VDV226-817 Modular Installation Kit, Ratcheting Crimper/Stripper, RJ11/RJ45 Plugs, CAT5e Connector, for Voice/Data/Video

I bought my VDV226-107 two years ago with the intention of replacing my traditional "pliers-style" crimpers that I had used for years and then lost in a work-van blackhole. When these arrived, they appeared to be up to the task and I was excited to give them a try.The fit and finish is great. No rough edges, solid hand-feel, and even though they have bounced around in my tool-belt for their two-years none of the lettering or decals have peeled off or begun to fade. The textured handle is also as solid as it was when I first bought it.I have probably terminated around 500 or so cables with it by now and it's still just as tight as it was on crimp one. If you're looking for a good value tool for the money, I wouldn't hesitate to say this one would hold up durability-wise.However, this is about where I run out of praises for the tool and will drop into the criticisms I had.1: I'm really not a fan of the design even though I really wanted to be. I had assumed that you would hold the die-side in the palm of your hand and squeeze the yellow handle with your fingers to terminate the cables. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. When using this tool with your right hand, I found this process slightly awkward feeling and I never really got used to it. It's about like riding a bike or a motorcycle and having the clutch/brake levers on the riders side of the handle bars. You can still operate them, but it always felt awkward and felt like it only impeded gripping strength.Left handed operation was better, but I found that the yellow grip on the handle provided inadequate grip and wanted to slip out of my hand if my grip wasn't just right.Inverted(with the Die end of the tool near my wrist), the Tool felt better (better application of gripping force) in my right hand, but worse in my left hand (Back to square one with having to work the tool in a sub-optimal fashion while also having the tool constantly trying to slip out of your hand).In either case, I would recommend some grip tape added to the handle and the rear of the tool. Or at least, some sandpaper and double-sided tape. I found that the extra texture helped the slippery nature of the tool, even though it didn't do much to combat the rest of awkwardness. Its almost like my hands weren't big enough to properly hold the tool like I wanted to. (I should also point out I have larger hands. 98mm from index knuckle to pinky knuckle and 200mm from tip of the middle finger to wrist)2: This is the first crimper I've ever used that actually made my terminations less reliable. I've never had issues with RJ-45 crimping whether it was a cheap 12$ crimper from the local hardware store, or a higher quality crimping tool. However, this tool constantly worked to break my RJ-45 ends. It never wanted to fully seat the cables in the die so if you weren't paying attention, you would crimp the cable and it would smash the rear of the connector (near the strain-lock) and not lock the strain-lock. Even when fully inserted, it constantly feels like it is out of alignment and I often have to re-tip a cable I just made because it thoroughly destroyed the rear of the RJ-45 end. I have tried cleaning the die out, different ends (I primarily use GMP Brand RJ-45 ends), and even just being more careful; telling myself that "One day thing's 'll get better and I'll get used to it."It is 100% possible that both my issues are user error, but I do not have this problem with other crimpers and find myself often using a shared set or someone else's crimper just because I don't trust this one at all.Only two marks against, but to me they were two critical marks that have led me to never want to try one of these "ergonomic" style crimpers ever again. They may work for you, but they certainty didn't for me.

Some good crimpers . It’s a Klein tool what can I say

The wire cutter doesn't always cut all the way across. It seems slightly overbuilt, so it has a 'clunkiness' to it, but it's definitely sturdy.

This modular installation kit does exactly what it is supposed to do, that is, strip cable and crimp modular plugs. No surprises after reading all of the other reviews. I downgraded it by a star as it doesn't provide a lot of control for scoring and stripping cable - you have to take great care not to cut too far through the jacket and nick the inside wires. Accordingly, if you are going to do a lot of installations, also get a separate dedicated tool for scoring and stripping.This is the first time that I have installed modular jacks with a tool like this. It's not a simple procedure as it takes just the right touch to get the conductors lined up just right to push into the plug, particularly with Cat6 cable. After watching (and re-watching) several YouTube videos, I successfully made four good,working installations. Also, get a $10 modular cable testing tool to ensure that all of the connections are good and in the right order.

After playing around with it a bit I was able to get this thing working pretty efficiently. It's irritating that it doesn't trim the wires you've passed through the jack though. Instead, you have to trim them as short as you can with the crimper, then wiggle them to the edge before crimping. I'd recommend buying a crimper that does this automatically.Like others have said, I also find myself awkwardly holding and flipping it around when I use it. Maybe it's better for left handed people.

Compact is the way to go. This tool is awesome and not bulky like full size. Worth it.

Nice simple design and made tough to last.

I've only crimped about 20 connections so far with this device so I can't comment on it's durability, but this device works WAY better than my last crimping tool. No issues at all with a variety of RJ-45 CAT-5E cables.

Excelentes pinzas para ponchar y muy fáciles de usar

It is very portable and study, and sleek design.

I bought this item on recommendation from another website which reviewed these types of tool for professional use.So far I have had no issues with it. It works perfectly except I was expecting more of a ratcheting effect, especially as it had a ratchet release knob. That's why value for money and sturdiness only get a 4 star rating.

The media could not be loaded.  Great sized crimper, I had another one this size that I love so bought this.Reason I gave it three stars is the locking latch locks every push which is terrible. It should have been a slide lock that can be pushed when needed. Ended up breaking the lock on purpose so it wouldn't latch anymore.

When it arrived, I was surprised at the small size but the tool worked really well until the final step. Crimp works great but there's no blade to crisply cut the cables that have passed through the connector? What's the point of that!