AMPCOM STP CAT7 RJ45 Connector Zinc-Alloy Tool-Free Ethernet Field Termination Modular Plug -12 pack

This 6 pack of rj45 connectors for CAT8 cable came from AmpCom and was priced at $25 when we ordered. I used these on CAT6 cable and they worked as expected. These should work with any spec of CAT cable. The installation was fairly easy, about the same as when using a crimp tool. You will need a set of wire cutters to cut and strip the wire, so using them is mostly tool-less. The big difference between using these and crimp-on rj45 connectors is after putting the "cartridged wires" into the housing, you press the housing closed by hand and secure it with a screw on collar. The method secures the wire just fine and allows you to go back and fix mistakes, while also being able to reuse the end connector (unlike crimps on where you must cut the end off, waste the connector, waste a inch of wire, and then restrip the wire).The metal body is robust and should be built to last. Its larger and more stylish than your average crimp on connector. The size can make things tight on a unit with lots of connectors side by side.Overall these are nice connectors if you dont want to spend a bunch of money on a crimp tool. They are more expensive than your average plastic crimp on rj45 connector. The value is they are reuseable and you dont have to make the large tool investment to make custom CAT cables.

you grab the color wiring and follow the T-568 color code and place it in the slot, thats it. It is that easy, no more crimping

This is the first time I've used "toolless" RJ45 connectors, and I must say I am impressed with the ease, convenience and quality of these AMPCOM connectors.It took me a couple of practice tries to finally get a connector installed that I was happy with because I haven't had any recent practice, but I really like the way it turned out. I like that these connectors come with end covers for storing/transport, but think the money could have been better spent if they had included some reducing sleeves to accommodate smaller diameter cables.Overall a quality product that takes some of the hassle out of making custom cables, and the reusability is big bonus.

These ends are quick and easy to use. I have not had any problems with them yet. I used it with some 24AWG, so I'm not sure how it is with a bigger wire. Looks like it would be fine.

First, it's not tool-free. You don't need a crimper, but you will need a stripper and a very precise, small cutting tool. I first tried using on my shielded CAT6a. The problem with that is that my cable is 26awg which doesn't stay put in the load bar as that only works with 23-24awg AFA as keeping the individual wires in place while inserting the load bar into the connector. This leads to the next issue which is that shielded 23awg CAT6a is only available in 1000 foot rolls. Anything under 1000 feet and you are stuck with 26awg. I tried multiple times to get my cable to work with this, and it failed every time. I did get a good connection with some regular CAT6 that was 24awg, so at least it wasn't a defective connector (thus two stars instead of one).The next issue is the copper wrap is nearly impossible to keep in place while screwing on the strain relief boot. I gave up trying. But the most pain was in having to make sure the wires in the lower part of the load bar can be cut flush given that there can be nothing extending from the end of the shorter portion of the load bar (as seen in the second pic) or the connector cannot be closed. Most other connectors have load bars that only require cutting all 8 wires at the same place. I would not purchase this brand again.