What is a Punch Down Tool? | Types, Blades, and Usage Guide

■ Punch Down Tool: Choices, Knife Options, and Using the Tool in Network Termination 

A punch down tool, also known as a Krone tool, RJ45 punch down tool, or impact tool, is a small but essential hand tool widely used by network technicians. It is designed for inserting Ethernet, telephone, or audio cable wires into insulation-displacement connectors (IDC) found in patch panels, keystone jacks, and punch down blocks.

Featuring a spring-mechanism to push the wire inside the casing, it shortens the length of the wire, and (even more importantly) creates a reliable, corrosion-proof, and secure connection. This article provides a complete overview on how a punch down tool works, including its types, structure, working mechanism, blades, and step-by-step explanation on how to use the tool.

■ What Is a Punch Down Tool? 

A punch down tool is an equipment which is especially designed to work with multi-pair cables (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, etc.) installed at connector ends. This is usually made up of: 

• A fully gripped handle 

• An inner spring mechanism activated to apply the appropriate pressure

• A slot or a blade for cutting and pressing the wire 

Providing fast, accurate, and hands-free wire connections, the tool is a must for structured cabling, telephone installations, as well as low-voltage installations.

■ How Does a Punch Down Tool Work? 

So what to do to get it done in here: 

• Wire Positioning: Press the specified punching tool in the slot that carries the stripped wire of the jack or panel. 

• Pressure Application: Apply pressure using the punch tool down to the spring, which should be loaded, and let it go. 

• Termination and Cutting: The edge chokes the inner wire through the insulation, resulting in the circuit being made, and then the buffer is cut. 

• Dust Cap Placement (optional): Plug a cap to protect the connection and relieve strain.

■ Main Features of Punch Down Tools 

• Blade Types: 66, 110, Krone, or BIX, that can be interchanged with the wiring connector type 

• Color-coded Handle Ends: Accentuates the sharp-end that does cutting and the tail end that is non-cutting. 

• Impact Force Adjustment: A few tools come with the option for pressure adjustment. 

• Dimensions: Five point two to seven-inch long; 7.2 to 10 cm; weighs 

• Ergonomics: Design made immediately usable within one hand and, moreover, compulsively used.

■ Types of Punch Down Tools

 ■ Blade Types for Ethernet Termination 

110 Blade 

• For a Cat5e/Cat6, which is one of the main benefits. 

• Often seen in Ethernet patch panels and gekey panels. 

• Provides a validated signal for upper frequency and retro-gigabit connections. 

66 Blade 

• Primarily used in Module 66 blocks. 

• Termination of 22-26 AWGstring wires. 

• Used where telecommunication is done in an old manner only. 

Krone Blade 

• Usual in Europe more, and among telecom branches. 

• This method is also preferred in data and voice lines. 

BIX Blade 

• This method is used primarily in Canada for high-density situations.

 ■ 110 vs 66 Punch Down Blocks 

66 Block: Naturally, analog phone systems care real telephone wiring blocks, pieces with AAA for each and every wire type. 

110 Block: Future block which is used to be with Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet networks; used for up to 1 Gb/s or more.

 ■ How to Use a Punch Down Tool – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Strip the Cable Jacket 

You must leave some room in the cable end, which is measured approximately as 2.5 inches (6 cm). 

Use a stripping tool or crimping tool removing or torching off the braiding or outer sheath. 

Step 2: Untwist and Straighten the Pairs 

Individually separate and straighten them to assist insertion. 

Follow color codes for both T568A and T568B; T568B preferred. 

Step 3: Insert Wires into Jack or Panel 

Align each conductor into its designated IDC slot, foil side up for side A and foil side down for side B. 

Observe proper matching and also color coding. 

Step 4: Punch Down 

Share the working end of the tool at right angles to the jack. 

Depressing the blade down rightly will make it obvious whether its the correct or the wrong side. 

Step 5: Trim Excess Wires 

While the blade consumes some extra wire, this is being secured well in its position. 

Step 6: Place Dust Cap (If Available) 

Attach the plug to restrict the power outflow, and to ease the strain reliever. 

The wrong cap is another issue and thus check positing wire.

 ■ Use Cases and Applications

• Ethernet network installations (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a). 

• Patch panel and keystone jack termination

• Telecommunication. 

• CCTV and audio/video cabling

• Home or enterprise structured wiring

 ■ Zion Communication – A professional provider of network tools

At Zion Communication, you will find a selection of heavy-duty and ergonomic tools, keystone jacks, patch panels, and complete cabling kits suitable for the most ambitious installers. 

Recommended Products: 

• Universal impact punch down tool for RJ45 (110 & 66 Blades). 

• Convactable Effect Tool. 

• The Complete Termination Toolprises for Structured Cabling. 

No matter if you're a technician or system integrator, you can always trust that our tools work like a charm, yielding professional standards in every job.