{
  "id": 19994813,
  "title": "Contractor turns a Milwaukee Hackzall into a portable Ethernet untwister after facing job requiring 50,000 custom Cat6 cables",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/14/contractor-turns-a-milwaukee-hackzall-into-a-portable-ethernet",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-14T14:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Tom's Hardware",
    "slug": "tom-s-hardware",
    "url": "https://www.tomshardware.com/maker-stem/contractor-builds-ethernet-cable-untwisting-machine-after-facing-100-000-cat6-termination-job-modified-milwaukee-hackzall-straightens-cables-in-under-two-seconds"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "This Ethernet cable untwisting tool could cut halve the time needed to install an RJ45 connector.",
  "key_points": [
    "Contractor Analytical Horsepower faced 50,000 custom Cat6 cable project",
    "Adapted Milwaukee Hackzall into portable Ethernet untwister",
    "Tool saves over 830 hours of labor for large projects"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}