Klein VDV226-110 vs Jonard UC-4511: Which Pass-Through Crimper Is Better?
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Detailed comparison of Klein VDV226-110 vs Jonard UC-4511 pass-through crimpers. Price, features, and which is better for your structured cabling work.
Klein VDV226-110 vs Jonard UC-4511: Which Pass-Through Crimper Is Better?
Pass-through crimpers have become the standard for structured cabling work, and two tools consistently appear in tech pouches: the Klein VDV226-110 and the Jonard UC-4511. Both handle RJ45 and RJ11/12 connectors with ratcheting mechanisms, but they take different approaches—and one costs nearly twice as much as the other.
This comparison breaks down which crimper makes more sense for your termination volume, connector preferences, and whether you're working with shielded CAT6A cabling.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Klein VDV226-110 | Jonard UC-4511 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.97 | $81.95 |
| Connector Types | RJ45, RJ11/RJ12 | RJ45, RJ11/RJ12 |
| Shielded Tail Crimping | ✗ | ✓ |
| Crimp Action | Angled | Vertical |
| Ratcheting | ✓ Full-cycle | ✓ |
| Wire Stripper | ✓ Built-in | ✗ |
| Wire Cutter | ✓ Built-in | ✓ Flush trim |
| Wiring Guide | ✓ On-tool | ✓ On-tool |
| Cable Support | CAT3-CAT6A | CAT3-CAT6A |
| Wire Gauge | 22-28 AWG | 22-26 AWG |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Made for Life® |
| Our Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
The Quick Verdict
Choose the Klein VDV226-110 if: You want the best value for general-purpose pass-through terminations. At half the price of the Jonard, it handles RJ45 and RJ11/12 connectors with a built-in stripper that eliminates carrying a second tool. For unshielded CAT5e and CAT6 work, this is the standard.
Choose the Jonard UC-4511 if: You regularly terminate shielded CAT6A connectors with crimp tails. The unique mid-tool crimping slots for shielded connector tails is a feature no other crimper offers—worth the premium if that's your workload.
Klein VDV226-110 Overview
The Klein VDV226-110 is the crimper you'll find in most cable installers' pouches. It combines stripping, cutting, and crimping functions in one tool, and the pass-through design eliminates the need to precisely measure wire lengths before inserting into connectors.
When you're terminating 50 drops in a new office buildout, the Klein's workflow efficiency adds up. Strip the jacket, fan out the wires, slide into the pass-through connector, and crimp—the tool trims the excess wire flush with the connector face in the same action. No reaching for separate strippers or cutters.
The full-cycle ratcheting mechanism prevents incomplete crimps. Once you start the crimp, the tool won't release until full pressure is applied, ensuring every pin makes solid contact. For newer techs, this fail-safe eliminates the "did I crimp hard enough?" uncertainty.
The on-tool wiring diagram is more useful than it sounds. When you're working overhead in a ceiling and need a quick reference for T568A versus T568B, having the diagram on the tool beats pulling out your phone with dusty gloves.
Klein designed this tool specifically for their Pass-Thru connectors (sold separately), though it works with most compatible pass-through connectors from other manufacturers.
VDV226-110 Key Strengths
- Three-in-one design: Strip, crimp, and cut without switching tools
- Full-cycle ratchet: Guarantees complete crimps every time
- Built-in stripper: Strips round and flat cable jackets
- On-tool wiring guide: Quick reference without phone or chart
- Sub-$50 price: Easy to justify and replace if needed
Jonard UC-4511 Overview
The Jonard UC-4511 takes a specialized approach with its unique shielded connector tail crimping capability. While it handles standard pass-through terminations like the Klein, the mid-tool crimping slots for CAT6A shielded connector tails set it apart.
When you're terminating shielded CAT6A in a data center or high-EMI environment, the UC-4511 handles both the RJ45 crimp and the shield tail in one tool. Without this feature, you'd need a separate tool or crimp sleeve for the ground tail—an extra step that adds time on every termination.
The vertical crimp action differs from the Klein's angled approach. Some technicians prefer vertical action for better visibility and control when seating the connector, particularly in tight spaces where angled tools create clearance issues.
Jonard's "Made for Life" warranty reflects confidence in build quality. The tool uses replaceable blades (part UC-4511RB), extending service life rather than requiring full replacement when cutting edges dull.
The UC-4511 doesn't include a built-in wire stripper—you'll need a separate stripping tool. For techs who prefer dedicated strippers anyway, this isn't a drawback. For those who value all-in-one convenience, it's an extra tool to carry.
UC-4511 Key Strengths
- Shielded tail crimping: Unique mid-tool slots for CAT6A shielded connectors
- Vertical crimp action: Better visibility and clearance in tight spaces
- Replaceable blades: Extend tool life without full replacement
- Made for Life warranty: Guaranteed for life replacement
- Ultra-stable platform: Consistent crimps with minimal force
Head-to-Head: Crimp Quality and Consistency
Both crimpers deliver reliable, professional-grade terminations when used properly. The ratcheting mechanisms on both tools prevent incomplete crimps, which is the primary cause of intermittent network connections.
The Klein's angled crimp action is familiar to most technicians—it's the standard approach. The Jonard's vertical action provides a cleaner view of the connector during insertion, which some techs find helpful for verifying wire order before committing to the crimp.
For standard unshielded terminations, crimp quality is essentially equivalent between the tools. The difference emerges with shielded connectors: the Klein doesn't address shield tails, while the Jonard's dedicated slots create proper ground connections on shielded CAT6A without additional tools.
Head-to-Head: Workflow and Efficiency
The Klein VDV226-110 wins on all-in-one convenience. With the built-in stripper and cutter, you can complete a termination without reaching for additional tools. When you're standing on a ladder or working in a cramped ceiling plenum, minimizing tool juggling matters.
The Jonard UC-4511 requires a separate stripper, which adds a tool to your kit and a step to your workflow. However, some technicians prefer dedicated strippers for precise jacket removal, making this a neutral or even positive factor depending on preference.
For shielded terminations, the Jonard's workflow advantage reverses the comparison. The mid-tool shield tail crimp eliminates the need for separate crimping sleeves or tools, streamlining a process that would otherwise require additional steps with the Klein.
Head-to-Head: Value and Durability
At $49.97 versus $81.95, the Klein costs 61% of the Jonard's price. For technicians doing primarily unshielded work, that $32 savings per tool adds up—especially when equipping multiple team members or keeping backup tools.
Both tools are built for professional use. The Klein's rubber-coated grip handles sweat and provides comfort during repetitive termination work. The Jonard's dual-material cushion grip serves the same purpose with slightly more ergonomic contouring.
The Jonard's replaceable blade system extends tool life beyond the Klein's design. When blades dull from thousands of terminations, you can replace the blade set rather than the entire tool. Whether this matters depends on your termination volume—occasional users may never wear out either tool.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Klein VDV226-110 | Jonard UC-4511 |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Types | RJ45, RJ11, RJ12 | RJ45, RJ11, RJ12 |
| Pass-Through Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shielded Tail Crimp | ✗ | ✓ |
| Wire Gauge Range | 22-28 AWG | 22-26 AWG |
| Cable Types | STP/UTP, Flat/Round | STP/UTP |
| Built-in Stripper | ✓ | ✗ |
| Built-in Cutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flush Trim | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ratcheting | Full-cycle | Yes |
| Crimp Action | Angled | Vertical |
| Wiring Guide | On-tool | On-tool |
| Replaceable Blades | ✗ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.04 lb | Not specified |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Made for Life® |
What We Like About the Klein VDV226-110
- Built-in wire stripper eliminates the need to carry a separate stripping tool
- Full-cycle ratchet mechanism guarantees complete crimps and prevents failures
- $50 price point makes it accessible for all skill levels and easy to replace
- Handles both RJ45 and RJ11/RJ12 for voice and data terminations
- On-tool T568A/B wiring diagram for quick reference during installation
- Compact design with comfortable grip for extended termination sessions
What Could Be Better About the Klein VDV226-110
- No shielded connector tail crimping—requires additional tool for CAT6A shielded work
- Angled crimp action can limit visibility in certain orientations
- Non-replaceable blades mean replacing entire tool when cutting edge dulls
- Designed primarily for Klein connectors—verify compatibility with your preferred brand
- Not suitable for all pass-through connector brands—check sizing
What We Like About the Jonard UC-4511
- Unique shielded tail crimping slots handle CAT6A ground tails without separate tools
- Vertical crimp action provides better visibility during connector seating
- Replaceable blade system extends tool life for high-volume users
- "Made for Life" warranty backs the tool indefinitely
- Ultra-stable crimping platform for consistent terminations with low hand fatigue
- Clean flush trim produces professional-looking terminations
What Could Be Better About the Jonard UC-4511
- $82 price point is nearly double the Klein's cost
- No built-in wire stripper—requires carrying a separate stripping tool
- Premium pricing for a feature many techs won't use (shielded tail crimp)
- Less common than Klein in contractor supply chains
- Narrower wire gauge range (22-26 AWG) compared to Klein's 22-28 AWG
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Klein VDV226-110 if:
- You primarily work with unshielded CAT5e and CAT6 cable
- You value all-in-one convenience with built-in stripper and cutter
- Budget matters—the $32 savings adds up across multiple tools
- You're equipping apprentices or building out a crew kit
- Klein connectors are your standard or you've verified compatibility with your preferred brand
Buy the Jonard UC-4511 if:
- You regularly terminate shielded CAT6A connectors with crimp tails
- Vertical crimp action suits your workflow better than angled
- High termination volume justifies replaceable blades
- You prefer dedicated stripping tools anyway
- Data center or high-EMI environments require shielded cabling
The honest recommendation for most structured cabling techs: Start with the Klein VDV226-110. It handles 90%+ of residential and commercial terminations at an unbeatable price with convenient all-in-one functionality. When you pick up a shielded CAT6A project, then consider adding the Jonard UC-4511 for its specialized capability.
→ Check Klein VDV226-110 Price on Amazon
→ Check Jonard UC-4511 Price on Amazon
Disclosure: Low Voltage Nation may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence—we recommend products based on their value to low voltage professionals.
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