Print Profile(1)
Description
A sturdy and reliable RJ45 clip repair / replacement that securely attaches without glue to a crimped (not moulded/molded) RJ45 plug. It won't slip or fall off a plug/cable when it's not plugged into a port and it won't easily break. The clip works smoothly - securing the plug easily when pushing the plug in, and retaining the plug until the clip is squeezed to enable it to easily slide out.
3 Parts for Strength
To maximise the strength of the unit there are 3 parts in 2 files - the clip ("RJ45 Clip-PartClip.step"), and the ring and the ring retainer ("RJ45 Clip-PartRing.step"). The ring and the ring retainer are printed as a single part so that the ring retainer provides the small support that's needed for the ring. They are separated after printing. All parts snap together on the RJ45 plug (an assembly guide is provided below).
Usage
Please note that this repair clip won't work on cables with RJ45 plugs that are moulded/molded onto the cable, as it uses the crimping notch in crimped RJ45 plugs for part of its securing mechanism.
Tested on Cat 5 network cables plugging into network switch ports and on microphone handsets that plug into UHF/VHF radios.
Filament
PLA is not recommended as it has a fairly low Heat Distortion Temperature (HDT). Electronic equipment such as network switches can generate a fair bit of heat, so PLA may distort over time when plugged into equipment. Likewise for something in a car interior that can get pretty hot in summer. You don't want a piece of distorted plastic to prevent you from unplugging a cable. :)
CF (Carbon Fibre reinforced) filaments are not recommended as they generally have weaker inter-layer bonding.
PA / PA6 / PA12 might be ok, but nylon tends to stretch over time under load, so the parts could loosen.
PETG should be ok for most use cases, but filaments with a higher HDT such as ABS, ASA, PC-ABS, PC etc will be more suitable for equipment that runs hot or is in a vehicle.
My personal preference for filament for this clip for use in a vehicle is ASA (cheap and UV-safe). For use with network equipment (ethernet switches, PCs etc), ABS or ASA are good choices.
Suggestion
Keep some spare sets in a zip-lock bag in your car for when your mates break the RJ45 clips on their radio handset cables, or for a future replacement of a broken clip on your new handset cable or network cable. :)
Documentation (1)
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
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