How-To: Repair a broken Ethernet plug

Hot Topics:

By Gareth Branwyn
Posted 2010/08/07 @ 11:58 am
Category Electronics, Tools

Here’s a really easy and clever fix for an Ethernet (RJ-45) plug, using two zip ties to replace a broken locking tab on the plug.

Repair a Broken Ethernet Plug

BY Gareth Branwyn

Gareth Branwyn is a freelancer writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture, including the first book about the web (Mosaic Quick Tour) and the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Building Robots. He is currently working on a best-of collection of his writing, called Borg Like Me.

In the Maker Shed

Arduino Robot

Ultimaker 3D Printer

Brooklyn Aerodrome Flying Wing Kit

Raspberry Pi Starter Kit - Includes 512MB Raspberry Pi

2 Responses to How-To: Repair a broken Ethernet plug

pestilence on August 10th, 2010 at 2:01 am said:

I think it would actually be easier and faster to just crimp a new end on the cable…

Reply ↓
saimhe.myid.net on August 10th, 2010 at 7:13 am said:

For those who don’t own a crimping tool, this is a saver. More important, this is totally in the spirit of “doing it yourself”.

I remember about living in an apartment where Ethernet cable just came out of the wall. The plug was already broken. I was specifically disallowed to install a wall socket (go figure) so that broken ends could be simply fixed by anyone buying a new patch cable. Eventually, after a few months of frustration and acrobatic attempts to keep the plug from falling out, I had an opportunity to borrow the crimper and fix the plug – nobody in the vicinity had the tool or was willing to lend it for an evening.

Reply ↓