How to make your own Ethernet cable

By Rich Edmonds
published

Network Cable Head
Network Cable Head (Image credit: Android Central)

Whether you want to make some cabling of a specific length or just wish to have a little more fun than picking up Ethernet cables from your local store, it's actually an easy and straightforward task to make your own. This process can also help you repair damaged cable in the home or at the office without having to fork out cash for replacements. To get started, here's what you'll need:

  • Ethernet cable.
  • Crimping tool.
  • RJ45 modular connector.
  • Cable tester.

For the cabling itself, you can pick up pre-assembled cabling that are ready to use and then cut to size or you could save some more money and pop to your local DIY store who should be able to cut some from a reel for you. You can pick up the crimping tool, modular connectors, and a cable tester in one package:

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The cable testing equipment isn't required (you can easily check by connecting the cable to your PC and router), but it makes things easier because you can just reach for a nearby tool and not have to fetch a device.

  1. Cut the cable to the length you require.

Ethernet Cabling

  1. Using the crimping tool, strip away the cable jacket.
  2. Check to see if you nipped away at the wires inside.
  3. Spread the twisted wires out.(The thin thread that joins the four twisted wires allows you to pull the jacket back further, but note that there may be a plastic spine in the middle that requires cutting, along with the wires.)

Ethernet Cabling

  1. Straighten out the wires.

Ethernet Cabling

  1. Line them up in order, using the guides below:Looking at the underside of a connector, the copper contacts are in eight individual slots, numbered one through eight. We're using the T568B standard, which differs slightly from the T568A standard for wiring Ethernet cables.

RJ45

  1. Slide the wires carefully into the RJ45 connector.

Ethernet Cabling

  1. Insert the cable into the crimper tool and press hard to secure the connector.

The clamp within the connector should press against the cable jacket. You should not be able to test the cable using the tool or plug each end into a device and see if a connection is made.

Fear not if you don't get the wires lined up perfectly because it can take some practice to get the hang of preventing the wires from overlapping or locking as pairs into the connector. If you make a mistake, simply cut a bit behind from where you were working, and try again.

Rich Edmonds
Rich Edmonds
16 Comments
  • RJ45-EZ......so much easier. You need a different crimper that's made for it, it's a crimp and cut as the wires go all the way through the RJ45-EZ. All around much easier though.
  • This. The proprietary crimper is worth the cost. Saves so much time if you make cables often.
  • You dont even need a proprietary crimper. You can just crimp the cable with a regular tool, then trim the cable with some angled cutters!
  • Blech. I hate the through style. Without the proprietary tool, it is so much trouble to get the wires cut close enough, even using flush cuts. I can't tell you how many I've had to cut off and re-terminate at work.
  • Gotta second this. They're more expensive, as is the special crimper, but they're so much easier to use. No more worrying about getting the individual wires just the right length. Just stick them in, pull through, crimp.
  • I've done this before, luckily I'm able to borrow a crimper from work. It takes some getting used to, but it's awesome to be able to route hardlines to all my tech in the house. And I have open joist, so routing is easy. Of course, I had to get a second router, since I ran out of ports, lol.
  • Not sure why they didn't additionally put up the wire layout for 568A and then tell people how to make a cross-over cable. Passthrough (regular) ethernet = a cable with the same standard (either 568A or 568B) on each end, Crossover ethernet = a cable with 568A on one end and 568B on the other. Also.... why the hell is this up on android central? How many android devices, other than Android TV's (or maybe Fire TV's) come with ethernet ports?
  • Because, in case you havent noticed, this site often posts articles on related technology, and a simple guide for making your own network cables is highly useful to ANYONE who visits the site.
  • Unless all your gear is old, you don't need crossover cables anymore. Gigabit autocrosses.
  • So do you really think there are no Android devices that have RJ45 ethernet port for networking?
  • I wired my house while it was under construction with cat6 and coax. The proper tools makes a world of difference. I used a cable tester that I could use, not only to identify mis-wired ends, but it would allow me to identify each of the 10's of runs to the wiring closet. It also would let me know how long each run was so I didn't exceed specifications. One thing to keep in mind when working with cat6 is not to kink or put bends in the cable or you may find they won't perform at full speed. In my installation I made sure that all turns were done with at least a 4" radius.
  • CAT6 Staggered Master Race, kinda a pain the the ass but guarantees the best bit for the pins into solid copper wires. RJ45 without a staggered guide (CAT5) if you get used to it can be done in 15-30 seconds no problem.
  • How to make an Ethernet cable.
    What you'll need..... And Ethernet cable.
  • Looks like a typo -> You should not be able to test the cable using the tool or plug each end into a device and see if a connection is made. The "not" should be "now", right?
  • Good luck with getting the article corrected, you'll need it.
  • Make sure the RJ45 connector is the correct one for the cable you are using! Solid conductor connectors are different to multi-strand connectors. Use the wrong one and the connection may be OK initially but may fail later