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If you work with PLCs, HMIs, industrial Ethernet, network switches, remote I/O, VFD communication, cameras, routers, or control cabinets, an RJ45 crimping tool kit is a very useful thing to have.
A bad Ethernet connector can create annoying faults.
The PLC may randomly lose communication.
The HMI may disconnect.
A VFD may disappear from the network.
A remote I/O module may stop responding.
And sometimes the problem is not the PLC at all — it is just a badly crimped RJ45 plug.
That is why I think every automation technician, electrician, PLC beginner, or maintenance technician should know how to make and test Ethernet cables.
An RJ45 crimping kit is useful for:
PLC Ethernet cables
HMI communication cables
Industrial Ethernet wiring
Network switch connections
RJ45 patch cables
Control cabinet wiring
Machine network troubleshooting
Camera and router cables
Temporary test cables
Replacing damaged connectors
Below are 5 Amazon RJ45 crimping tools and kits I would consider, from cheaper options to more professional tools.
Important Note Before Buying
Before buying an RJ45 crimper, check what type of connectors it supports.
There are two common styles:
Standard RJ45 connectors
The wires stop inside the connector.
Pass-through RJ45 connectors
The wires pass through the front of the connector and are trimmed by the crimping tool.
Pass-through connectors are usually easier for beginners because you can see the wire order before crimping. But the crimping tool must support pass-through connectors.
Also check if you are using:
Cat5e
Cat6
Cat6A
Shielded cable
Unshielded cable
Solid conductor cable
Stranded patch cable
Not every crimper works perfectly with every connector type.
For industrial Ethernet, also remember: making the cable is only one step. You should still test it with a cable tester before trusting it inside a machine.
1. TRENDnet TC-CT68 — Best Cheap Basic RJ45 Crimper
Best for: beginners, basic RJ45/RJ11 work, simple Ethernet repairs
Affiliate link: [TRENDnet Crimping Tool]
The TRENDnet TC-CT68 is a simple and affordable RJ45 crimping tool.
It can crimp, cut, and strip cables for 8-position RJ45 plugs and 6-position RJ11/RJ12 telephone-style plugs. The Amazon listing describes it as an all-steel tool for crimping two sizes of plugs and cutting/stripping flat cable.
Why I recommend it
I recommend this one if you want a cheap and simple starter tool.
It is good for learning how RJ45 connectors work without spending much money.
You can use it for:
Basic Ethernet cable repairs
Simple RJ45 crimping
RJ11/RJ12 telephone-style plugs
Home network cables
Beginner PLC training setups
Small workshop use
For someone just starting, this is a simple way to understand the process: strip the cable, arrange the wires, insert them into the connector, and crimp.
Main weakness
It is a basic tool.
For regular PLC panel work or industrial Ethernet, I would prefer a better pass-through crimper or a full kit with a cable tester.
2. Cable Matters Pass-Through RJ45 Crimp Tool — Best Cheap Pass-Through Option
Best for: beginners who want easier RJ45 terminations
Affiliate link: [Cable Matters Modular RJ45 Crimp Tool for Pass-Through Connectors]
The Cable Matters Modular RJ45 Crimp Tool for Pass-Through Connectors is a good budget-friendly option if you want to use pass-through RJ45 plugs.
The Amazon listing describes it as a pass-through Ethernet crimper with a built-in wire cutter and stripper. It also includes 10 Cat6 RJ45 connectors in the package.
Why I recommend it
I like this one because pass-through connectors are easier for beginners.
With pass-through RJ45 plugs, the wires go through the connector before crimping. That lets you visually confirm the wire order before final crimping.
This is useful when making cables for:
PLC panels
HMIs
Network switches
Test cables
Workshop Ethernet cables
Control cabinet patch cables
For many beginners, pass-through crimping reduces mistakes.
Main weakness
It is mainly for pass-through connectors.
If you already have standard non-pass-through RJ45 plugs, check compatibility before buying.
3. VCELINK RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit — Best Complete Beginner Kit
Best for: beginners, automation learners, small tool bags
Affiliate link: [VCELINK RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit]
The VCELINK RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit is a more complete kit.
The Amazon listing describes it as an all-in-one network tool kit with an RJ45 crimper, LAN cable tester, 50 Cat6 pass-through connectors, 50 boots, and a mini cable stripper.
Why I recommend it
I recommend this one if you want a full starter kit instead of buying everything separately.
For learning and small automation jobs, it is useful because you get:
Crimping tool
RJ45 connectors
Connector boots
Cable stripper
Basic LAN cable tester
Storage bag
This is good for:
PLC students
Automation beginners
Maintenance technicians
Small control panels
RJ45 repair work
Making your first Ethernet cables
The included tester is a big plus because you should always test the cable after crimping.
Main weakness
It is still a beginner-to-mid-level kit.
For daily professional network installation, I would upgrade to a better crimper and a better network tester later.
But as a first complete kit, it is useful.
4. Klein Tools VDV226-110 — Best Professional All-Round RJ45 Crimper
Best for: electricians, automation technicians, maintenance technicians
Affiliate link: [Klein Tools VDV226-110 Ratcheting Modular Data Cable Crimper]
The Klein Tools VDV226-110 is one of the best-known RJ45 pass-through crimpers.
The Amazon listing describes it as a ratcheting modular data cable crimper, wire stripper, and wire cutter for RJ11/RJ12 standard connectors and RJ45 pass-through connectors. It is listed as compatible with CAT3, CAT5e, and CAT6/6A cable in related Amazon product information.
Why I recommend it
This is probably the one I would choose for most electricians and automation technicians.
It is good for:
PLC Ethernet cables
Industrial control cabinets
HMI patch cables
Network switch wiring
Panel troubleshooting
Maintenance tool bags
Regular RJ45 work
I like that it has a ratcheting action, because it helps complete the crimp more consistently.
For automation work, cable reliability matters. One bad RJ45 connector can waste a lot of troubleshooting time.
Main weakness
It is more expensive than the budget options.
Also, it is designed for pass-through RJ45 connectors, so make sure you buy the correct connectors.
5. Platinum Tools EZ-RJPRO HD — Best Premium Professional Choice
Best for: professional installers, daily RJ45 work, high-use tool bags
Affiliate link: [trueCABLE Crimp Tool for Pass Through RJ45 All-in-One Ethernet Tool]
The Platinum Tools EZ-RJPRO HD is the premium option on this list.
The Amazon listing describes the Platinum Tools EZ-RJ45 crimp tool as being built for terminating connectors onto network and coax cable, with a repeatable full-cycle ratcheting crimp. Amazon search results for the EZ-RJPRO HD also describe it as a heavy-duty ratcheting tool for EZ-RJ45 pass-through connectors and larger-OD cable.
Why I recommend it
I recommend this one if you make Ethernet cables often and want a professional tool.
It is good for:
Professional network installation
Industrial Ethernet work
Automation technicians
Panel builders
Machine network wiring
Daily RJ45 termination work
The main reason to buy a premium crimper is consistency. If you make many cables, a better crimping tool can save time and reduce bad terminations.
Main weakness
The price.
For beginners, it may be too expensive. But if RJ45 work is part of your daily job, a premium tool can be worth it.
My Final Recommendation
If you want the cheapest basic option, I would choose the TRENDnet TC-CT68.
If you want a cheap pass-through crimper, I would choose the Cable Matters Pass-Through RJ45 Crimp Tool.
If you want a full beginner kit with tester and connectors, I would choose the VCELINK RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit.
If you want the best all-round professional option, I would choose the Klein Tools VDV226-110.
If you want the premium professional choice, I would choose the Platinum Tools EZ-RJPRO HD.
My personal pick for most electricians, automation technicians, and PLC learners would be the Klein Tools VDV226-110.
For a beginner who wants everything in one box, I would choose the VCELINK kit.
What to Look for When Buying an RJ45 Crimping Kit
When choosing an RJ45 crimping tool or kit, check:
Pass-through or standard connector support
Cat5e / Cat6 / Cat6A compatibility
Shielded connector compatibility if needed
Built-in wire cutter
Built-in cable stripper
Ratcheting mechanism
Flush trimming for pass-through connectors
RJ11/RJ12 support if needed
Included RJ45 connectors
Included cable tester
Connector boots
Storage case or bag
Replacement blades
Build quality
Trusted brand
For PLC and automation work, I would strongly recommend buying a kit with a cable tester or buying a cable tester separately.
Crimping the connector is not enough.
Test the cable before using it on a machine.
Why RJ45 Crimping Kits Are Worth Buying
Industrial Ethernet is used more and more in automation.
PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo drives, remote I/O, cameras, and network switches often depend on Ethernet communication.
A bad cable can cause random communication problems that are hard to diagnose.
With an RJ45 crimping kit, you can:
Repair damaged connectors
Make custom cable lengths
Build test cables
Fix bad patch cables
Replace broken ends
Troubleshoot faster
Avoid waiting for ready-made cables
For automation technicians and PLC learners, this is a very practical tool category.
A good crimper, correct connectors, and a simple cable tester can save a lot of time.