Episode 167: Cable Testing Tools — Crimpers, Punchdowns, and Locators

Troubleshooting starts with the right tools. In this episode, we walk through the essential cable testing and installation tools you’ll use on the job. These include crimpers for RJ-45 connectors, punchdown tools for keystone jacks and patch panels, and continuity testers for verifying wire maps. You’ll also learn how cable locators and tone generators help identify cables behind walls or in crowded patch bays.

We emphasize how proper cable termination and testing prevent future failures, and we provide examples of what miswiring looks like in field tests. Understanding these tools is vital for both exam questions and hands-on work. With the right knowledge, you’ll diagnose, fix, and document physical-layer problems with confidence.