The Solsop Pass Through RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit promises to be an all-in-one solution for network cable installation and repair, supporting Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 cables. After thorough testing and analysis of hundreds of user experiences, this kit demonstrates significant polarization in performance. While some users find it to be a cost-effective solution for DIY network projects, others experience substantial quality control issues that render the tool unusable. This review explores the kit’s strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility issues to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your networking needs.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Product Overview
The Solsop Pass Through RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit includes:
- Main crimping tool with pass-through capability
- Cable tester (requires 9V battery, not included)
- 50 RJ45 pass-through connectors
- 50 connector boots
- Wire stripper functionality
- Cutting capability for pass-through ends
The tool is marketed as compatible with Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 cables, enabling both casual DIYers and professionals to create and repair network cables without purchasing pre-made cables of specific lengths.
Build Quality and Design
Crimping Tool Construction
The crimping tool features an all-metal construction that gives it a substantial feel in hand. The tool’s weight provides leverage when crimping, which many users appreciate. The handles have a decent grip, though they lack the comfort features found in premium crimping tools.
An adjustment screw allows for switching between Cat5/6 and Cat7 crimping positions, though the labeling is not intuitive for beginners. Several users note the lack of clear instructions on how to make this adjustment, leading to confusion during initial use.
The tool’s key feature—the pass-through design—allows users to insert entire uncut wires through the connector before crimping, which theoretically simplifies the alignment process. However, the execution of this feature shows inconsistency across different units.
Cable Tester and Accessories
The included cable tester is basic but functional, requiring a 9V battery (not included). It provides a simple continuity test that helps identify if all eight wires are properly connected, which is particularly valuable for beginners who may struggle with proper wire alignment.
The RJ45 connectors and boots included in the kit receive mixed reviews. While sufficient for basic Cat5e applications, they often present compatibility issues with thicker Cat6 and Cat7 cables, particularly outdoor-rated or shielded varieties.
Performance Analysis
Crimping Effectiveness
The crimping mechanism shows concerning inconsistency across units. Multiple users report a critical design flaw where the tool creates an “arched” crimp pattern that fails to fully press down the center pins (typically pins 3, 4, and 5). This results in unreliable connections that may pass a basic continuity test but fail under actual network conditions.
A significant number of users found the need to re-crimp using a different tool to ensure all pins were fully seated. Others report needing to make multiple crimps on the same connector to achieve reliable connections.
The cutting mechanism for pass-through wires shows similar inconsistency. Some users report clean cuts, while others find the blade too dull to effectively trim excess wire, leaving potential for shorts or connection issues. Several reviewers mentioned the blade dulled quickly after minimal use.
Cable Stripping Function
The built-in cable stripper receives predominantly negative feedback. It tends to cut too deeply into cables, often damaging the internal wires. Many users resorted to manually stripping cables or purchasing a separate stripping tool. The lack of an adjustable depth stop on the stripper is frequently cited as a significant design oversight.
Connector Compatibility
A recurring theme in user experiences involves compatibility issues between the included connectors and various cable types:
- The included connectors work reasonably well with standard Cat5e cables, particularly stranded variants.
- Users working with Cat6 and Cat6A cables, especially those with solid conductors or larger gauges, report significant difficulty threading wires through the connectors due to tight tolerances.
- For Cat7 applications, despite marketing claims, the included connectors and boots are often completely incompatible with standard Cat7 cable diameters.
This mismatch causes frustration for users who purchased the kit specifically for higher-category cable applications, only to discover they needed to source compatible connectors separately.
User Experience Analysis
Learning Curve
For first-time network cable makers, the tool presents a moderate learning curve. The included instructions are widely regarded as insufficient, with many users turning to YouTube tutorials for guidance. Once properly understood, the pass-through design does make the process more approachable for beginners compared to traditional crimpers that require precise wire length cutting.
The color/pin diagrams printed on the tool are helpful but many users note they’re too small to read easily, particularly in low-light conditions.
Efficiency for Different User Types
DIY Home Users
For casual home users making a few cables occasionally, the kit represents adequate value if they receive a properly functioning unit. The ability to create custom-length cables for home networking is appreciated, with several users mentioning cost savings when wiring whole homes compared to hiring professionals.
Professional or Frequent Users
For professional installations or users making many connections, the inconsistent quality and durability concerns make this tool a riskier choice. Several reviewers who use the tool in professional settings reported switching to more expensive alternatives after experiencing reliability issues.
Comparative Value Assessment
At its price point (typically under $30), the Solsop kit offers a complete solution that would cost significantly more if purchased as separate components. However, this value proposition is undermined by quality control issues.
Several users directly compared this tool to more premium options (particularly Klein Tools crimpers), noting that while those alternatives cost 2-3 times more, they deliver much more consistent results. The frequency of users reporting they ultimately purchased a higher-quality crimper after being frustrated with this one suggests the initial cost savings may be negated if reliability is paramount.
Specific Use Case Assessments
Residential Network Setup
For homeowners installing Cat5e or Cat6 networks throughout their residences, this kit can potentially save hundreds of dollars compared to pre-made cables or professional installation. Multiple users report successfully wiring entire homes, with the cable tester providing confidence in their work.
CCTV Installation
Users installing PoE (Power over Ethernet) CCTV systems report mixed results. Some achieved fully functional installations, while others experienced intermittent camera connectivity issues traced back to imperfect crimps, particularly affecting power delivery to cameras.
Industrial or High-Reliability Applications
For mission-critical installations or industrial environments, the reliability concerns make this tool difficult to recommend. The inconsistent crimping pattern and potential for connection failures over time present unacceptable risks for these applications.
Long-Term Durability
The long-term durability of both the tool and the resulting connections appears questionable based on user experiences:
- The crimping mechanism shows signs of wear after moderate use, with some users reporting alignment issues developing over time.
- The cutting blade dulls relatively quickly, particularly when used with higher-gauge wires.
- Connections made with this tool may initially pass tests but can develop intermittent issues over time due to the uneven crimping pattern.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Complete kit: Includes all necessary components to start making network cables
- Pass-through design: Conceptually easier for beginners than traditional crimpers
- Cable tester: Provides basic verification of connections
- Multi-category support: Adjustable for different cable categories
- Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than buying separate professional-grade tools
- Metal construction: More durable than plastic alternatives
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent crimping pattern: Center pins often not fully seated
- Quality control issues: Significant variation between units
- Dull or quick-dulling cutting blade: Fails to cleanly cut pass-through wires
- Poor stripping mechanism: Often damages internal wires
- Limited connector compatibility: Included connectors unsuitable for larger diameter cables
- Inadequate instructions: Insufficient guidance for beginners
- Adjustment mechanism: Confusing to switch between cable types
Recommendations for Different User Groups
For Home DIY Users (Occasional Use)
If you’re planning a one-time home network installation using standard Cat5e or thin Cat6 cables, this kit may be sufficient, particularly if budget is a major consideration. However, be prepared for a learning curve and potentially some failed connectors during the process. Test all connections thoroughly before installation.
For IT Professionals or Frequent Users
The reliability issues and inconsistent quality make this difficult to recommend for professional use. The time spent troubleshooting problematic connections will likely outweigh the initial cost savings. Consider investing in a higher-quality tool from established brands like Klein Tools, Platinum Tools, or TRENDnet.
For Cat7 or Specialized Cable Users
Despite marketing claims, this kit shows poor compatibility with Cat7 cables and specialized variants like outdoor-rated or heavily shielded cables. If you’re working with these cable types, this is not the appropriate tool for your needs.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
If you’ve purchased or plan to purchase this kit, these tips from successful users may help maximize your success:
- Don’t fully insert connectors into the crimping tool: Leave approximately 1/8″ clearance to avoid the connector being shaved by the cutting blade.
- Practice your strip technique: Strip more cable than needed initially until you develop a feel for the right pressure to avoid cutting internal wires.
- Purchase quality connectors separately: Consider using the tool with higher-quality pass-through connectors from established brands.
- Multiple crimps: Some users found success by crimping each connector 2-3 times to ensure all pins are fully seated.
- Pre-test all components: Test your cables with the included tester, but also verify actual network performance before final installation.
- Watch tutorial videos: Compensate for the inadequate instructions by watching detailed YouTube tutorials on pass-through crimping techniques.
Conclusion
The Solsop Pass Through RJ45 Crimp Tool Kit represents a classic case of “you get what you pay for” in the networking tool market. While it offers an attractive all-in-one solution at a budget-friendly price point, significant quality control issues and design limitations undermine its effectiveness.
For casual home users making a limited number of connections with standard cables, the value proposition may be acceptable if they receive a properly functioning unit. However, for professionals, those working with specialized cables, or anyone requiring consistent reliability, the frustration and potential rework costs likely outweigh the initial savings.
The polarized user experiences suggest a recommendation with substantial caveats: if budget is your primary concern and you’re willing to accept some trial and error, this kit may serve your basic needs. For those valuing reliability, consistent performance, and compatibility with a wide range of cable types, investing in a higher-quality crimping solution would be more prudent in the long run.
Additional Resources
For those new to network cable making, consider supplementing this tool with:
- Online video tutorials specific to pass-through crimping
- A separate, dedicated wire stripper with adjustable depth control
- Higher-quality connectors appropriate for your specific cable type
- A more comprehensive network testing tool if reliability is critical
Remember that regardless of the tool used, proper technique and attention to the TIA/EIA 568A or 568B wiring standards remain essential for creating reliable network connections.
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