Jonard UC-4511 Review: The Pass-Through Crimper Built for CAT6A Shielded Work

Finding a crimper that handles both standard pass-through connectors and the fussy shielded CAT6A plugs with crimp tails is surprisingly difficult. The Jonard UC-4511 solves this with a dedicated tail crimping slot that most competitors lack. Here's what low voltage installers need to know about this specialized tool.

Quick Verdict

The Jonard UC-4511 is purpose-built for techs who regularly terminate shielded CAT6A cable. The dedicated tail crimping slots handle those metal drain wire pigtails that other crimpers ignore. At around $82, it's not cheap, but if you're doing enterprise-grade shielded installations, it eliminates the need for a separate crimping step. The ratcheting action and vertical crimp design deliver consistent terminations with less hand fatigue than squeeze-style crimpers.

Who This Is For (And Who Should Skip It)

Ideal for:

• Data center and enterprise installers working with shielded CAT6A
• AV integrators using shielded cable in commercial environments
• Low voltage techs who need one crimper for RJ45, RJ11/12, and shielded connectors
• Anyone tired of fumbling with shielded connector tails using pliers or a separate tool

Skip it if:

• You rarely work with shielded connectors—a standard pass-through crimper costs half as much
• You prefer the Platinum Tools EXO or Klein system you already own
• Budget is primary and unshielded CAT5e/CAT6 is your typical cable

Key Features That Actually Matter

Dedicated shielded connector tail slots: The feature that sets the UC-4511 apart. Mid-body crimping slots are specifically designed to crimp the drain wire tails on shielded CAT6A connectors. No more improvising with pliers or hoping for the best.

Vertical crimp action: Unlike traditional squeeze crimpers, the UC-4511 uses a vertical press motion that delivers consistent pressure across all eight pins. This matters when you're terminating hundreds of drops and need repeatable results.

Pass-through wire trimming: Cleanly trims wires flush to the connector face in one motion. No separate cutting step, no exposed conductor ends that can cause crosstalk or failed certifications.

Ratcheting mechanism: The ratchet ensures you complete the full crimp cycle before the die opens. Partial crimps that look fine but fail testing become a non-issue.

Wire order reference chart: A T568A/B wiring diagram on the tool back means you don't have to pull out your phone when your brain blanks on pin order at hour 10 of a long install day.

Real-World Performance

The vertical crimp design feels different from standard plier-style crimpers if you've never used one. The learning curve is about 10 terminations before it becomes natural. After that, the motion becomes faster than traditional crimpers because you're pressing down rather than squeezing.

Where the UC-4511 earns its price is the shielded connector work. Terminating those CAT6A plugs with the metal drain wire tails used to mean an awkward second step with needle-nose pliers or a dedicated crimp tool. Now it's a single insertion into the mid-body slot and squeeze. The crimp feels solid, and the connection has passed every certification test on jobs ranging from healthcare facilities to manufacturing floors with heavy EMI.

The flush wire trim on pass-through connectors works cleanly on both CAT5e and CAT6 sizes. With CAT6A and its heavier 23 AWG conductors, the cut is still clean but requires a slightly firmer crimp cycle. The ratchet helps here—you can't short-stroke the handle and end up with partially trimmed conductors.

At 1.08 pounds, the UC-4511 has noticeable heft. In a cramped telecom closet or behind a patch panel, the weight can tire your wrist after extended termination runs. For bulk work, I'd suggest taking short breaks. But the weight also contributes to the stability during the crimp—the tool doesn't twist or shift in your hand.

The dual-material cushion grip handles absorb some of the repetitive stress. After a full day terminating 150+ connections, my hand was tired but not cramped like it gets with cheaper plastic-handled crimpers.

What I Like (Pros)

• Dedicated tail crimping slots for shielded CAT6A connectors eliminate a separate tool
• Vertical crimp action provides consistent pin contact across all eight conductors
• Ratcheting mechanism prevents incomplete crimps that lead to failed terminations
• Flush wire trimming cuts pass-through conductors cleanly in one motion
• Handles RJ45, RJ11, and RJ12 in a single tool
• Built-in T568A/B wiring reference on tool body
• Jonard lifetime warranty backs the tool

What Could Be Better (Cons)

• Premium price at ~$82—double the cost of basic pass-through crimpers
• Weight of 1.08 lbs causes fatigue during extended termination runs
• Vertical crimp design has a learning curve if you're used to plier-style tools
• Bulk size doesn't fit in standard tool pouches without protruding
• Overkill if you rarely work with shielded cable
• No built-in cable stripper—you'll need a separate tool for jacket removal

Specifications

Specification	Value
Model Number	UC-4511
Connector Types	RJ45 (8P8C), RJ11/12 (6P4C/6P6C)
Supported Cable Types	CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A
Crimp Type	Pass-Through (EZ-style)
Special Features	Shielded connector tail crimping slots
Mechanism	Ratcheting with vertical crimp action
Dimensions	8.25" x 2.75" x 0.75"
Weight	1.08 lb (490g)
Handle Material	Dual-material cushion grip
Warranty	Lifetime (Made for Life)

How Does the UC-4511 Compare to Alternatives?

Against the Klein VDV226-110, the Jonard adds the shielded tail crimping capability that Klein lacks. If you're primarily doing residential unshielded work, the Klein is a solid choice at lower cost. For commercial shielded installations, the UC-4511's tail slots justify the premium.

The trueCABLE trueCRIMP offers similar pass-through functionality with an adjustable strain latch presser, but doesn't have dedicated shielded tail crimping. It's a good all-rounder that costs less, but you'll still need a secondary tool for CAT6A shielded connectors.

Compared to Platinum Tools EXO crimp system, the Jonard is a single tool rather than an interchangeable die system. EXO gives you more flexibility across connector types but at a higher total investment. For focused RJ45/RJ11 work with shielded capability, the UC-4511 is the simpler solution.

Is Pass-Through Worth It?

The pass-through debate continues among installers, but for most techs, the answer is yes. Being able to see the wire order through the connector before crimping catches mistakes before they become rework. The UC-4511's clean flush trim addresses the main complaint about pass-through—exposed conductor ends that can cause certification failures.

For high-volume commercial work, pass-through connectors speed up the process significantly. You're not measuring and trimming conductors to exact lengths before insertion. Push them through, verify the order, crimp, done. On a 200-drop structured cabling project, the time savings add up.

The Bottom Line

The Jonard UC-4511 is a specialized tool that excels at a specific job: terminating shielded CAT6A connectors without needing a secondary crimp tool for the drain wire tails. If that describes your work, the ~$82 investment makes sense. The ratcheting vertical crimp action, flush wire trimming, and lifetime warranty add to the value proposition.

For installers who rarely touch shielded cable, the standard UC-4569 or a Klein pass-through crimper will serve you well at lower cost. But for enterprise data centers, healthcare facilities with strict EMI requirements, or any commercial environment where shielded CAT6A is spec'd, the UC-4511 is purpose-built for the job.

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