3 Different Types of Punch Down Tools Explained

Almost without exception, computer and telephone technicians all use punch down tools to quickly and efficiently connect cable wires to electrical contacts. Not only do these tools make faster connections, but because many connecting blocks are designed for use with these punch down tool, without these tools there would be no practical way to make sure connections on connecting blocks. These specialty tools have become so much in demand that their manufacturers have developed a wide assortment of specialty punch down tools, each designed for a specific application and use. To understand more about these tools and which might work better for you, refer to the information below.

Standard Impact Tool Features

Virtually all impact tools offer unique features and capabilities, but most of them also provide standard features such as:

• Lifetime Warranty
• Blade Storage in Handle
• Adjustable Impact Setting
• Color Coded Handle
• Handle Compartment for Spare Blades

Standard Automatic Impact Tool

The standard punch down tool in the telecom industry allows technicians who use it to more efficiently make wire connections with less effort. It has a removable cutting blade that can be replaced when it becomes dull. The blade can also be reversed to provide a non-cutting end for pushing a wire into place on the connecting block without cutting it. When this tool is used to push a strand of wire into place on a connecting block, it creates a separate and stronger impact that more easily pushes a wire strand into place where it is held firmly between two edges of the connecting block pins. And because the cutting blade must be turned in a specific direction if it is to cut the wire as it punches it down, the standard tool has a color-coded handle that tells you whether the tool is turned in the right direction.

Universal Automatic Impact Tool

This tool is designed for use as both impact tool and torque tool. Its handle accommodates standard D814 blades, along with newer screwdriver and adapter blades. It is capable of working with a variety of connecting blocks, such as standard 66 blocks, BIX and Krone. Additional features include impact settings that are adjustable, and combined torque and impact functions.

Corrosion Resistant Termination Tool

As a specialty impact tool, the punch down tool uses a two-step process to insert wire strands into terminals that are corrosion resistant, but it seats and terminates these wires with a spring-loaded action designed produce a more quick termination. In addition, as it terminates, it cuts off any excess wire. Impact settings allow for low and high impact adjustment. Other features offered by this tool include a mechanism that locks the blade into place, a color coding to identify the side of the tool that trims off any excess wire as the tool punches the wire onto the terminals, a special anti-jamming mechanism, and a shock absorbing neoprene pad.