Punch down tool (also known as punch down tool or krone tool) is used by electricians or communication technicians to assist in inserting wires into insulation displacement connectors on patch panels, keystone modules or punch down blocks. It’s not only a modular cable crimping tool for terminating Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat7 network cables, but it also will punch down a 110 IDC RJ45 jack. It’s a quality piece of equipment. Usually, a typical punch down tool consists of a handle, a spring mechanism, and a removable slotted blade. Crimpers are used to terminate RJ45 heads—the little plastic plugs that allow an Ethernet cable to fit either into an RJ45 wall jack or the Ethernet port on a computer.
Punch down Tool Features
On the market, there are three different punch down tools for Ethernet cable terminations, including standard impact tool, universal automatic impact tool and corrosion resistant termination tool. Most punch down tools are of the impact type, consisting of a handle, an internal spring mechanism, and a removable slotted blade. They typically are 6-8 inches long with a blade at one end. The top and bottom of the tool are usually 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 measure 5.35 in x 1.06 in x 1.06 in and weigh 4.69 oz. Others have dimensions of 5.25 in x 1.26 in x 1.26 in, 7.00 in x 2.02 in x 2.02 in and so on. Their weights also vary. Whatever the dimensions of the punch down tool are, usage is the same.
How To Use A Punch Down Tool?
1. Prepare to punch down a wire.
Standing in front of the connection block, hold the punch down tool in one hand, with the cutting blade facing down. Hold the wire in your other hand and loop it through the selected connection block terminal.
2. Punch down the wire.
Holding the end of the wire firmly, place the blade of the punch down on the selected connection terminal and push forward until you reach the bottom of the terminal. Continuing to hold the end of the wire, punch the tool firmly with a straight-forward motion. If done correctly, this action should connect the wire to the terminal and cleanly cut off any excess.
3. Check your connection.
Make sure your connection is secure and there is no loose or broken wire left in the connection block. Tug on the wire to verify that it is securely fastened and connected to the correct terminal.
Punch down tool is a necessary tool in cable installations. Using a punch down tool can greatly accelerate cabling working efficiency, There are many types of punch down tools with different features on the market. If you still have any question about punch down tool, contact us via us@fs.com.
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