Anyone repaired ethernet cables ?

C64 · 4 Jan 2011 at 18:32

I have a problem with my cat5e flat ethernet cable one end the wire needs to be bent so clearly it's not making proper contact within the plug.

How easy is it to say crimp and get it back in I don't want to attempt it if its ultra fiddly and hard to do.

This is the cable it's not standard is it ? anyone ever repaired this style cable ?

Liquidfox · 4 Jan 2011 at 18:37

You'd have to snip it, and make up a new end for it, which needs a special tool. You can't reuse the ends, so unless you had ones lying around spare it would be easier to just buy a new one

box · 4 Jan 2011 at 18:43

You'll need a crimping tool and spare ends. Will probably cost in the region of a tenner. More than worth the cost if you'll need to do something similar in the future (ie. make your own cabling), but not really worth it for a one off.

C64 · 4 Jan 2011 at 18:45

I see may as well just buy a new one then thanks.
Thought could just expose the wires and reconnect.

Tealc · 4 Jan 2011 at 18:54

It is possible to wire them up manually using a sharp knife and a small selection of screwdrivers. The tool makes it so easy but unless you are planning on doing a load of leads it's not worth it.

The knife is used to cut the cable and remove the insulation.

The screwdriver is used to push each of the little brass pins into the cables below.

Then a stouter screwdriver can be used to push the cable retention clip into position.

You will of course need some virgin RJ45 connectors as they can't be easily reworked (never managed it myself). I wired a few of them up before I picked up a tool.

John24 · 4 Jan 2011 at 19:04

I'd just get a tool and some plugs. They will most likely come in handy again one day, for you or a friend.

koolpc · 4 Jan 2011 at 19:06

Slightly off topic, is it possible to buy Patch cable on a reel that i can pull out and roll back when needed? Sick of my 20m getting kinks etc.

SimonR · 4 Jan 2011 at 19:58

You can borrow my ratchet crimper and I'll send you a couple of plugs if you cover the cost of the carriage each way.

C64 · 4 Jan 2011 at 20:30

Thanks for offer mate but don't think it's worth the hassle as these are different to normal rj45 ?

m4rkw7 · 5 Jan 2011 at 00:21

It's doable for sure. The last I did one it took me about 15 minutes to line them up but i've seen techys do it in 30 seconds.

If it's a one off, you're better off buying a new cable.