Knipex 97 51 10 Crimping Pliers Review for Network Jobs
- Best overall: KNIPEX Crimping Pliers 190 mm, 97 51 10 — The 190 mm size, ratchet mechanism and parallel crimping make it the most balanced choice
- Runner-up: Klein Tools Pass-Thru Modular Wire Crimper & Pass-Thru Modular — Pass-thru RJ45 support makes cable checking easier, and the all-in-one cut-strip-crimp des
- Third choice: IWISS Wire Terminal Crimping Tool 6-50mm Cable Lug Crimper — Its hexagonal dies and AWG 8 to 1/0 range make it strong for heavy cable lug work, not sta
If you are fitting Ethernet runs, terminating CAT cable, or making repeated connector ends on site, the right crimping tool saves time and cuts down on bad terminations. The wrong one leaves you with poor compression, wasted plugs, and unnecessary hand strain.
This guide compares the real options for network work, from dedicated CAT cable crimpers to pass-through RJ45 tools and heavier-duty terminal crimpers. It is written for UK buyers who want the actual trade-offs: what each tool does, where it falls short, and which one is worth choosing for the job in hand.
| Product | Price | Size | Color | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KNIPEX Crimping Pliers 190 mm, 97 51 10 🥇 Top Pick |
£30-£50 | 19 cm | Black | Check price |
| Klein Tools Pass-Thru Modular Wire Crimper & Pass-Thru Modular 🥈 Runner-Up |
£50-£75 | — | Black,gold,yellow | Check price |
| IWISS Wire Terminal Crimping Tool 6-50mm Cable Lug Crimper 🥉 Third Place |
£50-£75 | 39.5 cm x 14.2 cm x 4.2 cm | Black | Check price |
| C.K Redline 2025 Edition VDE 3pc Set Pliers 4th |
£100-£150 | Multiple Sizes – 3 Piece | Red | Check price |
Specifications from Amazon product data. Price bands are a rough guide only — check the current price on Amazon before buying.
What to Look For — Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For
For network work, the best crimping tool should match the connector type you actually use. If you are doing CAT cable and standard data terminations, look for a tool with cutting and stripping built in, plus a ratchet mechanism for repeatable results. Parallel crimping is worth having because it gives more even pressure across the connector. If you prefer pass-through RJ45 plugs, a tool that trims flush to the connector end can make the job quicker and reduce mistakes.
Size matters as well. A compact tool around 19 cm is easier to carry and use on-site, while larger tools are better reserved for heavy cable lugs rather than data cabling. Also check whether the tool is designed for the connector style you use most often. A great cable lug crimper is still the wrong tool for Ethernet terminations.
How Much Should You Spend?
For a basic but proper network crimping tool, expect to sit in the lower middle of the market, where you should be looking for a ratchet, stripping blades and a sensible build. If you want pass-through convenience, expect to move up to a more specialised tool with connector packs included. Heavy-duty lug crimpers and insulated electrician sets are usually more expensive, but they solve different problems, so they are not better choices for network jobs just because they cost more.
Our Top Picks
KNIPEX Crimping Pliers 190 mm, 97 51 10
“The 190 mm size, ratchet mechanism and parallel crimping make it the most balanced choice for consistent CAT-cable terminations.”
This is the most focused network-crimping tool in the group. KNIPEX gives you quick cutting and stripping of CAT-cables with high-quality blades, plus parallel crimping for a more even result. The ratchet mechanism is unlockable, which matters when you are doing repetitive terminations, and the lever action is there to reduce fatigue during longer sessions.
The strength here is consistency rather than versatility. At 19 cm, it is compact enough for a tool bag, and the black finish is plain and practical. The downside is that it is built for a narrower job than a pass-through RJ45 tool, so it will not suit someone who wants one tool to cover every connector style. If you mostly do network terminations and want repeatable results, though, this is the cleanest option.
- Parallel crimping helps produce a more even, accurate termination
- Ratchet mechanism supports repetitive work and is unlockable
- Cuts and strips CAT-cables with high-quality blades
- 190 mm length is handy for tool-bag carry
- Less versatile than pass-through tools for mixed RJ45 work
- No broader connector compatibility is stated
Best for: Installers who mainly crimp and terminate CAT cable and want a compact, repeatable tool
💬 Verdict: Pick this if you want the most reliable all-round network crimper here and do not need pass-through convenience.
Klein Tools Pass-Thru Modular Wire Crimper & Pass-Thru Modular
“Pass-thru RJ45 support makes cable checking easier, and the all-in-one cut-strip-crimp design suits fast data work.”
This is the best choice if your priority is speed on RJ45 jobs. It is built around Pass-Thru connectors, with the cable passing through the plug so you can visually check wire order before crimping. The tool also cuts, strips and crimps paired-conductor data cables, and it trims flush to the end face of the connector to reduce the risk of stray conductor contact.
That convenience does come with a trade-off: it is more specialised in the way it works, and you are tied to Pass-Thru connectors rather than standard modular plugs. The pack includes 10 connectors, which is useful for starting out, but the real value is in the workflow, not the bundle. If you do lots of data terminations and want fewer failed ends, this is a very practical tool.
- Pass-Thru design lets you visually confirm wire order before crimping
- All-in-one tool cuts, strips and crimps data cables
- Flush trimming helps eliminate unintended conductor contact
- Includes 10 connectors
- Best suited to Pass-Thru connectors rather than standard RJ45 ends
- Less compactly focused on network crimping than the KNIPEX tool
Best for: Network installers who value faster RJ45 terminations and want visual confirmation before the crimp
💬 Verdict: Choose this if you want the easiest route to quick, tidy RJ45 terminations with Pass-Thru connectors.
IWISS Wire Terminal Crimping Tool 6-50mm Cable Lug Crimper
“Its hexagonal dies and AWG 8 to 1/0 range make it strong for heavy cable lug work, not standard data cable jobs.”
This is a cable lug crimper, not a network cable tool, so it is only relevant if your work shifts away from CAT and RJ45 terminations. It handles AWG 8, 6, 4, 2, 1 and 1/0 battery cable lugs, and the hexagonal rotating dies are made with Wire EDM Cutting for more accurate compression. The tool also embosses the AWG value onto the lug after crimping, which is a sensible touch for later identification.
It is sturdy and has a comfortable anti-slip grip, but the size tells you what it is: 39.5 cm long, so it is much bulkier than a typical network crimper. That extra leverage is useful on heavy cable, yet it is the wrong shape and scale for routine data work. For power cable lugs it makes sense; for network jobs it does not.
- Handles AWG 8 to 1/0 cable lugs
- Hexagonal rotating dies are designed for solid compression
- Embosses the AWG value for easier later checks
- Anti-slip grip helps control on heavier cable
- Bulky at 39.5 cm long
- Not suited to standard network cable or RJ45 work
Best for: Electricians and installers working on battery cable lugs rather than network terminations
💬 Verdict: Do not buy this for data cabling; buy it only if your real job is heavy lug crimping.
C.K Redline 2025 Edition VDE 3pc Set Pliers
“The 3-piece set and VDE test rating to 10,000 V make it a solid general electrician’s set, but it is not a network crimping kit.”
This is a general pliers set for electrical work rather than a crimping tool for network terminations. The set includes three separate tools: combination pliers at 180 mm, snipe nose pliers at 200 mm and a combi cutter at 160 mm. The VDE approval, with individual testing to 10,000 V for safe live working up to 1,000 V, is the standout specification here.
For everyday electrical tasks, the longer handles and rounded design should help with leverage and fatigue. But there is no network crimping function in the set, so it misses the point for Ethernet or RJ45 jobs. It is well made for live electrical work, but if you are buying specifically for network terminations, this is the wrong kit.
- VDE approved and individually tested to 10,000 V
- Three tools included: 180 mm, 200 mm and 160 mm
- Longer handles should improve leverage
- Suitable for general electrician use
- No crimping function for network connectors
- Not relevant to RJ45 or CAT-cable termination
Best for: Electricians who need insulated hand tools for live work, not network crimping
💬 Verdict: Skip this for network jobs; it is a proper electrician’s pliers set, not a crimping solution.
Our Verdict
The top pick is the KNIPEX Crimping Pliers 190 mm, 97 51 10 because it gives you the cleanest mix of CAT-cable cutting, stripping and parallel crimping in a compact 190 mm format. The runner-up is the Klein Tools Pass-Thru Modular Wire Crimper & Pass-Thru Modular, which suits anyone who wants quicker RJ45 terminations and the ability to check wire order before crimping.
If you want one tool for repeatable network terminations, go KNIPEX. If you value pass-through convenience more than anything else, go Klein.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best crimping tool for Ethernet cable?
For standard Ethernet and CAT cable work, the KNIPEX Crimping Pliers 190 mm, 97 51 10 is the strongest fit here because it combines cutting, stripping and parallel crimping in one 190 mm tool.
Do I need a pass-through crimper for RJ45 connectors?
Only if you want the easier wire-checking workflow. The Klein Tools Pass-Thru Modular Wire Crimper & Pass-Thru Modular lets the cable pass through the connector so you can confirm wire order before crimping.
Can I use a cable lug crimper for network cables?
No. The IWISS Wire Terminal Crimping Tool 6-50mm Cable Lug Crimper is built for AWG 8 to 1/0 battery cable lugs, so it is the wrong tool for RJ45 or CAT cable terminations.
What does a ratchet crimping tool do?
A ratchet mechanism helps apply consistent pressure and supports repetitive crimping. On the KNIPEX tool, it is also unlockable, which adds control if you need to stop part-way through.
What size crimping tool is easiest to use on site?
A compact tool around 19 cm is easier to pack and handle for network work. Bigger tools such as the 39.5 cm IWISS model are better suited to heavy cable lugs, not data cabling.
