Punchdown tool

I've purchased the following punchdown tool as cheaper ones I've used just seem to wear out after punching down 10 or so RJ45 module connectors. The punchdown force can be set to Lo or Hi, 25lbs or 35lbs, but I'm unsure which to use for my Cat5e terminations. I don't want to use the Hi setting if it might damage the Krone terminals on my patch panel and RJ45 modules.

Anyone got any ideas?

Never come across different settings. As far as I can remember there is nothing in the ADC-Krone documentation about it.

Just use teh lower - provided you can see them at the base of the IDC terminal they will be inserted correctly.

Why did you go for that tool and not this one? especially as you need the blades too.

In reply to a post by MHC:

Why did you go for that tool and not this one? especially as you need the blades too.

If the blade wears out I can just replace it without the cost of the handle. I've worn out quite a few cheaper tools after not many punchdowns so I decided to splash out on a decent tool

Sound advice about the HiLo setting so ta for that

A typical Krone tool is good for 100,000 or 200,000 insertions.

I have had mine for 20 years and still no problems with it.

The puchdown tool I bought for around 15 quid has become rounded off at the blade edges to the point where a successful IDC termination requires a lot of force which is difficult to apply when working with a patch panel attached to a hinged fixing. The tool I bought is a fair bit more expensive than the one you pointed out, hopefully the extra cost will be worth it.

Really?

I've got one of the type that MHC linked to, and it's over 10 years old. Doesn't get used much now, but it's done a good few wiring jobs over the years, a lot more than you are doing just now, and it still works fine.

Maybe worth lashing up a temporary fixing for the panel that doesn't move about so much?

There are some cheap and nasty copies out there too but the RS should be of reasonable quality. The best around - and I have the predecessors, is the Krone original.

Just looked at my two - one was made in 1983 and the second in 1988 and never a problem with either except I have broken a leg off the scissor deactivation clip on one of them but even that still works.

Mine isn't as posh as that, but it's lasted well. I guess ever-nastier copies have come along over the years, and hardening the tool steel is something that costs money to do. So, plain steel blade = rubbish lifespan.