Networking has become a basic part of our lives. From the internet routers that create Wi-Fi networks in our homes to the large servers that enable offices to run, the networking field in computing is quite relevant almost everywhere.
All these internet devices are interconnected using networking cables that transmit data. One particular tool that is commonly used when dealing with networking cables is the punch down tool.
It is used to connect these wires to patch panels, surface mount boxes, and keystone modules from which other connections can be made.
Editor’s Choice Best Punch Down Tool Review
Punch down tools are quite many on the market. For you to select the best one for the job, you need to understand each tool’s various features to find the most suitable one for your project needs. The following are some of the top-rated punch down tool:
TRENDnet Punch Down Tool with 110 and Krone Blade TC-PDT
The trendnet punch down tool is equipped with 110 and krone blade inserts. These enable you to clip data or communication cables in both 110 and krone standards while also cutting it on the other end at the same time.
To achieve this, it uses reversible precision blades. These blades are interchangeable and can be replaced using the collar’s twist lock and unlock mechanism. This makes it very easy and convenient to use. This twist-lock mechanism also prevents the blade from falling out, making it safer to use.
The tool has adjustable high actuation and low actuation settings that give flexibility towards different user requirements when terminating data cables.
Design-wise, this punching tool has a big housing, which fits comfortably on the hand. Its surface provides many grips, which makes it very stable when punching and terminating cables. Overall, these features make the trendnet tool very easy to handle and very convenient to use.
Features at a glance
- Interchangeable and reversible blade inserts for both 110 and krone standards.
- High and low actuation settings.
- Spare blade storage space provides a holding place for the extra blade while also safekeeping it.
- Twist lock mechanism for locking the blade in place.
Cable Matters 110 Punch Down Tool with 110 Blade
This punching tool is specifically designed for punching cables into 110 standard patch panels, keystone jacks, and connecting blocks. It has a dual purpose 110 blades for punching as well as cutting network cables. This blade is removable by simply twisting it around the collar, making it easier to switch to a new blade and disassemble for transportation.
The tool has an impact adjustment dial that you can use to adjust the spring action force from low to high. This enables you to set the right spring action to suit the different requirements during installation.
Its housing fits comfortably on the hands, and it has easy-grip treads to keep your hands glued onto it. This makes it feel stable and comfortable on the hands. Its housing is impact-resistant, which makes it even more stable to hold when punching.
If you want to carry an extra blade to the project site, this tool’s housing contains a blade storage compartment that stores the blade. It also safely keeps the blade so that it does not get lost.
Features at a glance
- It has a removable blade for 110 standard keystone jacks, connecting blocks, and patch panels.
- It can be used on keystone jacks compatible with cat 6A, 6, 5e, 5, and 3.
- Grip treads make it more stable to use.
- Lightweight and portable. Fits comfortably on tool belts and tool-kits.
- It has a blade storage compartment for storing and safekeeping an extra blade.
Epsilont EPS2000PD Punch Down Tool
If you prefer practicality, then this is your punch down tool. It has a universal design, which basically means it has blades for 66, 110, and krone standards. The blades for both 110 and 66 standards have cutting and non-cutting sides, while the blades for 110 and krone standards are interchangeable and reversible, making this tool applicable in almost all kinds of installations.
These blades are held in place by an ergonomically designed housing that is quite comfortable to hold. This makes it quite easy to terminate cables during installation. The tool maximizes user comfort by including a low and high dial for controlling the impact of the spring’s action. This gives you the option of selecting your preferred impact settings for different kinds of projects.
The build quality of this tool is something that cannot be overlooked. It has a steel body construction, which makes it strong and sturdy. This assures you of a long service life regardless of whether you mishandle it or not.
Features at a glance
- It has a 1 monthly money-back guarantee.
- It has a hook line knife and a card knife (which can be used as a flat blade screwdriver).
- Excellent body construction.
- Its 110 and 66 style blades have cutting and non-cutting sides.
- It has an adjustment dial for high impact and low impact settings.
Tripp Lite 110/66 Punch Down Installation Tool
For 110 and 66 standard specific projects, this can be a handy tool. It features both 110 and 66 blade inserts, and they both have cutting and non-cutting surfaces. These blades can be used to punch Cat6a, Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 network cables.
Tripp lite punching tool is quite portable. It has a storage compartment on its handle to store the blade when not in use. Blades also tend to get lost when the tool is in transit to be used in different locations, so this storage compartment keeps it safe.
An impact pressure adjustment dial on the tool’s side can adjust the spring’s actuation settings to accommodate different users’ needs. This, combined with the handle’s ergonomic design, makes it very comfortable to use.
The tool’s housing is made of a polyacetal resin. This resin frame is quite rugged (which provides grip) and is also quite strong. This makes it durable enough to last for a lifetime.
Features at a glance
- Pocket-sized tool. It is very portable.
- It is very effective at punching data cables in 110 jacks and patch panels and telephone wires to 66M blocks.
- It is RoHS compliant.
- It has a blade storage compartment.
WESTONETEK Punch Down Impact Tool with 110 and 66 Blades
The Westonetek punch down tool is a practical 110 and 66 standard tool. It is packaged together with the two blades, which are both reversible and interchangeable. The 110 blades can be easily inserted into the blade socket when punching Cat6a, Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5.
This 110 blade can be replaced with the 66 blades by using the tool’s twist lock and unlock mechanism on the blade sockets, making it suitable for telephone wire punching,
It has a dial for controlling the actuation settings to suit the termination requirements and suit the user’s preference. The impact adjustment dial controls actuation settings by adjusting the spring’s action force from low to high. This adds a comfort level because the user gets to select the settings that suit him/her.
The tool’s handle contains a storage compartment for keeping the extra blade that is not in use. This compartment has the other advantage of safekeeping the blade so as not to get lost.
Features at a glance
- It has twist and lock sockets, which accommodate almost all types of blades.
- Its handle is ergonomically designed to fit on the palm as well as to provide grip.
- It is packaged with a wire stripper for easier wire cutting.
- Adjustable high and low actuation settings make it convenient for different users.
- It has 110 and 66 standard blades that are interchangeable and reversible.
Valley ET-1000021 Punch Down Tool
This punch down tool gives you value for your money. It is affordable, yet it has some pretty good features. For instance, it is ergonomically designed for quick and easy cable terminations. You get just enough torque to insert cables into IDC terminals while also cutting off the excess cable at the same time.
It also has low and high impact control settings for adjusting the spring’s action force, giving you more flexibility in choosing the preferred settings to suit the project requirements as well as to suit your preference.
It has interchangeable blades that are also reversible between krone and 110 standards. This makes it versatile enough to be used in a variety of installations. The release blade dial on the tool’s side enables you to release the stored blade, which is very convenient when switching blades in large projects that require different blade standards.
Features at a glance
- It has a storage compartment on top of the handle to store and safely keep the blade.
- It features a hook line knife and card knife (which can also be used as a flat head screwdriver).
- Interchangeable and reversible blades between 110 and krone standards.
- Low and high impact settings to control spring actuation.
- Ergonomically designed for easy and quick termination.
Vastar Network Wire Punch Down Impact Tool with Two Blades
This tool has exact blades that are reversible and interchangeable between 110 and BK standards. The blades can be used on several cables that include Cat6a, Cat6, and Cat5 network cables. They insert the cables into IDC terminals and cut them simultaneously, enabling you to do everything at once.
As is standard with almost all punch down tools, this one features a low to high impact dial for setting the spring’s action when punching. This setting enables you to select the preferred action force of your choice and the most suitable action force for the installation project.
The tool’s handle is ergonomically designed to fit perfectly on the hand and provide grip. This makes it easy to handle. The top part of the handle has a spare blade storage space for the extra blade it comes with. This also safely keeps the extra blade, ensuring it does not get lost.
Features at a glance
- It is packaged together with a wire stripper, which makes wire cutting easier.
- It has a twist and lock blade socket which holds the blade firmly in place.
- The blades insert and cut the cable at the same time.
- Adjustable impact settings from low to high.
Need to know About The Best Punch Down Tool Before You Buy
Selecting the best punch down tool can be quite a challenge. Some of the things you need to consider before buying one include:
Interchangeable blades
Blades ultimately decide which jacks the tool can be used on. Depending on your project’s requirements, select the blades that will help you accomplish the job. However, it would be wise to go for the tools that give you more options regarding blades.
One important thing to consider, though, when selecting a multi-purpose blade tool is to pick one that will not be a bother when switching blades. Twist lock and unlock mechanisms are quite easy to use and should be considered.
Build quality
When using punch down tools, you exert a lot of pressure on the complete tool. A cheaply built tool has a high probability of tearing apart slowly by slowly after each use. Metallic or strong plastic punch down tools are the best ones to buy because they can handle continuous stress for longer periods of time with no effect at all.
Ergonomic design
Continuous punching might exert a lot of stress on the arm. A good punch down tool should have an ergonomic handle to make it easier for you to handle. It should have a grippy surface and be the right size to fit on your hand. Low and high impact settings are also desirable properties. They enable you to select the most preferred spring action to suit your preference.
Some tools have Impact-resistant housings, making them even easier to handle and smooth on the hands.
Portability
Punch down tools are meant to be used in several projects. This demands portability. Small-sized tools are quite advantageous because they can easily fit in tool belts and tool-kits. Tools with removable blades are also quite portable because the disassembled kit is much smaller and easier to carry.
Extra features
Extra features are always a plus to any item bought. Some punch down tools are bought with additional tools such as wire strippers, which help you even more in your installation projects.
However, be careful to look at whether these extra features make the purchase more expensive than buying the extra feature and this tool independently. You do not want to be blinded by an offer to spend more.
Conclusion
Punch down tools are essential in networking and communication cable installations. The wrong punching tool can negatively impact the quality of work carried out by technicians.
Ideally, the best punching tool should make the work of the technician easier. Following the guide above, you should select the most suitable tool to complete your installation with ease.
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