Cutting Tools

Handle all of the tools listed. Simulate how they would be used in the field.

Panduit Wire Stripper Tool

The Panduit wire stripper tool is used to remove the outer sheath from Category 5e cable and small coaxial cable. The tool is pulled apart to retract the cutting blade. Cable is inserted into the hole and the installer releases the blade. The tool is spun around the cable one turn. It turns in a clockwise direction for cables with thinner jackets and counter clockwise for cables with thicker jackets. The tool is then spread apart to remove the tool. Do not use the tool to pull the jacket off. By dragging the tool over the exposed wires, they can be cut and damaged. The jacket can now easily be pulled off. Because this is a cutting tool, safety glasses should be worn when using this tool.

Electrician’s Scissors

Electrician’s scissors, also known as “snips”, can be used for cutting Category 5e cable and miscellaneous wire on an installation project.

There are two notches on one of the blades. These notches are used to skin insulation from individual conductors. The scissors can also be used for scoring cable jackets. As with other cutting tools, care should be taken not to pinch fingers between the handles or cut fingers.

Always wear safety glasses when using snips.

Panduit Wire Snipping tool

a. The Panduit wire snipper tool is used for cutting excess wire when installing a TX Mini-Jack. The tool will cut copper conductors flush with the termination cap. The wire snipper tool should not be used for cutting Category 5e cables. It is designed for cutting individual cable pairs only. This tool is very sharp and care should be taken when using it. Remember to be careful of the sharp tips on the blades as well. As with all cutting tools, safety glasses should be worn when using this tool.

b. How many times is the cable-stripping tool rotated to remove a cable jacket?

____________________________________________________________

c. Which cutting tools require safety glasses when using?

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Step 2 Termination Tools

Handle all of the tools listed. Simulate how they would be used in the field.

Panduit Single Pair Punch Tool

The single pair punch tool is used for terminating cable pairs on termination blocks and on the back of patch panels and jacks. The tool will accept blades from all of the popular termination panels. The tool in the lab is equipped for terminating cable pairs on 100-blocks.

The blade is reversible. It has a cut position on one side. In this configuration, the tool will punch down a wire and cut off the excess wire in a single motion. The other side of the blade will punch down without cutting. The cutting side is marked on the body of the tool.

Blades are removed by twisting the blade counter clockwise and pulling the blade out of the tool. To install the blade, insert it into the tool and twist clockwise. Be careful when using this tool or changing the blades because the small blade on the end can cause cuts.

A wire is inserted into its slot at a termination point. Grasp the tool by the handle. Keeping the tool perpendicular to the block, push the blade into the slot where the wire would be. This is an impact tool. As the handle is pushed, spring tension increases until the tool snaps and releases the energy of the compressed spring. The wire is completely seated into its position and the excess wire is cut off. The tool features an adjustable impact setting.

Panduit Multi-Pair Punch Tool

The multi-pair punch tool is used to insert as many as five pairs of conductors into 110-blocks.

The tool is also used to terminate three, four, or five pairs of conductors at a time by seating “C” clips over them after they have been inserted. The multi-pair punch tool features reversible and replaceable cutting blades. By twisting the head of the tool, a detent is released and the head can be removed from the tool. Cutting blades are slid out from the side of the head. The blades can be installed facing forward for cutting, or facing backward for seating “C” clips.

Be very careful with this tool because it has numerous small blades that can cause cuts. The tool is used in a fashion similar to the single pair punch tool. Multiple pairs are inserted in the block, the tool is placed over the pairs, and the installer pushes on the tool until the energy in the spring is released in a sharp impact. This is a high impact tool and is not suitable for use on the back of patch panels.

TX Mini-Jack Termination Tool

a. The TX Mini-Jack termination tool is used to press the termination cap into a TX Mini-Jack. The termination tool assures a proper and uniform installation of the termination cap into the jack.

b. Describe the difference between the two ends of the blade on the 110-punch tool.

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

c. How is the blade removed on the multi-pair punch tool?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

d. How is the blade removed on the 110-punch tool?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

e. Why does the multi-pair punch tool have a reversible blade?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

f. Why does the 110-punch tool have a reversible blade?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

g. What tool is used to terminate a mini-jack?

________________________________________________________

h. Can the multi-pair punch tool be used at the back of a patch panel? Why or why not?

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________