RJ-45 Key Chain and Rack

This Instructable will show you how to make a cool colorful key chain and a rack for storing those key chains out of RJ-45 jacks and plugs.

there are two parts to this instructable.
the first part is the key chain, in order to make the key chain you will need the following:

tools:
1. RJ-45 plug crimper
2. cutting or sleeving tool
3. scissors

materials:
1. 2 pair or more network cable
2. RJ-45 plugs (male)
3. colored rubber protector for RJ-45 plug
4. key ring

the second part is the rack for the key chain. it is optional. in order to make the rack you will need the following:

tools:
1. depending on the type of wall and the type of mount.

materials : 
1. wall mounted box for RJ-45 jacks
2. RJ-45 jacks (female)

the standard network cable consist of multiple parts, the only two parts we will be using are the insulation and the wires (4 wires to be exact).

disassemble the cable, identify the parts and keep the parts mentioned above.

the minimum length of cable we can use is 10cm because that gives a little tail popping out of the rubber protection. you may use more if you want a longer tail.

choose the color of wires you want and cut them to the desired length.

take the 4 wires and fold them down the middle to form a U shape.

order the colored wires however you like.

using a pair of scissors cut the tip of the wires in a straight line.

gently insert the wires into the RJ-45 plug. be careful not to mess up the order.

while holding the wires in and making sure they reach the very end of the plug crimp the plug using the crimping tool.

check the wires are in place and not coming out.

cut about 3cm of insulation and insert the folded wires into it, then push it as far as it will go into the plug.

put the rubber protection over the wires and plug.

insert the key ring into the loop created by the folded wires.

well, this part is pretty straight forward.

most wall mounts will include the RJ-45 jacks built-in, if not just put them in yourself - its just a couple of clicks.

make sure the jack is sturdy enough. the jack will get connected and disconnected many times, this is not regular use, regularly you would connect a cable once or twice in a relatively long period of time.

mount the box(es) on the wall.

i recommend tagging the ports so you know which key goes where
you can also use flags to tag the keys
if you have different colored rubber protectors you could color-code the keys and divide them into groups by type or location of the lock they open.

enjoy.