punch/impact tool & 110 blocks

Hello, experts-
OK, all of you seem to think that I should use a 66-block or 110 block between the feeder from my NID and the cat-5 homeruns going to all the phones. Fine. Now for the basics:
1. I assume CAPACITY is the meaningful distinction between a 66 block and a 110 block? I have 10 phone lines in the house, only 1 line right now but may need a second or some networking (hence the cat-5 cable). Any consensus on which block I should use?
2. punch/impact tool! Crikey, it looks like a screwdriver with a funny handle but the variation in prices is terrifying. I am NOT trying to compete with you phone engineers for business: this may be the only time I ever use one of these gizmos. So -- any suggestions about make/model for a novice like me?
3. In particular, do I need an impact type or a non-impact type? And what the heck is the difference?
4. My home depot was out of stock of these blocks when I went prospecting the other day. Do they come with comprehensible instructions?
Thanks in advance-
BPD

 

the diffrence is not just capacity its also the type of coonection and ease of testing I have seen threads on other boards go on for 10 pages debating the merits / drawbacks of each.

I would suggest 66 for your application


impact vs non impact.

impact has a spring for mechanical advantange when punching down , non impact relies on muscle to accomplish the task . thus the diffrence in price

non impact should be fine for you , just hit it hard.

 

1. Main difference between 110 and 66 is not capacity but capability. 110 blocks are rated for higher bandwidth stuff like networking, while 66 blocks are not. If you are planning on terminating all the wires and are not sure which will be phone and which will be network, use a 110.

2. I'm not up on all the brands, but I use the Ideal Punchmaster, available at Home Depot for $40-$50. You can probably get one on ebay and save a little money.

3. The better tools will be impact. Its kind of spring loaded, so you get a better "punch" when you punch down the wires.

4. Not sure if the blocks come with any directions. I would think not, since every install is a little different.


good luck

 

new 66 blocks are cat 5 rated , no higher bandwith rating on 110

 

Thanks:
You fellows rock. What a great website! When Mister PhoneCompany comes tomorrow (fingers crossed, haha) to put in a NID, I will be SO much more informed about everything than I was. Even better, I think I know what to do on the house side at that point.

 

Just FYI: I was able to get an impact punch down tool with 66 and 110 blades off Ebay for just over $20 shipped. It literally came straight from Hong Kong...customs label on it and everything.

It probably won't hold up as long as the expensive ones, but should be OK for occasional use.