A Complete Guide to the trueCRIMP V3: Your All-in-One RJ45 Crimp Tool

As network speeds and Power over Ethernet (PoE) wattages increase, crimp-on RJ45 (8P8C) plugs are being encountered less and less frequently in permanent network installations. Nevertheless, there are times when crimping a plug onto an Ethernet cable is the best, or maybe the most expedient choice. When that time comes, rather than having to collect several tools that you might not use every day, it’s good to have a tool that can provide all of the operations needed to complete the job, and complete it properly. The All-in-One Crimp and Termination Tool from trueCABLE has everything you need to crimp a plug onto a copper twisted-pair Ethernet cable. That is, everything except the plug and the cable!

Overview of the trueCRIMP V3 All-in-One Tool

The trueCRIMP V3 is a versatile, all-in-one crimp tool designed to simplify Ethernet cable termination for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Whether you're working with standard RJ45 plugs, pass-through connectors, or shielded cables, this tool is engineered to handle it all with precision and ease. Its multifunctional design eliminates the need for multiple tools, combining crimping, cable cutting, jacket scoring, and ground collar crimping into a single, compact device.

This latest version of the trueCRIMP tool introduces a couple enhancements, like a built-in cable cutter and cable cutter blade guard, making it more adaptable to various cable types and termination needs. Whether you're preparing cables for high-speed networks, crimping plugs for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications, or maintaining shielded connections, the trueCRIMP V3 ensures reliable, professional results every time.

In the sections below, we’ll dive deeper into the key features of the trueCRIMP V3. From trouble-free RJ45 plug crimping to cable stripping and ground collar termination, you'll discover how this tool is designed to streamline your workflow, improve efficiency, and provide long-lasting durability. Let’s explore what makes the trueCRIMP V3 a must-have for your toolkit.

Key Features of the trueCRIMP V3

Effortless RJ45 Ethernet Plug Crimping

This tool is designed to support all standard crimp-on 8P8C plugs for shielded and unshielded cable. There are some proprietary crimp-on plugs, such as AMP and ezEX-RJ45® connectors, that require an appropriate dedicated tool for termination. However, most connectors that comply with industry standards will be a perfect fit.

Begin using the tool by pushing the handle closed and pressing the LOCK button. The tool will open, allowing insertion of the prepared cable and plug into the crimp cavity. There is a diagram showing the color codes used when preparing the plug and cable.

One feature that makes this tool adaptable to almost any 8P8C plug is its strain latch presser bar. Yes, most Ethernet crimp tools have a presser bar. But this All-in-One tool has a presser bar that is adjustable and if necessary, disengaged easily. Many plugs, especially those that are engineered for thicker cable, don’t use an internal strain latch mechanism, and can sustain damage from use of the presser bar. There are no 8P8C plugs that trueCABLE sells that require disengagement of the presser bar, but that adjustability is still there just in case you come across one!

Just in case you were wondering what a strain latch is, and how it works...

For all types of plug, once the plug is loaded into the crimp cavity, it is not necessary to hold the plug in place. The tool will keep the plug aligned while crimping. Now simply close the handle with your thumb, and the golden contacts will be pressed into place. Once is all it takes for standard, non-pass-through plugs, but an extra press won’t hurt anything.

The All-in-One Crimp and Termination Tool (trueCRIMP_V3) with cable and plug in position for termination. Front view.

Pass-Through Plug Termination Made Easy

The trueCRIMP Tool is designed for fast and reliable terminations using pass-through plugs. For these plugs, the conductors pass through the end of the plug in preparation for crimping. The tool features a trimming blade that will cut the conductors flush to the end of the plug. This happens in one motion at the same time as crimping.

In order to sever the conductors most cleanly and reliably, the blade makes use of the plastic body of the plug as a quasi-anvil. When doing so, the blade will cut into the plug about 1mm. This behavior is normal and expected. This design optimizes the efficiency of the process and the reliability of the result.

You should expect the trimming blade to routinely cut through the copper conductors in a single pass. However, in some cases, there might be some conductor ends that appear to hang around after cutting. These “danglers” are due to slight incomplete cutting of the conductor insulation. Conductors 1 and 8 are the most susceptible to this outcome, because they have less contact with the “anvil.” Danglers can usually be eliminated with a second press of the crimper, or by just grasping the dangler and pulling it off.

The trimming blade should be expected to wear with continued use over time. Excessive occurrence of danglers, and/or incomplete cutting of the copper conductors can both be indicators of a worn blade. Replacement blades are available on our Website.

External Ground Collar Crimping for Shielded Cables

Many crimp-on plugs for use with shielded Ethernet cable, including those sold by trueCABLE, a ground collar that must be securely crimped in order to provide strain relief. The ground collar also does another job. It provides a bond to ground for the cable shield. That’s another reason that ground collars must be tight and straight when crimping. This can’t be accomplished using pliers. A suitable crimp for the ground collar requires a special tool.

The ground collar crimp should be made before the conductor crimp because the ground collar provides strain relief for the plug. If the ground collar is crimped after the conductors are crimped, it can put tension on the conductor connections.

Fortunately, the trueCRIMP Tool provides a crimping die for the ground collar. Start by folding the wings of the collar over the cable shield and drain wire to approximate their final position around the cable jacket. Using conductive fabric adhesive strips to hold the wire and shield in place makes this process easier. Then, position the cable with the collar in the GROUND cavity with the wings pointed down, and press the handle to make the crimp.

Cable and shielded plug in position for ground collar crimping.

The ground collar crimp die in the All-in-One Tool is very handy for crimping an occasional plug or an occasional few. However, if you have many of these plugs to install, you can potentially save a lot of time by using our dedicated External Ground Crimp Tool.

Cable Stripping with the Jacket-Scoring Blade

If the cable is already cut to length, the first step in termination is to strip the cable jacket a couple of inches to access the conductors inside. For Ethernet cable, the procedure is to lightly score the surface of the cable jacket. Then the jacket is snapped open and removed by hand. That is what the cavity labelled STRIP is designed to do. It will lightly score the jacket and no more. It’s important to note that the tool cannot be used to pull the jacket off of the cable. Attempting to use the tool to pull the jacket off the cable will damage the blade, and this blade is not replaceable.

The STRIP blade will reliably score the jackets of cables with diameters between 6.00mm and 8.00mm. To use it, insert the end of the cable into the STRIP cavity and close the handle of the tool. Rotate the tool around the cable once or twice, then remove the tool. That’s it! Now you can snap open the jacket at the score and pull off the separated piece by hand.

Cable in the STRIP cavity. Closing the tool and rotating it around the cable will lightly score the surface of the cable jacket. Then the cable jacket can be snapped open and removed by hand.

After prolonged use, small amounts of jacket material can build up on the STRIP blade. If you see accumulated jacket material on the blade, it can be removed using a small amount of alcohol on a cotton swab.

One more thing. If the diameter of your cable jacket is not between 6.00mm and 8.00mm, check out our Cable Stripping & Cutting Tool. It’s another great multifunctional tool!

Built-In Cable Cutter for Precise Lengths

This is a new feature! With the latest version of the All-in-One Tool, it is no longer necessary to carry a separate cutting tool. Now you can cut your cable to length using the same tool you use for termination. The cradle for the cable cutter is located directly above the label CUT. It is directly below the green blade guard, which is also a new feature, probably for obvious reasons. Just place the cable in the cradle at the desired length and press the handle closed. That’s it!

Cable in position for cutting. In this picture, the CUT label is obscured by the cable.

This cable cutter is intended for twisted-pair Ethernet cable with jacket diameters of up to 8.00mm. Also, the blade will be damaged if used to cut steel, aramid fiber, or other materials harder than copper.

Like the conductor trimming blade, the cable cutter blade is subject to wear over time. And like the trimming blade, replacement blades are available at our Web site.

If you use cable with diameters larger than 8.00mm, or if you need to cut steel wire (like that found in some coaxial cable), you might take a look at our Heavy Duty Cable Cutters.

Easy Maintenance and Repair for Long-Lasting Performance

This tool is not designed to be a throw-away. When the cut-off blades wear out, instead of replacing the tool, you can just replace the blades, and put your trueCRIMP right back to work. If you put it to work a lot, consider a tiny drop of gun oil every few months or so. But just a tiny amount. Less than a drop. Any more than that will collect dirt which will end up being much harder on the tool than friction alone.

Conclusion: Simplify Ethernet Cable Termination with the trueCRIMP V3

At trueCABLE, we’re committed to creating tools that maximize utility, efficiency, and durability. The trueCRIMP V3 All-In-One Crimp and Termination Tool is no exception. With its multifunctional design, enhanced features, and robust construction, this tool allows you to carry fewer tools and achieve better results.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, the trueCRIMP V3 ensures reliable performance and long-lasting usability. Backed by our Forever Warranty and fast, free shipping, there’s no reason to wait—order yours today and experience the difference for yourself!

HAPPY NETWORKING!

trueCABLE presents the information on our website, including the “Cable Academy” blog and live chat support, as a service to our customers and other visitors to our website subject to our website terms and conditions. While the information on this website is about data networking and electrical issues, it is not professional advice and any reliance on such material is at your own risk.