches long with a blade at one end. The top and bottom of the tools are usually with different colors to help users identify which side is used to cut the wire. Most models have a changeable blade and a pressure adjustment screw or knob.

The dimensions of the punch down tool are not standardized. Some tools have dimensions of 5. Others have 5. Their weights also vary with their sizes. Whatever the dimensions of the punch down tool are, the usage is the same.

To accommodate various connector types, punch down tools have different types of blades with 66 blade or blade.

Different blades are used depending on whether you are terminating block or block which will be explained below. The 66 block is a type of punch down block used to connect sets of wires in a telephone system. They have been manufactured in three sizes, A, B and M. A and B have six clips in each row while M has only 4. Each row of a 66 block is set up for one pair of wires to be spliced to another pair. The A blocks spaced the rows further apart and has been obsolete for many years.

The B style is used mainly in distribution panels were several destinations often 1A2 key telephones need to connect to the same source.

The M blocks are often used to connect a single instrument to such a distribution block. These connections are made between the block and the customer premises equipment CPE.

As an updated version of 66 block, punch down block is the core part of the connection management system, used to connect wiring for telephone systems, data network wiring, and other low-voltage wiring applications. The block is designed for 22 through 26 gauge solid wire. This is the termination used on cat5e patch panel, cat 6 patch panel and RJ jacks. Exposed wires can be dangerous and may cause your connections broken. Then how to use a punch down tool? Just follow the following steps.

Then gently pull away the wire pairs from the center of the cable so they fan out. Try to straighten the ends as much as you can in order to make them easier to terminate. The angled part of the blade should contact with the long sturdy side of the jack. Check each wire to make sure there is no overhang out the side of the jack. Note: Fail to set the dust caps back on the jack indicates that your wires may not be seated correctly. It is better to check the wires again and make sure they are secure and trimmed.

A punch down tool is commonly used by data network and telecom technicians in installing wiring in computers, phones, and audio networks. This tool can allow you to cross-connect wires quickly and efficiently using type or type connection blocks. However, exposed wiring can be dangerous and may cause your connections to short out.

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. Then how to use the punch down tool? Here we offer you a guide for reference. What should be noticed is that always leave about 2. Insert the cable into the cable stripping tool or modular crimping tool, and spin it around a few times.

Then remove the jacket. Stripping back the cable will help you remove the jacket to expose enough of the cable, so you can separate it. After removing the cable jacket, you will have a few inches of exposed cable. 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. Try to straighten the ends as much as you can, and this can make them easier to terminate.

Take the protective cover off the top of the jack and set the cable into the block of the jack. Insert each wire into its own separate slot, making sure that the wire matches the A or B configuration. The conductor wires should be extending out of the jack. Learn more If you're repairing or installing cables for your home, you'll probably be faced with the need to cut and secure wires.

Exposed wires can be dangerous and may cause your connections to short out. To ensure that your wires are secure, use a punch down tool to trim and contain the wires in a basic jack.

If you're frequently terminating wires, consider upgrading to a faster, more efficient punch down tool. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings.

Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Related Articles. Part 1. Strip back the cable jacket. You should leave about 2. Insert the cable into the cable stripping tool or modular crimping tool and spin it around a few times.

You should see that the jacket is cut. Remove the jacket. Expose the wires. You should have a few inches of exposed cable once you remove the cable jacket. Gently pull away the wire pairs from the center of the cable so they fan out. Separate the wire pairs by twisting in a counterclockwise motion. Place the cable wires in the jack. Take the protective cover off the top of the jack and set the cable into the block of the jack. Insert each wire conductor into its own separate slot, making sure that the wire matches the A or B configuration.