Contractor turns a Milwaukee Hackzall into a portable Ethernet untwister after facing job requiring 50,000 custom Cat6 cables
This Ethernet cable untwisting tool could cut halve the time needed to install an RJ45 connector.
A contractor, known as Analytical Horsepower on YouTube, encountered a project that required the creation of 50,000 custom Cat6 cables and 100,000 terminations. He initially used a rare, large tool to streamline the job but later decided to develop his own portable tool. After trying an Alibaba-purchased wire straightening machine for $500, which was too bulky and needed an AC power source and compressed air, he adapted a Milwaukee Hackzall, a reciprocating tool, to create a more portable solution.
He replaced the DC power brick with a 20V DeWalt battery, added a push-button switch, and a portable bike pump for compressed air. While the first iteration was bulky, he found that a Milwaukee Hackzall provided a good balance of portability and precision. He also replaced the pneumatic piston with a toggle clamp to hold the Cat6 cable, further simplifying the machine.
This tool, while not necessary for occasional cable untwisting, is a game-changer for large projects, potentially saving over 830 hours of labor.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Hardware's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
