Klein Tools VDV226-011-SEN Ratcheting Modular Crimper/Stripper

Bought these based on Klein's good reputation after having suffered the poor performance of a cheap crimp tool that came with an all-in-one cable kit. The kit was a big mistake, as everything in it was "cost effective" to the point of being useless. At any rate, the Klein crimper is impressive right out of the package. It's heavy construction is matched by solid performance. I've used a few different crimpers (not a bunch) recently, and this tool is my favorite. It's only fair to point out that I don't use this tool for scoring insulation on cables. Nothing seems to work as well for me as a plain old sharp hobby blade, and that's what I'm sticking with. What the Klein tool gives me is a solid electrical connection and a good "bite" on the cable without distorting the plastic connector. I'm quite happy with this tool.

Pretty nice set of crimpers, and much more pleasant to use than the cheap non-ratcheting ones. It will do 8P8C, 6P6C, and 4P4C, strip the jacket from round Cat3/5/6, and strip some types of flat phone wire. (I had mixed results on flat phone wire and found it easier just to use a utility knife, but it depends on the wire -- but really, how much flat phone wire do you use anymore.) It produced good crimps with the two brands of 8P8C and one brand of 6P6C jacks I tried.No real negatives, except that the tool lacks any sort of latch to keep it closed. Maybe that is intentional, to protect the spring, but it makes it take up a bit more room in the toolbag or box than it would closed.

I wanted a set of crimps that were made of metal and would last a long time. These certainly met my needs perfectly. Usage is straightforward, and every crimp so far has been solid.The round sheathing cutter is a bit deep, so I have to be careful not to squeeze tightly. It may be due to the gauge of the wire I was using.The RJ45 crimp is snug, so it takes a little tug to get it out after crimping, but I've never had one actually get stuck in it.I used this with "Cable Matters 100-Pack Cat 6/Cat6 RJ45 Modular Plugs (RJ45 Plugs) for Stranded UTP Cable" from Amazon, and NavePoint 23AWG UTP CAT 6 cable purchased elsewhere.

Yes it's a Klein, overall seems good.I was never a fan of ratchet mechanisms. But that's a personal thing.For the price, it's a good starter crimper.It's easy enough to use, seems like the final crimp on the rj45 connector is a tad tight. But the die should be able to be adjusted to ease it a tad.Value for the money is good, not for the experienced user I don't believe.Never been a proponent of guide bars to help make cuts standard.Overall performance is good.

Ive used a couple and klein is always the best. These work well making ethernet.

Me love long time

all ok

A crimper is a crimper, right? They all serve the same purpose and do the same thing... well, not really. I used to be under the impression that the cheap ones that come with kits are decent enough, they get the job done.Then I got this.I'm not used to holding a crimping tool without nearly getting my finger cut off. The guard alone is worth the extra money. But how it strips UTP cables is like butter. The cheaper variants usually have to be carefully handled so that it doesn't cut the copper. This one just straight up strips it like butter, and though I've caught the copper a couple times, it mostly keeps them intact.When you use the wire cutters, you get a feeling of actually knowing they've been completely cut through. The cheaper ones use crappy blades will chip and dull easily. Even new, you never feel like it cuts all the way... mostly because they don't. This one does.The only part I'd say is on par with the cheaper versions (and probably all others) is the crimping because, well, they all crimp the same. However, the industrial feel gives you more security in knowing the thing will actually stay on.I'd easily recommend this from beginners to intermediates. If this is all you do all day, though, I can't personally attest to the durability of that kind of work, so I can't speak either way. To me, though, it was worth it.