Cable Matters 100-Pack Cat6 / Cat5e RJ45 Strain Relief Boots (Blue)
Quick take
Cable Matters sells a 100-pack of RJ45 strain relief boots for custom Cat6 and Cat5e Ethernet cable builds, aimed at improving durability where the connector meets the cable. They fit Ethernet cable outer diameters up to about 6.5mm (0.25in), but if your cable is outside that range, you will want to double-check fit before ordering.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 100-pack is a practical option for building many custom-length Ethernet cables
- Designed to provide strain relief support for RJ45 connectors, reducing stress on the plug area
- Compatible with Cat6 Ethernet cables with outer diameter up to 6.5mm (0.25in)
- Buyers describe the boots as easy to install and feeling sturdy
Cons
- Fit depends on your cable’s outer diameter, so cables thicker than 6.5mm (0.25in) may not work
- Only supports indoor use, so it may not be ideal for outdoor runs
- Best suited for DIY cable assembly, not for modifying finished factory cables
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence for this product is limited but consistently positive. Reported themes include easy installation, a good fit on the cable and connector area, and a sturdy feel for long-term use. Reviewers also tend to frame the pack as good value, emphasizing that it performs as expected for custom Ethernet cable builds.
What these strain relief boots do (and why they matter)
RJ45 strain relief boots are meant to add a tougher, supportive layer around the point where an Ethernet connector transitions to the cable jacket. When cables get tugged, flexed, or pulled slightly during real-world use, the weakest spot can be right at the connector. A strain relief boot helps distribute and reduce stress at that junction, which can support durability over time.
Key specs that affect compatibility
- Cable category support: Cat6 Ethernet (and Cat5e compatibility is implied by the product naming for custom builds)
- Connector: RJ45, 8-pin (male-to-male assembly)
- Cable outer diameter fit: up to 6.5mm (0.25in)
- Quantity: 100-pack
- Color: Blue
- Use environment: indoor use
Pros and cons for different buyers
Best for
- DIY builders of custom Ethernet cables who want a cleaner, more durable finish at the connector end
- People making cable runs in volume (small office setups, home lab racks, or network installs where you’re cutting multiple lengths)
- Those using Cat6 cables with an outer diameter at or under 6.5mm (0.25in)
Who should avoid (or double-check)
- Anyone unsure of their cable diameter, since fit depends on the cable jacket’s outer diameter
- Outdoor cable projects, because these are intended for indoor use
- Users hoping to “upgrade” a finished factory cable, since strain relief boots are part of the assembly process
Installation notes and practical expectations
These boots are intended to be installed during RJ45 assembly, before or while finalizing the connector end. The most important practical step is confirming your Ethernet cable’s outer diameter is within the stated range. Once it fits properly, buyers report that the boots are straightforward to install and feel sturdy for everyday use.
Is it worth it?
If you are making custom Cat6 (or Cat5e) Ethernet cables and want strain relief for the connector ends, a 100-pack can be a cost-effective way to stock what you need. The main limitation is compatibility, specifically the cable’s outer diameter (up to 6.5mm, 0.25in) and indoor-use expectation. For buyers building cables that match those constraints, this is a solid, no-nonsense add-on.
Alternatives to consider
If you do not match the cable diameter requirement or you need different environmental suitability, look for strain relief boots or cable end boots that explicitly state:
- Your cable’s exact outer diameter range
- Indoor vs. outdoor suitability for the environment you are installing into
- RJ45 connector form factor matching your assembly style
Sticking to those criteria will help you avoid the most common failure point, buying boots that look right but do not seat properly.
Price and availability
Check current pricing and stock at Amazon before you buy: Buy on Amazon.
FAQ
Note: These answers focus on the buyer decision details available for this product.
What cable size do these RJ45 strain relief boots fit?
They are suitable for Ethernet cables with an outer diameter up to 6.5mm (0.25in).
Do these work for Cat6 and Cat5e Ethernet cables?
They’re marketed for Cat6 / Cat5e RJ45 strain relief use and are specified for Cat6 cable builds, as long as your cable fits the stated outer diameter range.
Are these boots for indoor or outdoor use?
They are intended for indoor use.
How many boots are included?
The pack contains 100 boots.
Do I need special tools to install them?
No specific tools are required by the listing details provided, but installation is part of the RJ45 assembly process. The key factor is making sure the boots fit your cable diameter properly.
Can I add these boots to an already-finished Ethernet cable?
Strain relief boots are typically installed during cable assembly, so they are best for DIY builds rather than modifying already-finished factory cables.
Specifications
| Product Title | Cable Matters 100-Pack Cat6 / Cat5e RJ45 Strain Relief Boots, RJ45 Boot, Cat 6 Boot, Cat6 Ethernet Boots, Blue, Suitable for 6.5mm (0.25in) Ethernet Cables |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Accessories & Supplies > Cord Management > Cable Sleeves |
| Brand | Cable Matters |
| Manufacturer | Cable Matters |
| Color | Blue |
| Item Weight | 0.24 Kilograms |
| Connector Type | Component |
| Cable Type | Ethernet |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Other Special Features of the Product | protecting and organizing Ethernet cables |
| Compatible Phone Models | No Compatible Phone Models |
| Ethernet Cable Category | Cat 6 |
| Connector Gender | Male-to-Male |
| Number of Pins | 8 |
| Indoor Outdoor Usage | Indoor |
| Brand Name | Cable Matters |
| Model | 180001-BLUx100 |
| UPC | 810115187714 |
| Part Number | 180001-BLUx100 |
| Unit Count | 100.0 Count |
| Special Feature | protecting and organizing Ethernet cables |
Available variants
Size
- 100-Pack
- 200-Pack
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