Before you begin creating your CAT 5 patch cable, it's important to point out that the method outlined here is only one method. It is by no means the only or best method. Also, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials before you begin. You will need a length of CAT cable, several RJ-45 connectors, and a crimp tool.

1. Most crimp tools have two blades: one designed to cut completely through a cable and the other designed to strip the cable jacket/insulation. Using the latter blade, strip the cable jacket/insulation back about an inch, so all the wires inside are exposed. Be careful not to cut the inside wires when stripping the cable’s insulation.
    
2. With the jacket/insulation removed, you'll find eight wires and a string inside the CAT 5 cable. Cut the string off, and untwist the wires back to within one-eighth inch of the jacket.
    
3. Fan the wires out from left to right in the order they are to be crimped. The crimping order depends on the type of cable you are making. For this guide, we will be wiring the cable to CAT 5 EIA 568B specifications. This is the configuration for a standard CAT 5 patch cable (See Table 1 and Figure A).