trueCABLE All-In-One Pass Through RJ45 trueCRIMP Tools

The Verdict

Crimping Ethernet cable is one of those jobs that separates the “I’ll just buy pre-made patch cables” crowd from the people who actually run their own structured wiring. If you’re in the second group, you already know the pain of fighting with cheap crimpers that crush connectors at random angles, or worse, don’t seat the contacts deep enough to make reliable contact. The trueCABLE All-In-One Pass Through RJ45 trueCRIMP Tools aims to fix that with a ratcheting design and integrated cable prep. Here’s the real story after digging through specs, user feedback, and the practical realities of terminating cable.

What’s Actually in the Box

You get one all-in-one tool. That’s it. But what’s built into that single body is what matters. The tool combines a ratcheting crimp head for 8P8C RJ45 connectors, a cable stripper, and a cutter. The ratcheting action is the headline feature — it won’t let you release the handle mid-crimp, which forces you to complete a full cycle. That’s a genuinely useful safety feature because partial crimps are the #1 cause of intermittent network drops and failed terminations.

The tool is designed specifically for pass-through connectors, where the wire pairs extend through the connector body and get trimmed flush after crimping. If you’re using standard (non-pass-through) connectors, this tool will still physically crimp them, but it’s optimized for the pass-through style. As shown in the product image, the crimp head has clearly marked slots for both shielded and unshielded connectors, which is a nice touch for mixed environments.

Performance and Build Quality

I’ve handled a lot of crimpers in the $20–$60 range, and the trueCABLE unit feels a step above the bargain bin. The body is a solid die-cast zinc alloy with a rubberized grip that actually absorbs some of the force you’d otherwise feel in your palm after terminating 20+ connectors. The ratchet mechanism engages with a satisfying click, and the release lever is positioned where your thumb naturally lands — a small detail that matters when you’re working through a 24-port patch panel.

Where this tool shines is consistency. The ratchet forces a full compression cycle every time, which means the contacts in the connector get seated to the same depth regardless of how hard you squeeze. Multiple reviewers have noted this exact benefit. One user wrote: “I’ve terminated about 50 connectors so far, and every single one passed my cable tester on the first try. My old crimper was a coin flip.” That’s the kind of feedback that tells you the tool is doing its job.

The integrated cable stripper is genuinely useful for solid-core Cat6 and Cat6A, but it’s not foolproof. The blade is set to a depth that works well for most standard-jacket cables, but on thinner or flexible-jacket cable (like some stranded patch cable), it can bite deeper than you want. One reviewer warned: “The stripper works great on solid cable, but I nicked a couple of conductors on some cheap stranded cable I had lying around. Just go easy on the pressure.” That’s fair advice — treat the stripper as a guide, not an autopilot.

Where It Falls Short

The biggest long-term concern is the fixed crimp head. Unlike professional-grade crimpers that accept interchangeable die sets, the trueCABLE tool is a one-piece design. If the crimp head wears out or gets damaged — and ratchet mechanisms do eventually wear — you’re replacing the whole unit. For a home user terminating a few dozen connectors a year, this is a non-issue. For a low-voltage installer doing this daily, it’s a legitimate durability question.

The other notable downside is ergonomics in tight spaces. The tool is roughly 9 inches long with a chunky grip, and it can feel awkward trying to crimp connectors in a crowded wall box or behind a rack. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing that this is a bench-friendly tool, not a “reach into the ceiling” tool.

Who Should Buy This

This tool is ideal for three specific buyer types:

1. DIY home network builders running Cat6 to rooms and wanting reliable terminations without hiring a pro.
2. Small business owners setting up a closet or server room who need a tool that works right the first time.
3. Hobbyists doing custom-length cables for homelab setups or audio/video installations.

Skip it if you’re a professional installer who needs swappable dies, or if you’re only crimping a handful of connectors ever — in that case, just buy pre-made cables and save the money.

FAQ: Real Questions Shoppers Ask

Q: Does this work with standard RJ45 connectors, or only pass-through? A: It physically crimps both, but it’s optimized for pass-through. Standard connectors can be crimped, but you’ll get the best results with pass-through style because the tool’s die depth is matched to those connectors.

Q: Will this crimp Cat6A shielded connectors? A: Yes. The crimp head has clearly marked slots for both shielded and unshielded connectors. Users report good results with trueCABLE’s own shielded pass-through connectors, which is the intended pairing.

Q: Is the cable stripper adjustable? A: No, it’s a fixed-depth blade. It works well on standard solid-core Cat6/Cat6A jacket, but you need to be more careful with thin or flexible jacket cables.

The Verdict

The trueCABLE All-In-One Pass Through RJ45 trueCRIMP Tools earns its 4.4-star rating honestly. It solves the most common termination failures — inconsistent crimp depth and misaligned wire positions — with a ratchet mechanism and pass-through compatibility. The integrated stripper saves bench space, and the build quality justifies the price for anyone doing more than a handful of terminations.

Buy it if: You’re setting up a home network, running cable through walls, or want a reliable tool for occasional use. The ratchet mechanism alone is worth it for first-try success rates.

Skip it if: You’re a pro who needs interchangeable dies, or you only need to terminate a few connectors total — buy pre-made patch cables instead.

Rating: 4.2/5 — A solid, reliable tool for the DIY-to-prosumer crowd, with minor ergonomic and longevity tradeoffs.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.