RJ45 Boots - Small

Dr_Colossus

Search function is useless so starting a new thread. Looking at making some patch cables of varying lengths for a home network and already have some Cat6 stranded cable for the job. However like a lot of the fancy new cable it’s pretty small diameter at just over 4mm (26AWG wire) so suitable boots are proving difficult to source. Some new prefabricated patch cables are even smaller using 28AWG wire. I have solid core shielded Cat6 cable routed between a patch panel and wall plates and that’s heavy duty 21AWG wire and quite thick and stiff but is punched down so RJ45 plugs and boots not required for that.

For the patch cables I was initially looking at the below but one question and answer had the cable entry hole at 8mm and a review with pictures had it closer to 9mm so that wouldn’t work. Anyone with experience with RJ45 boots or advise where I can get narrow gauge fittings, ideally in grey, 50+? I guess I can just leave the plugs without boots but think they look better with plus they help with limiting flex at the vulnerable entry points.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Plastic-Ethernet-Network-Sheath-Connector-Red/dp/B01MSZSC5V/ref%3Dsr_1_7_sspa?crid=3NDCJA13VBV2L&keywords=RJ45%2Bboot%2Bsmall&qid=1691063841&sprefix=rj45%2Bboot%2Bsmall%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-7-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&th=1

Dr_Colossus

In case of benefit to future readers I came across cut-to-fit boots on a US site as per below but couldn't find similar here.

https://www.truecable.com/products/small-cut-to-fit-rj45-strain-relief-boot

That lead me to slimline boots rather than ones that covering the plug and may make use in tight switches more awkward. Below looked suitable at 4.7-6.0mm but no shipping outside of the UK:

https://www.comtecdirect.co.uk/commscope-plug-boot-rj45-slimline-4-7-6-0mm-clear.html

That led me to the quite impressive Farnell store who had small modular boots of 4.3mm but only the regular 6.0mm in store so small would have been a special order. Also had small insert boots of 5.5mm but again only standard in store. Shipping was inclusive for orders over €40 or otherwise €9.95+VAT so not the worst if buying a number of items.

Datasheet: https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/1469510.pdf

https://ie.farnell.com/mh-connectors/rj45srb-dgrey/boot-rj45-d-grey-pk8/dp/728640?st=mhrj45srb

However I didn't have a time frame for delivery of a small special order so ended up buying the below inserts. They're 6mm so very loose on the cable but at least as an insert boot they're part of the plug when crimped and relatively stable. As a DIYer hadn't seen these insert boots before so hadn't considered them.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09KRDFW5G?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Pic below of patch cable made using them: