Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Yes—if the damage is limited to the Ethernet cable’s plug, you can usually cut it off and fit a compatible replacement RJ45 connector. Replace the whole cable if the cable itself is cut, crushed or otherwise damaged, there is not enough length to re-terminate it, or a correctly repaired end still fails testing.
Decide whether the damage is only at the connector
Check the plug, cable jacket and the section immediately behind the plug. A broken latch or damaged plug with an otherwise sound cable end is a reasonable candidate for re-termination. The iFixit Ethernet Cable RJ45 Connector Replacement guide demonstrates removing a damaged connector and crimping on a new one.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If the cable is cut, crushed or has exposed copper, the fault may extend beyond the plug. A connector-only repair will not fix damage along the cable. Also consider whether enough slack remains to cut back the damaged end and make a new termination.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRepair or replace: what to weigh
| Check | Repair the connector when… | Replace the cable when… |
|---|---|---|
| Location of damage | The damage is confined to the plug and the cable behind it appears sound. | The cable body is cut, crushed or otherwise damaged. |
| Available length | There is enough sound cable to cut off the plug and terminate it again. | Cutting back the damaged section would leave too little cable. |
| Connector and tools | You have a connector compatible with the cable and the appropriate crimping tool. | A compatible connector or suitable tool is unavailable, or replacing the cable is more practical. |
| Test result | The finished cable passes a continuity or wire-map check. | The fault remains after checking and correctly re-terminating the end. |
These are practical decision points, not results from a comparative test of repaired and new cables. A short patch cable that is easy to replace may not be worth repairing; a longer cable with damage limited to its end may be a better repair candidate.
#1 Best Overall
- Fast, reliable RJ45 Crimp Tool for voice and data applications with Pass Through 50PCS RJ45 connector plug, 50PCS Covers Network/Phone cable tester, plier, Mini Cable Stripper (Replacement blades available)
- RJ45 Pass Through Crimp Tool - Reduce prep work time significantly with Pass Through technology
- Compact RJ45 Crimper - crimps and trims RJ45 Pass Through connectors onto paired-conductor cables (round STP/UTP cables)
- Wiring diagram on the tool helps eliminate rework and wasted materials
- Phone/Network Cable Tester - Network Cable Tester for cables with RJ45/RJ11/RJ12 Connector (9V battery not included); We can test our just finished cable in this tester, and we will quickly know whether this cable work or not
What you need to re-terminate an Ethernet cable
- A replacement RJ45 plug compatible with the cable’s category, solid or stranded conductors, and shielding. There is no single plug established as suitable for every cable construction.
- A cutter, stripper and crimping tool suited to the connector. The Klein Tools Pass-Thru Modular Crimpers Installation Kit is an example of a kit for its compatible connectors; it does not establish compatibility with every plug or cable.
- An Ethernet cable tester that checks continuity or wire-map order. A basic wire-map test does not certify category-level bandwidth or overall installation performance.
How to replace the damaged plug
- Cut off the damaged plug. Remove enough of the end to reach cable that appears sound, while preserving as much useful cable length as possible.
- Strip the jacket carefully. Avoid nicking the insulated conductors. If you expose damaged copper or find damage farther into the cable, reassess whether a connector-only repair is appropriate.
- Arrange the conductors in the chosen wiring order. Use T568A or T568B and preserve the intended pair assignments and polarity end to end. The iFixit guide demonstrates a T568B replacement; Intel’s Ethernet cabling guidance covers pair wiring and termination.
- Keep untwisting to a minimum. Intel advises: “When untwisting the wire pair for crimping, don’t untwist the wire more than 1/2 inch, or about 1½ turns.”
- Insert the conductors and crimp. Use the plug and crimping tool matched to the cable construction, following the connector’s instructions.
- Inspect and test the cable. Check that the conductors are seated and the plug is secure, then use a cable tester to check the connection sequence.
What to do if the repaired cable fails
If the tester reports an open or mismatch, check the wire order and termination, then re-terminate the end if needed. If it still fails after a correct re-termination, the cable itself may be faulty; Control4’s Cable and Termination Quick Start distinguishes termination errors from continuing cable faults. A reported short can point to exposed copper, so inspect for conductor damage rather than repeatedly replacing the plug.
A successful continuity or wire-map check establishes that the conductors connect in the expected sequence; it does not prove the cable meets its category’s bandwidth or installation-performance requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Multi-Modular RJ45 Crimper - The Ethernet Crimper is ideal for stripping, cutting, crimping CAT5 CAT5e, CAT6,CAT6A,CAT7 cable and RJ11/RJ12 standard and Pass Through RJ45 connectors with dovetail clip
- Crimping Shield Cable Function - This Pass through rj45 crimp tool is suitable for both shielded and unshield modular plugs, especially for pass through modular plugs with metal dovetail clips
- Network Cable Tester - We upgraded cable tester, which is not only more durability, but also the test range can reach up to 300M, the Network Cable Tester for cables with RJ45/RJ11/RJ12 conectors(9V battery not included)
- Compact design - compact, non-slip comfort grip reduces hand fatigue - one-handed operation for easy storage, precision crimping dies and blades provide long-lasting tools for faster, more reliable cutting, stripping and crimping
- Kit included - Use's manual, RJ45 pass through crimp tool, 50PCS cat6 connector, 50PCS boots, network cable tester, mini wire stripper
Rank #4
- All-In-One Cable Creator: Create professional-quality Ethernet cables with this Cat 8 Ethernet cable crimping tool. Use this shielded Cat6 crimp tool with bulk Ethernet cable and connectors to build custom-length patch cables for your network.
- Cut, Strip & Crimp in One Tool: This shielded RJ45 crimp tool pass through combines a wire cutter, wire stripper, and wire crimper for an all-in-one solution. The Cat6a shielded crimp tool makes it easy to create custom-length ethernet wire quickly and efficiently.
- Broad Ethernet Compatibility: This RJ45 pass through crimp tool works with Cat5, Cat6, Cat6A, Cat7, and Cat8 shielded Ethernet connectors. It is compatible with RJ11, RJ12, and RJ45 connectors and supports both pass-through connectors and standard RJ45 connectors. This RJ45 crimp tool features an adjustable switch to adjust the crimp type and a built-in crimping clip for shielded dovetail clips found on shielded cable.
- Pass-Through Simplicity: The Cat 8 crimping tool is optimized for pass-through connectors, simplifying wire termination and reducing errors. Just insert, pass through, and crimp with this shielded Cat6 crimp tool for reliable results every time.
- Rugged, Durable Design: This RJ45 crimp tool shielded is built with a durable metal frame for long-lasting performance. Ideal for IT professionals, network installers, and DIYers looking for a reliable Ethernet crimping tool for home or commercial networks.
Rank #3
- Professional RJ45 Crimper: Ethernet crimping tool kit includes RJ45 Crimper Pass Through,20PCS CAT6 Pass-Thru Connectors, 20PCS Connector Covers, 1 x Wire Stripper and 1 x Network Cable Tester(9V Battery Not Included)
- All-In-One RJ45 Crimping Tool: Wire stripping, crimping, and cutting tool for paired-conductor data cables.Ideal for crimping 8 position modular plugs such as CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6a connectors (including shielded) (not AMP)
- Wide Application: Designed for telephone lines, alarm cables, computer cables, intercom lines, speaker wires, and thermostat wiring Scanning Function - Find out working wire (network cables, phone lines, buried cable and even cable behind wall)
- Long Lasting: Made of heavy-duty steel, this RJ45 passthrough crimp tool delivers high torque without bending and is highly durable. The black oxide finish resists rust and corrosion, making it an excellent tool for cutting,stripping and crimping
- Good Workmanship: The blades are made of high quality steel blade, sharp and replaceable which maintains razor sharpness. This cat6 crimper is made of industrial steel and Polypropylene, it is durable and safe
Rank #2
- EFFICIENT INSTALLATION: Modular crimp-connector tool with Pass-Thru RJ45 plugs for voice and data applications, streamlining installation process
- VERSATILE FUNCTIONALITY: Wire stripper, crimper, and cutter in one tool, designed for STP/UTP paired-conductor data cables
- PRECISE TRIMMING: Flush trimming to connector end face to prevent unintended contact between conductors, ensuring optimal performance
- COMPATIBLE CONNECTORS: Crimps and trims Klein Tools RJ45 Pass-Thru Connectors, providing reliable and secure connections
- WIDE COMPATIBILITY: Supports crimping of 4, 6, and 8 position modular connectors, including RJ11/RJ12 standard and RJ45 Klein Tools Pass-Thru
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.




