A punch down tool (also known as an IDC tool or a krone tool) is a handheld tool used for inserting wire into insulation-displacement connectors on punch down blocks, patch panels, and surface mount boxes. The reason it is known as a punch down tool is that of its impulsive action, which is a punch to attach wires into place.
The best punch down tools can cut through CAT6 cables, have comfortable grips, and provide storage for spare blades.
On the other hand, a lousy punch down tool is a great way to cause hand strain.
To help you separate the good from the bad – we’ve reviewed the Top 5 Punch Down Tools of 2020.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best punch down tools on the market (easily able to slice through CAT 6). Let’s dive straight into the reviews.
Top 5 Best Punch Down Tools
| Preview | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
| TRENDnet Punch Down Tool with 110 and Krone Blade, TC-PDT, Insert & Cut... |
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Premium Choice
| Impact Punchdown Tool Kit for 110 and 66 Panels, Cushion Grip, 4-Piece Set... |
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Excellent Value
| Vastar Network Wire Punch Down Impact Tool with Two Blades - 110 and BK &... |
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| Fluke Networks 10061100 D914S Series Impact Punch Down Tool with EverSharp... |
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| Klein VDV427014 Punchdown Tool Krone Blade |
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1. TRENDnet Punch Down Tool
- DIVERSE USAGE: The punch down tool inserts and cuts terminations in one simple operation for cat6a cat6 cat5e cat5 network cables. Install wires into a telephone socket, cat5e faceplate or patch panel.
- Blade storage: This network punch down tool is designed with a twist and lock holder for spare blade storage that helps prevent blade loss.
- Precise interchangeable & reversible blades: the Precision blades for the punch down tool are conveniently interchangeable and reversible between 110 and Krone standards.
The trend net punch down tool is one of its kinds. You can perform the required action with this tool in one go because of its precision. This punch down tool has the option to change the blade in easy steps. You will also find it easy to twist and lock with its mechanism designed to make it easy for you.
The blade is fit in and unlike many other tools; this tool does not loosen the blade at the time of work. The grip is solid and designed for all kinds of hands. The force provided is perfect to punch down the wire at home and professionally. The product is worth the offered price.
Pros:
- Grip designed for all hands to work safely
- The blade is fixed tightly to perform well in one cut and also replaceable.
- Best punch down tool for cat6
- The mechanism makes it easy to twist and lock without having to turn your hand into various directions
Cons:
- The wire holding capability cannot be adjusted
- You will need to make an effort in focusing
Verdict:
This punch down tool is one of the best buys in the market. You will not find any additional tools with it, but at the offered price, it works well for what it is designed to do.
2. Klein Punch down VDV427-822 Tool Kit
- 4-piece tool kit for complete termination of 66/110 panels, cross-connect systems and wall jacks
- Cushion-Grip Impact Punchdown Tool (VDV427-821) includes a ''Hi/Lo'' impact functionality for adjustable compression force on various wire gauges, blocks and jacks
- The punchdown tool also has an integrated, extra-long shaft for reaching into bulky/crowded blocks and a heavy-duty metal collar for strength and longevity
The Klein punch down toolkit is a four-piece set that is designed to fulfill all punch down needs. The product has an option to adjust the force on high or low as per your requirements. The pack has tools that allow you to separate and pick wires and small elements.
The cushion grip technology reduces the stress on your hand and allows comfortable working. To reach into longer shafts, the tool has an extra-long shaft too. You may find the tool to be a little pricier than others. However, this is a whole set that offers some features along with it which makes the price worth every penny.
Pros:
- The pack of four is a complete package of all things needs during punching down
- The tool is designed with a cushion grip that releases stress from the hand
- Easily slices through cat6 cable
- The tool has an extra long shaft to reach out to crowded panels and blocks
- A small case ensures easy handling of the whole set
Cons:
- There is no mechanism for twisting and turning with ease
- The spring force weakens after a few high-pressure effects
Verdict:
The pricy tool is worth your money since it comes in the set. It offers some techniques that make it easy for your work including additional tools. The drawbacks seem to be nonexistent because of the pros of the product.
3. Vastar Punch Down Impact Tool
- Wide Usage: Inserts and cuts terminations in one simple operation for cat6a /cat6 /cat5e /cat5 /network cable
- Ergonomic design: Comfort grip that is easy to handle, adjustable impact-force settings (lo/hi) for various cable termination applications
- Torque capability: Professional-grade impact tool with twist and lock sockets accommodates most blades for punch-down tools
The Vastar network punches down tool is a custom made a design for a comfortable grip and adjustability. It offers multiple force settings to set as per requirement. A variety of different blades can be used with this tool, each of them being interchangeable. The tool has an extra wire stripper which is used to increase precision in cutting the blades.
There are two additional blades along with a wire stripper included in the package. To top it off, there are many different vibrant colors to choose from. With all the features, one would expect the price to be out of the budget, but this product is under budget and is highly affordable.
Pros:
- Adjustable force setting make it versatile
- Additional wire stripper and two blades are included in the package
- Custom designed comfortable grip
- Easily cuts through cat6 cable
- Twist and lock socket makes it easy to use
Cons:
- The material used seems a little too cheap
- You will have to buy other interchangeable blades as only two are included
Verdict:
If you ignore the minute cons, this product is an excellent buy for the offered price. It gets the job done with precision and works well at home and professionally.
4. Fluke Impact Punch Down Tool
- Lifetime Warranty
- D914S soft touch impact tool features a rubber handle and special ergonomic design for better grip and to reduce hand fatigue
- Includes 66 EverSharp blade for termination into 66 wiring blocks
The Fluke Impact Punch down tool comes in some different versions. The soft grip made out of rubber makes the tool easy to use. The blades are replaceable and are easily found by the company name. You will see it be more substantial than other products, yet it is as competitive. The handle has an inbuilt hook and spudger that helps in picking up wires and tracing them while the other supports in removing connected cross wires from the bracket.
This tool can be used on individual wires that are mentioned in its guide. The product does not have many extraordinary features which are why the price that is demanded seems to go over budget for most people for no reason. The company provides a lifetime warranty on its products.
Pros:
- Soft grip made out of rubber ensures perfect handling of the tool
- The inbuilt spudger and hook are additional tools that are can e used in the pushdown process
- The blade is easily replaceable and can be found easily
- Comes with a lifetime warranty from the company
Cons:
- There is no twist and lock mechanism
- The price is unnecessarily high
Verdict:
This tool for pushing down wires is a good buy if you are ready to spend much money without any significant features. It has its pros like inbuilt tools; they still are not worth the amount demanded.
5. Klein Punch down Tool VDV427014
- Punchdown Tool Krone Blade
Another one of Klein’s punch down tools makes it into this list. This punch down tool is an inbuilt kit with some different features that are available in the handle like a Swiss Knife. The design is versatile enough to be fit into any panel or any place where the work is required. The versatility makes it a different version tools including a Cat53 punch down tool.
The additional tools are a hook and spudger which are usually enough for the whole work. The lightweight design allows users to operate the product without any hindrances efficiently. The Product is very cheap and a good buy in exceptional quality.
Pros:
- Highly versatile design allows it to work on any panel
- Additional tools are attacked, so you do not need to carry them separately
- Lightweight makes it easy to handle
- Lock for panel mechanism is there for precision
Cons:
- No force adjustment option is available
- Blades are not interchangeable
Verdict:
Ignoring the drawbacks, this product is highly suitable for homely users. Its lightweight and precision allow it to be used by low skilled people as well. The price is the cherry on top.
Buyer’s Guide
The following is a list of questions that will help you through buying the best punch down tool possible. The menu will clear a lot of frequent confusion customers to have.
What is a punch down tool?
A punch down tool (also known as a punchdown tool, IDC tool or a krone tool) a handheld tool used by telecommunication and network technicians. It is used for inserting the wire into insulation-displacement connectors on the punch down blocks, patch panels, keystone modules, and surface mount boxes. The reason it is known as a punch down tool is that of its impulsive action, which is a punch to attach wires into place.
Punch down tools are used to be electricians use to fix wires to a panel or wire board. The spring mechanism makes a forceful impact to help with this process. Many devices of this kind will have additional machines which are either separated or they are attached like in a Swiss Knife, like a hook; which is used to pick up stray wires and work around them, and a spudger; which is used to remove excess deposits along with working across connected cables and putting them in the right place.
How to use a punch down tool?
To use the punch down tool, you need first to expose the wires and put them onto the jack. Once they are set, adjust your punch down tool on the spot and angle it coinciding with the wires and press the button to impact the force. When you hear a click, the punch down has been appropriately done with precision. The tool will cut the excess wire neatly. Make sure to lock and pack your tool once you are done using it.
How does a punch down tool work?
A network punch down tool has a spring mechanism that works when force is applied to it through the button in the tool. The blade comes in different sizes that can be attached to panels or jacks of the same size. The excess wire is neatly cut with the blade in the system. The force exerted ensures that the wire is fixed inside the jack with precision. Many different features allow different bits of help like the hook will enable you to remove the previous wire. Some tools have a setting to adjust the force which allows the user to work it in various areas. You will also find interchangeable blades which are the perfect kind since it increases versatility.
Are extra features worth the money?
Some punch down tools will have additional features will only make the process of work more comfortable for you. Usually, they are needed, if they are not inbuilt or in the package, you will have to buy them. However, the ones that have the additional features included are not very pricey.
You can find them under your budget quickly. If you see them be very expensive, then you can look around further since the company is probably ripping you off. Additional features help you in clearing the panel or the jack along with working around already attached wires.
Should I get the one with interchangeable blades?
The blades will determine which jacks the tool can be used. If you work on a specific jack most of the time, then you can find the one that does not have versatile blades. Otherwise, you need to have one that offers you some options. These are not very expensive; they are reasonable, so they are always the better option.
Make to choose the ones that do not require a lot of time, labor, and that does not seem to damage the product every time you have to change it. Also, ensure that you are sure to find the company blades easily or the tool accepts every type of blade. It is to be remembered that blades are not that expensive and the best quality can also be under budget.
Are lightly weighted pushdown tools right?
You will find push down tools to be of different weights. Usually, weights would not matter, but for this product, you will have to check thoroughly. Since there is a high impacted force exerted, you will want the product to be as reliable as possible.
Light-weighted may be natural to handle; however, it may break with the force easily. Meanwhile, the one that weighs too much is not suitable for people who do not have to work with it often. A medium around 2.8 pounds tool is perfect for your use. If the product is made of cheap plastic, then any weight will not be suitable for it.
Conclusion
After reading the buyer’s guide and the product reviews, you may have had an idea of what the best product will be. For us, the clear winner is the TRENDnet Punch Down Tool. The tool is simple and ample for the work professionally or amateurs. The margin in the price allows you to buy additional tools with ease.
