Hand picked Network Installation tool kits for Computer Network Technicians Reviewed.

In this article we list and review Network Installation Tool kits ranging from kits that include your crimping and termination tools through to LAN cable testers (from your basic Cat5 and Cat 5e cable testers through to Cat6 cable testers), and of course a whole lot more. At TheTechMentor.com we help computer techs and network technicians learn and earn more. I welcome additions to the list and any feedback good or bad in the comments below. Many years ago a friend of mine, smiled and said with a glint in his eye, “He who dies with the most tools, wins!” Read on and enjoy.

Based on feedback to TheTechMentor.com I know many of you want to strengthen your knowledge in computer networking. I’ll throw in some extra ideas for you too.

The Number One Best Pick – My Preferred ready-made network Installation Tool kit

We love the Fluke Networks tool kits of course. If you can make the investment, the Fluke Networks MS2-TTK MicroScanner2 Network Cable Tester Kit with Punch Down Tool, Tone Generator and Probe will not disappoint. Quality and usability is what you get, and it has the major items without any network cables, cable boots or other consumables. It is practical to wear the key tools rather than carry them, with the Dur-a-Grip Pouch, and the whole tool kit is supplied in a carry case or woven tool kit bag (preferred as it is ideal for carrying more equipment and consumables).

If you are a pro, then this is highly recommended! We suspect you know you want one of these too. Very helpful tool and if you are testing a lot of cables with long runs (or a big bundle of cables) then it is definitely worth the money.

Several of our past students have grown their business by installing CCTV networks, especially high end high def quality camera networks for security purposes. This network installation tool kit is ideal for that. The professionalism it brings to the job saving you time and allowing for faster quality work, and boosting your reputation is worth it.

Best in Class – UbiGear Network Installation Tool kit

The best in its category including not just the punch down tool and probe but also screw drivers and some consumables, the winner is the Premium UbiGear Network Tool Kit.

There is pretty much everything included to make your own cables. Punch block tool, crimper, cable tester and consumables. Some feedback is that the overall feel of the kit while solid, is not so much a professional kit.

But consider the following:

• Spring loaded rather than ratcheting grip can make a difference to some people. In the end we don’t see it as an issue if you are looking to buy network installation tool kit as a low frequency use as a professional or for home. We say this because if for home you’ll find you can take the time regardless of whether or not you find it a little fiddly.
• If you are a pro then you will fall into one of two categories:
  • you may be used to a ratchet grip to allow you to readjust your grip etc. and not like it so much, or
  • you may find your skill level you can get it right in one go and don’t really need the ratchet mechanism.
• We don’t have an opinion either way. It’s good to know about it so you can decide.

Some indicate it seems more for those installing only a few networks. Certainly satisfactory for those installing LAN networks in small workplaces or at home.

Is the Premium Tester Worth it?

The remote tester is the premium version and as expected ‘does the trick’ and is very helpful. Is it worth the money for the premium tester? We say we believe so.

Overall this wins the award of best in class because everything does work fine and the price is excellent.

More LAN Network Installation Tool Kits to Follow.

Introduction To our Network Installation Tool Kit List and Reviews in Detail

If you’re an experienced network technician you might just want to skim down to the parts that interest you. You probably want to check the list to see what you don’t have yet and pick up any ideas to make what you’re already doing that much easier.

I’m going to cover the essentials of what you need in a Computer network installation tool kit and present some of what I’d say are the best prepared kits available. Where it helps, I set out the features of each.

I want to make this list a handy reference so network installers can share it. So if you are an expert and I’ve left something out, please add it in the comments below. This way this can be a growing, dynamic and updated reference. Similarly if you are selling a different brand of tool kit; let everyone know. The more the merrier!

I’m going to cover a broad range of equipment, so I’ll also go through some of the very handy network testers and some network extender tools.

You are absolutely going to need a handheld network line tester and good options for a good meter are the Dr. Meter and any or all of the fluke networks tone generator and probe kits.

Rosewill Network/PC Service Tool Components RTK-146

This is a brilliant all-in-one computer network installation tool kit. Similarly if you are troubleshooting or providing ongoing maintenance, you will find everything you need in there as a network service tool kit.

True it covers more tools than your network-specific tool kit, with a host of pliers screw drivers and more.

It is supplied with the hard case in molded plastic.

Of all the many-in-one kits, this would have to be one of the more popular tool kits among our colleagues.

Important to note it does not have a network cable tester included. If you already have one that should be no problem. It makes a very handy collection but without the network cable tester it can’t win our best pick selection.

At under 60 dollars (depending on where you find it) it can be great value. Check the price here.

Network Cable Repair Maintenance Tool Kit Set 11 in 1 Portable Phone Cable Crimper 8P8C 4P4C 6P6C Connectors RJ45 RJ11 Cat5 Cat6 Cable Tester

This kit is one of the cheapest for what you get.

It has the necessary multi-function cable tester for testing telephone or network cables. It has 1 to 8 plus ground LED lights (9V battery needed, so make sure you have those handy already).

Makes it Suitable as a network cable tester for the following:

CAT5 cable tester and CAT5e cable tester

RJ-45 cable tester kit, RJ-12 cable tester, and RJ-11 cable tester kit,

10/100BaseT cable tester, TIA-568A/568B, AT T 258-A;

Necessarily also include a professional network crimper. Looks solid enough, in the usual 6P, 8P 4P arrangement.

11pcs Network Combination PC Cable Wire Tester Crimping Cutter Punch Tools Kit Set

Everything is there in this kit. It looks pretty similar to the other tool set above.

It has a three pressure crimping pliers with the usual 6P 8P 4P arrangement. It contains a few crystal heads for a variety of cables.

It has the 468 network cable tester for automated testing, fast testing of satisfactory connections etc.

It has the 501 stripping knife, and a whole lot more (click the image for a more detailed view on Amazon).

All held together in a simple but functional fold and sip toolkit. The toolkit is typical for this price range with tools held in their unique place by elastic straps.

This supplier I admit I am not that knowledgeable on, as we have not bought from them before. So if you buy, do us all a favor and please let us know in the comments below how it goes.

Maxmoral 6 in1 Network Tool Kit

This Network Installation Tool kit is from MaxMoral.

It includes LAN Network Cable Tester and a Professional quality Cable Crimper Tool. Plugs included are UTP Network Cat 6 and RJ45 connectors. Network cable connectors included are cable boots for RJ45 cable.

The crimper tool is made with heavy duty hardened carbon steel, and crimps your cables in the usual 6P 8P 4P positions.

It includes a stripper for either flat or round Cat5e and Cat6e cables.

There is a pack of 20 cable connectors (in 5 colors).

This one also doesn’t come with a carry case or tool bag. I recommend the Kenneth Cole Reaction Show Business Laptop Bag as this is where I keep my laptop and immediate tools. It is a very professional looking tool kit I believe.

If you have to buy another tool kit just because there is no carry case included, then that drops our rating of the tool set. For that reason, it drops out of contention for the review prize. That said, it is great value for what it is.

Sorry, that is it for now, as this article is a work in progress. We’ll flesh out the other tool kits we’ve looked at in the next few days.

These tool kits are complete or multi-tool kits. TheTechMentor.com has a very poplar post to help you build out a professional computer technician’s tool kit based on years of experience. Click that link to check it out now (it should open in a new tab). It contains handy links for all sort of technicians’ tools and network cables. You can pick out any tool individually. If you are searching specifically for a network cable tester, then this list sets one out for you among many other must-have tools.

Do you have all the tools on that list? Remember, he who dies with the most tools, WINS!

Oh wait, I did say I was going to provide some quick info for those wanting to get into doing more network installation and troubleshooting work.

Are You New to Network Installation, Repair and Troubleshooting?

If you’re a beginner will be interested in getting started in computer networks and need some foundational understanding before you start trying to get some experience.

If you’re new to building your knowledge on computer networks then I recommend the CompTIA network plus book below (We have recommended Mike Meyers books before).

It’s very handy and as typical the CompTIA study course covers a lot of the basic knowledge or foundational knowledge that you need. While you may not intend to do exams and become a certified computer network technician, this book does provide worthwhile knowledge before you start cutting and crimping.

For beginners, it is a book covering the basics and really is an essential network technician’s tool regardless of whether or not you intend to actually sit the CompTIA test.

Summary of Computer Network Installation Tool kit list reviews

Our favorite is the one from Fluke Networks (which includes include one of the best network cable testers). It is a highly professional computer LAN network installation tool kit, with the best tools. Highly commended is the UbiGear Network installation and repair tool kit, and we regard it as the best in its class.

The post The Best Computer Network Installation Tool Kits appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.