And also note that there is a visible 'step' on one side of the mounting for the IDC terminations ... The wire should be fed in from the side WITHOUT the step, and the insertion tool used so as the cutting part is the same side as the step.

Hi, thanks for your input. I used a Digiflex Push Down Krone tool and I am aware of the step and the correct direction to lay the wires. However, having had this failure and as a result of postings on this forum, I have taken a closer look at the so-called cat5e cable that I bought and it is now clear to me that it most certainly is not up to cat5e standard (Chinese rip-off). I will try again with better quality cable; but I now also suspect the patch lead that I have bought. Appreciate your thoughts and would ask that you watch this space for the next up-date to my saga!!

I've done it once and I'll guess that you've done it once, just like all Openreach technicians . . . the wires are laid out onto the IDCs, there is a distraction as one is picking up the Krone tool, punch down and there is a loose wire with a neatly trimmed end and a fraction of an inch of wire correctly inserted into the IDC.

A few choice curses, remove the tiny bit of wire from the IDC and then proceed with attempt number 2 . . .

In reply to a post by MandGJH:

I used a Digiflex Push Down Krone tool and I am aware of the step and the correct direction to lay the wires.

Excellent. That is just what I was hoping to read.

I have taken a closer look at the so-called cat5e cable that I bought and it is now clear to me that it most certainly is not up to cat5e standard (Chinese rip-off).

For completeness, and to ensure that the information is here for anyone who reviews this thread in the future, I'll say that you should be obtaining the appropriate grade, solid-core cable, as for "structured cabling". Avoid copper coated steel or copper coated aluminium; the wires should be solid copper, not stranded.

I now also suspect the patch lead that I have bought.

A patch cable is the only cable that should have stranded wires. If it looks flimsy and feels flimsy then view the said patch cable with suspicion.

Appreciate your thoughts

Offered above.

. . . would ask that you watch this space for the next up-date to my saga!!

Will do. I always "look in" once per 24 hours.

A few choice curses, remove the tiny bit of wire from the IDC and then proceed with attempt number 2 . . .

Which is the genuine purpose of your 81's.

The saga ends!! I now have internet connection down the dedicated data cable.

I replaced the Cat5e cable and the patch lead with items I knew were good. There may also have been some wires shorting out as some debris fell out when I removed the old cable. My download speed has now increased from 3.1Mbps to 5.1Mbps, a big win, and I am now ready for FTTC when in arrives here.

A big thanks to all who offered their advice.

In reply to a post by MandGJH:

The saga ends!! I now have internet connection down the dedicated data cable.

Excellent news. Thank you for reporting back.

My download speed has now increased from 3.1Mbps to 5.1Mbps

I'm sure that every little helps.

A big thanks to all who offered their advice.

You are welcome.