Impact Punchdown Tool

This is a great punch down tool. It has different impact level settings, I keep it on low. It has foldable hooks at the bottom and extra tip storage. The tip has a nice 1/4 turn install feature to keep it in place. It comes with one reversible tip. I used it to wire up a patch panel and it’s much nicer than the previous tools I’ve used. I like the large handle and long reach.

Having used a number of Milwaukee products they seem of good quality although pricey. The use case is occasional use not professional so it may make a difference if used daily and professionally. It works as well and similarly designed as other brands of punch down tools at a lower cost. Since it matters to some, it is an American company but it states on the packaging “engineered by Milwaukee Tool and professionally made in Taiwan.” The bit is dual edged and twists to remove. It punches down 110 and 66. Only 110 is used in this case and had to look up what 66 is and it states for cat 3 voice/telephone blocks. This application is cat 6. The bit/blade inserts and twists to lock in place. Twist, remove and flip to use the other end. There is storage in the handle. You could push the blade in for storage but not recommended unless use a hard surface to apply force. Blade is not too comfortable pushing with a hand. There is a release button that can be depressed to insert the blade and release for easy storage. Press the release to easily allow the blade to fall from the storage. It could easily be stored with the blade in use. I guess it’s safer and makes the instrument shorter storing it in the handle unless it’s preferred to have a need for a second blade to store. The handle is durable and has rubberized side grips for easy handling. The tool has a low and high setting and much greater force is required for the higher setting. For this use case only the low is needed. The higher could be for other types of boards unfamiliar. Overall it’s a great tool. Again, may not be for the occasional user or budget conscious given the higher cost than other brands. Maybe if made in America understandable but made in Taiwan as previously mentioned.

Excellent punch down tool! This makes the networking work we do on a semi-regular basis a simple task. The tool grip is ergonomic and does not slip. The punch down attachment inserts are sharp and fit the tool very well. The impact is adjustable and works very well on any setting. They make easy work with cables! Terminations are clean and the tool makes the job very easy. Highly recommend!

Good tool to have around especially if your home was pre-wired w Ethernet. You’ll always have the option to add a new wire drop somewhere (maybe outdoors,) split RJ45 jacks, expand wireless (add mesh network units,) add/update our patch panel, or troubleshoot, etc. This punch fits the bill and there’s lots to like. Rubber accents on the handle are a nice touch, the spring action on both Low/High feel strong and like they should, combination 66 block and 110 blade is sharp and precise, has onboard storage for storing your blade (or for a spare), AND x2 picks (pick & sponger) swing out from the sides of the unit and are there when you need them (and you will). Ultimately as an impact punch, this tool performed great for me. Solid choice all around.

I have an extensive tech kit for our facility where one of my collateral duties is onsite network maintenance. This includes structured cabling, specifically focusing on the deployment and management of Category 5 (Cat5) cabling systems within an office environment. This involves the installation, termination, and configuration of networking ports and switches to support data transmission. I have Milwaukee's previous punchdown tool and I really liked it. I was surprised to see this new version come out and wondered if it was better than its predecessor. This newer version (48-22-2164) has a smaller body and a square shape vs the round shape of the original. I wondered how that would feel in my hands after 25+ punches and it was easier to grip and push down with aching hands. That, coupled with the non-slip grips on the side means it has better ergonomics & less hand strain. It also helps that it feels more natural to put your palm on the end of the tool to get a better punchdown. This punchdown tool comes with a 110/66 small blade whereas the older version had a longer 110 blade. The good news is that the longer blade fits in the newer tool without any problems. The 110/66 small blade for the newer unit fits in a blade storage compartment in the backend of it and has a unique quick release button. I appreciate this because these blades tend to separate themselves from the tool in the tech bag since I don't have an individual case for it. When you are putting the blade in, remember that gravity is also a tool. If you try to insert it up into the hole, it doesn’t want to stay in. If you drop the blade down in the hole, it finds its way to bottom to lock in place. The HI / LO settings did not disappoint and work like they should have. This punchdown tool comes with a built-in pick and spudger in the tool body. I used those and they are quite convenient. They aren’t easy to open with gloves on, though. The only thing I will miss from the old version is the LED lights on the front of it. Some of these areas we’re working in have poor-to-no lighting and that was just a small convenience to not have to pull out a separate light. Overall, I can’t say that this is a 100% improvement over the old model, just different. There are things I like about both, but if I didn’t have one at all and needed to decide between the two, I would pick this newer one just for the ergonomic factor. There are probably some improvements in the spring mechanism since the old model had many reported problems with the spring mechanism breaking.

Works great!! Their products are usually well made?

It is easy to hold on to while punching down. But what I don't like about it and losing a star, is I have to have the angle just right in order for it to shear the ends off. or I have to punch 2 to 3 times, and nobody has time for that when you're terminating a million and a half cat6 ends.