StarTech.com RJ45 Network Cable Tester with 4 Remote Loopback Plugs - Professional LAN Tester for Ethernet, Cat5, Cat6, Cat7 Cables - Perfect for IT Technicians, Network Installations & Home Office Setup

We purchased this as a 2nd tool for a tech on a new wiring job. After about 20 terminations, the 'u' shaped section of the cutting tool snapped and the tool was no longer usable to punch down terminations. We then inserted the spare nib that came with the unit, and that TOO snapped in exactly the same place after 12 terminations (terminations are 8 punches...)Either the casting process is flawed or the metal used is not high enough quality to survive the pressure. Overall a real disappointment for a first use. Fortunately we had a replacement nib from Ideal and so we were able to complete the job.This is my first purchase of StarTech tools - I have long used and resold their electronic components and accessories. Hopefully they will honor a warranty. It is likely my last purchase of their tools. Ideal is more expensive, but they work well!We need to separate this into three reviews.The punch mechanism (handle) works fine. 5 stars. Most manufacturers use the same punch mechanism.The twist-lock chuck that holds the blade -- 2 stars. It is so bad that the tool flip-flops around. (But it does hold the blade.)The punch blades are excellent. 5 stars. I bought this tool for the 66 blade. It fits very well.. (The 110 blade is also fine.)I returned the first tool I received because of the very loose twist-lock chuck. I received a replacement very promptly. This chuck on the replacement tool is better, but still too loose. I diagnosed the problem: The locking tab that fits into the twist-lock groove on the blade is just the end of a spring-wire C-clip. This tab is too short. On tools from other manufacturers, this tab is a bit more substantial.This will be a good back-up tool. I'll use these excellent blades in another push-down tool.It's not an expensive tool so it's short comings are not a surprise. The biggest problem is that when crimping the RJ45 jacks, the "tab" on the jack (or whatever you call the thing that causes the jack to "click" and lock into place) gets crushed in the process, preventing the "click" and locking mechanism. The "tab" can be bent back out to make it kind of work, but it's really a kludge.Another complaint is that the stripper has no semi-circular cutout in which the cable can sit. So the correct pressure for stripping (and not nicking the internal conductors) is pure guess work.But it does get the job done.As a Telephone person for 41+ years, I will not use this much because of technology so it should work okay. The spring originally did not keep the blade in the tool, had to tweak the tension, still loose but for my needs it should be okay. My big disappointment is the blades. It says a 110 and 66e connector. Over all of those 41+ years they were separate blades. In this case, both, I type again, both blades are the same, a 110 cutter on one end and a 66e cutter on the other end. They should be a cutter on one end and a terminator on the other for multiple connections. I guess my old needle nose will still have a use.standard spring loaded punch down tool. Nothing fancy, and cheaply made like most other models. This will get the job done for a while, but then you will need to replace it. This is not unexpected, and since it is so cheap it is not a negative mark on the review. Includes both blades.Our first unit arrived and with in the first day of use was giving errors on known good wiring. We discovered two of the four nodes were the problem. We contacted the manufacturer and they wanted us to return to our place of purchase. Amazon was great about promptly returning. At the same time we ordered an identical one and when it arrived, we promptly tested with known good cables. Again, we found we had defective node end points. We called the manufacturer again and they never called us back as promised.In the end, we return the second unit to Amazon and are now looking for another make/model to purchase. If you purchase this, do so with caution testing all components immediately and for the next several days. :-(Blade would not lock into position. Had to "site engineer" it a bit. Other than blade not locking, it is a great tool Sharp and seems to hold an edge. Good spring. I could only give it three stars because of the blade not locking in....Spacing is off by about 1/16th of an inch per RU, by the time you get to the 49th RU it is way off.Would not recomendNot the best I have used but definitely not the worst either. The crimping side of it is great, the action is smooth and easy and you know when to stop. The cutter is not fantastic, just mediocre; I didn't get the feeling that the cuts were that clean on multistrand cable but it was easy enough to tidy them up. The stripper was the usual "put two blades on the sheath and go careful you don't cut too deep. I am used to this so not a problem but something to be aware of if these are going to be your first set of crimpers.I have only used them on RJ45 connectors so I can't comment on RJ11 but I can't think that there would be any issues.Good product, works as expectedNessun difetto da riportare, fa il suo lavoro egregiamente.Comode le lame per sguainare l'utp alla lunghezza giusta.Prezzo ottimo.very disappointed. The tester break in 7 months.There is a lot of tester for only a few bucks, but this expensive one break too.solide et efficace