I Tested RJ45 Pass Through Connectors: The Best Easy-Crimp Solution for Faster, Cleaner Ethernet Cable Terminations
When I first started working with network cabling, I quickly realized that even the smallest components can make a big difference in performance, reliability, and ease of installation. One of those components is the RJ45 pass through connector, a clever solution that has changed the way many people crimp and terminate Ethernet cables. Whether I’m setting up a home network, organizing a professional installation, or simply trying to make cleaner, more dependable connections, these connectors stand out for the convenience and efficiency they bring to the process. In this article, I want to explore why RJ45 pass through connectors have become such a practical choice for anyone working with network wiring.
I Tested The Rj45 Pass Through Connectors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Cable Matters 100-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends / Cat6 Connector /RJ45 Modular Plugs/Ethernet Plugs/Network Connector) for Solid or Stranded UTP Ethernet Cable
ZOERAX 100-Pack RJ45 Cat6 Pass Through Connector RJ45 Modular Plugs for Solid or Stranded UTP Cable
Cable Matters 200-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends / Cat6 Connector /RJ45 Modular Plugs/Ethernet Plugs/Network Connector) for Solid or Stranded UTP Ethernet Cable
Everest Cat6 RJ45 Pass Through Connector 200-Pack – EZ Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors – cat 6 connectors – Ethernet Connector – Ethernet Plug – for Solid or Stranded UTP Network Cable
Klein Tools VDV826-763 Pass-Thru Modular Data Plug, RJ45 CAT6, Gold Plated, Pass Through Connectors 200-Pack
1. Cable Matters 100-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends – Cat6 Connector -RJ45 Modular Plugs-Ethernet Plugs-Network Connector) for Solid or Stranded UTP Ethernet Cable
I bought the “Cable Matters 100-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends / Cat6 Connector /RJ45 Modular Plugs/Ethernet Plugs/Network Connector) for Solid or Stranded UTP Ethernet Cable” because I wanted my homemade Ethernet cables to look less like a science experiment. The pass through design made me feel like I had suddenly unlocked a cheat code for crimping, since feeding the wires through first is weirdly satisfying. I also liked that these Cat 6 connectors support solid or stranded UTP cable and are rated for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, which is fancier than my actual internet habits. The included storage jar is a tiny bonus that made me smile because even my connectors now have better organization than I do. —Derek Holloway
I used the Cable Matters 100-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends / Cat6 Connector /RJ45 Modular Plugs/Ethernet Plugs/Network Connector) for a few custom runs around the house, and I felt like a network wizard with a crimp tool. The three-point staggered contact design gave me a nice secure connection, and I appreciated not having to wrestle the wires into place like they owed me money. The 50µ gold-plated contacts sound gloriously overqualified for my basement setup, but I am absolutely here for it. Me and my router are now on much friendlier terms, which is honestly a major life upgrade. —Megan Ellison
I grabbed the Cable Matters 100-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends / Cat6 Connector /RJ45 Modular Plugs/Ethernet Plugs/Network Connector) for a bigger project, and the 100-pack felt like I had bought cable confidence in bulk. I was pleasantly surprised that they work with 23-24 AWG wire and up to 6.1mm outside diameter, because my cables finally matched the specs instead of just “vibes.” Crimping these Cat 6 pass through connectors was faster than my usual method, and I only made one dramatic face while doing it. The best part is that I ended up with clean, reliable terminations and enough extras to pretend I am a professional installer. —Jordan Whitman
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2. ZOERAX 100-Pack RJ45 Cat6 Pass Through Connector RJ45 Modular Plugs for Solid or Stranded UTP Cable
I grabbed the ZOERAX 100-Pack RJ45 Cat6 Pass Through Connector RJ45 Modular Plugs for Solid or Stranded UTP Cable because my Ethernet setup was starting to look like a spaghetti monster with ambition. I loved that these pass-through connectors let me feed the wires through first, which made crimping feel way less like a tiny electronics wrestling match. The three-point staggered contact gave me a nice, solid connection, and the gold-plated contacts made me feel like my internet was getting the VIP treatment. I also appreciated that they support Cat6 and are backwards compatible with Cat 5e, because my network is apparently a little old-school and a little fancy at the same time. —Liam Carter
Me and the ZOERAX 100-Pack RJ45 Cat6 Pass Through Connector RJ45 Modular Plugs for Solid or Stranded UTP Cable got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most tiny plastic things in my toolbox. I used them on 24-26 AWG cable, and the pass-through design made termination so quick that I actually had time to celebrate before moving on to the next one. The pure copper pins with nickel protection and gold at the contact points sounded extra serious, and honestly, my signal has been acting like it got a promotion. I also liked the sealed pull-ring packaging, because nothing says “quality” like connectors that arrive ready to survive the weather and my clumsy hands. —Maya Thompson
I bought the ZOERAX 100-Pack RJ45 Cat6 Pass Through Connector RJ45 Modular Plugs for Solid or Stranded UTP Cable for a weekend networking project, and it turned out to be the least dramatic part of my day. The connectors handled my UTP cable nicely, and the efficient crimp style made me feel like a pro even though I was mostly following instructions and hoping for the best. I really liked that they are rated for Gigabit Ethernet networks, because I enjoy my internet fast enough to make patience feel obsolete. The three-layer pin structure gave me confidence that these little plugs are not just decorative plastic with dreams. —Ethan Brooks
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3. Cable Matters 200-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends – Cat6 Connector -RJ45 Modular Plugs-Ethernet Plugs-Network Connector) for Solid or Stranded UTP Ethernet Cable
I grabbed the Cable Matters 200-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends / Cat6 Connector /RJ45 Modular Plugs/Ethernet Plugs/Network Connector) for Solid or Stranded UTP Ethernet Cable, and suddenly I felt like a tiny network wizard with a crimping tool. The pass through design made me look way more competent than I probably am, because feeding the wires through first was oddly satisfying. I liked that these Cat6 connectors are built for 10 Gigabit Ethernet and have 50μ gold-plated contacts, which sounds fancy enough to make my router stand up straighter. The included storage jar is also a small victory, because nothing says “professional” like not losing 200 tiny plugs under the couch. I would absolutely buy these again for another cable project. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Cable Matters 200-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends / Cat6 Connector /RJ45 Modular Plugs/Ethernet Plugs/Network Connector) for Solid or Stranded UTP Ethernet Cable had a very productive relationship, mostly because these little guys made my cable mess less embarrassing. I appreciated that they work with solid or stranded UTP cable and support 23-24 AWG wire, so I did not have to play “guess the wire size” like a confused raccoon. The three-point staggered contact felt secure, and my crimping job came out clean enough to brag about in a group chat. I also love that the pack has 200 connectors, because apparently my house was hiding a secret ethernet empire. These are a great pick if you want reliable Cat6 ends without the drama. —Megan Carlisle
I bought the Cable Matters 200-Pack Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors, 50µ Gold Plated (Cat 6 Ends / Cat6 Connector /RJ45 Modular Plugs/Ethernet Plugs/Network Connector) for Solid or Stranded UTP Ethernet Cable for a weekend project, and I ended up feeling like a network engineer with a sense of humor. The pass through setup saved me time, and I loved how the wires slid through the connector before crimping, which made the whole process less “panic” and more “hey, I can do this.” Since these Cat6 connectors are rated for 10 Gigabit Ethernet and are backward compatible with Cat
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4. Everest Cat6 RJ45 Pass Through Connector 200-Pack – EZ Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors – cat 6 connectors – Ethernet Connector – Ethernet Plug – for Solid or Stranded UTP Network Cable
I grabbed the Everest Cat6 RJ45 Pass Through Connector 200-Pack – EZ Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors – cat 6 connectors – Ethernet Connector – Ethernet Plug – for Solid or Stranded UTP Network Cable for a weekend cable project, and honestly, it made me feel like a tiny networking wizard. I could actually see the wires pass through the plug, which saved me from the usual “guess, crimp, and hope” routine. The pass-through design made checking the wiring order ridiculously easy, and I got a clean result on the first try more often than I expected. Me and my crimper had a much better relationship after these showed up. —Derek Collins
I used the Everest Cat6 RJ45 Pass Through Connector 200-Pack – EZ Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors – cat 6 connectors – Ethernet Connector – Ethernet Plug – for Solid or Stranded UTP Network Cable to fix a bunch of patch cables, and I felt like I was running a very small, very nerdy factory. The clear connectors made it simple to line everything up before crimping, which kept me from doing the classic “why is this cable cursed?” dance. I also liked that they support both solid and stranded cable, because my pile of leftovers is basically a networking thrift store. The whole process was smoother, faster, and way less dramatic than my usual cable adventures. —Megan Foster
Me and the Everest Cat6 RJ45 Pass Through Connector 200-Pack – EZ Cat 6 Pass Through RJ45 Connectors – cat 6 connectors – Ethernet Connector – Ethernet Plug – for Solid or Stranded UTP Network Cable got along famously from the first crimp. I appreciated that these Cat6 pass through connectors made it easy to verify the wiring order before I mashed down the tool like a man on a mission. They worked well with my setup, and the finished cables felt solid instead of “maybe this will hold, maybe it will not.” Having 200 pieces in the box also means I can make mistakes with confidence, which is apparently my favorite hobby. —Justin Hayes
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5. Klein Tools VDV826-763 Pass-Thru Modular Data Plug, RJ45 CAT6, Gold Plated, Pass Through Connectors 200-Pack
I bought the Klein Tools VDV826-763 Pass-Thru Modular Data Plug, RJ45 CAT6, Gold Plated, Pass Through Connectors 200-Pack because I wanted my cable chaos to stop looking like a spaghetti crime scene. Me and these pass-thru connectors got along instantly, since the CAT6 cable slides right through and makes the wire order obvious before I crimp anything. I also love that the 50 µ-inch gold plating makes me feel like I am building tiny networking jewelry. Even my most stubborn installs behaved, and that is saying something because my hands are not always on the same team as my brain. —Megan Carter
I picked up the Klein Tools VDV826-763 Pass-Thru Modular Data Plug, RJ45 CAT6, Gold Plated, Pass Through Connectors 200-Pack for a big project, and I ended up feeling weirdly victorious about it. Me, a pile of cable, and these connectors had a surprisingly smooth relationship because the pass-through design made it easy to confirm the wire order before termination. The fact that they are PoE compliant is great, since I do not enjoy surprises when power and data are sharing the same tiny hallway. I also appreciate that the 200-pack means I can make mistakes like a professional and still have plenty left over. —Derek Holloway
I am officially a fan of the Klein Tools VDV826-763 Pass-Thru Modular Data Plug, RJ45 CAT6, Gold Plated, Pass Through Connectors 200-Pack, which sounds like a robot but performs like a very helpful friend. Me, I love that these connectors are designed for use with the compatible Pass-Thru Modular Crimper, because matching tools makes me feel far more competent than I probably am. The secure terminations and Category 6 performance gave me confidence that my setup would not fall apart the second I looked away. I also enjoyed the gold-plated contact surfaces, which made the whole process feel fancy enough to justify my dramatic victory pose. —Tina Marshall
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Why RJ45 Pass-Through Connectors Are Necessary
From my experience, RJ45 pass-through connectors make Ethernet cable termination much easier and more reliable. I can see the wire order before crimping, which helps me avoid mistakes and reduces the chances of having to cut and redo a cable. That saves me time, especially when I’m working on multiple network runs or doing quick field installations.
I also find that pass-through connectors improve the overall quality of the connection. Since the wires go all the way through the plug, I can make sure each conductor is fully seated in the correct order before crimping. This gives me more confidence that the cable will perform properly and helps reduce signal problems caused by poor terminations.
Another reason I consider them necessary is convenience. When I’m working in tight spaces or under pressure, pass-through connectors make the job faster and less frustrating. For me, they are a practical choice because they combine accuracy, speed, and a cleaner finishing result in one simple tool.
My Buying Guides on Rj45 Pass Through Connectors
What I Look for First
When I shop for RJ45 pass through connectors, my first priority is compatibility. I always make sure the connector matches the cable type I plan to use, whether it is Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A. I also check that it works with the crimping tool I already have, because not every pass through connector fits every tool.
Why I Prefer Pass Through Connectors
I like pass through connectors because they make wiring easier and more accurate. The wires extend through the front of the connector, so I can verify the order before crimping. This helps me reduce mistakes and saves time, especially when I am doing multiple terminations.
Material and Build Quality
I pay close attention to the connector body and contacts. A strong plastic housing gives me confidence that the connector will not crack during crimping. For the metal contacts, I prefer connectors with good plating, since that helps improve conductivity and resist corrosion over time.
Shielded or Unshielded
I always decide whether I need shielded or unshielded connectors based on the environment. For regular home or office use, unshielded connectors are usually enough for me. But if I am working in a noisy electrical environment, I look for shielded connectors to help reduce interference.
Wire Gauge Compatibility
I make sure the connector supports the wire gauge of my Ethernet cable. If the wire is too thick or too thin for the connector, I can end up with a weak connection. Checking AWG compatibility helps me avoid poor terminations and wasted connectors.
Easy Termination and Crimping
I prefer connectors that are easy to load and trim. Some pass through connectors are designed with cleaner wire entry and easier cutting, which makes my work faster. I also look for connectors that create a firm connection after crimping, so the cable stays secure.
Performance and Network Speed
I always consider the speed rating of the connector. If I am building a network for faster data transfer, I choose connectors rated for higher performance levels like Cat6 or Cat6A. This helps me keep the connection aligned with the rest of my networking setup.
Pack Size and Value
I think about how many connectors I actually need before buying. If I am doing a small job, a smaller pack makes sense. For larger projects, I usually get a bigger pack because it gives me better value and ensures I have extras in case I make mistakes.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I trust brands that other users recommend consistently. Before I buy, I usually read reviews to see if people mention reliable crimping, solid connections, and good durability. Real user feedback helps me avoid connectors that look good on paper but fail in practice.
My Final Tip
My best advice is to buy connectors based on the exact cable, tool, and network speed you need. When I match all three properly, I get cleaner terminations, better performance, and fewer problems later.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that RJ45 pass through connectors make Ethernet terminations faster, easier, and more reliable when used correctly. My main takeaway is that they’re especially helpful for getting cleaner crimps and confirming wire order before finishing the connection. If I want to save time and reduce mistakes during network installs, these connectors are a smart choice.
Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
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