www.computerplug.com

Fair enough ... I guess where I'm coming from is I've had to cut and reterminate stranded cable a couple of times, and it was a total PITA. Up until then I hadn't realized how easy it was to term solid cable in comparison.

But re: my other comment, iirc a solid patch cable is way less flex than a stranded, but I suppose not enough to make a significant difference.

To each their own, that's one reason I started this thread was to see what other peeps are doing that works in the field. From my perspective, I'm not particularly fast at terminations so I echo jimstolz76's comment that using premade 1/3/5-foot cables is a huge timesaver (for us).

I totally get the "time saver" part. Ive never seen stranded CAT cable and didnt know there was "stiffer" CAT cable. Every box/spool of CAT cable I have ever bought has been roughly the same 4 twisted pair 24 AWG, exactly like the cable you are buying pre-terminated. So I just honestly didnt understand the response. Wasnt meant to be a negative comment.

If it comes in a box, 99% (or greater) likelihood that it's solid. Better performance over distance.

If it comes pre-terminated, it's stranded. Easier to route through racks, and unplug and replug without breaking conductors.

It's possible to buy stranded cable out of a box...

[Link: computerplug.com]

look at second list of items.

Strip one of those premade, you will see the different. 

I encountered "bad" premade patch cords packed with routers.  Wasted hours on checking on connections and re-testing.  Never thought those premade were POS.  Since, I prefer to made path cords myself. 

oh yah ... those prepackaged patch cords that come with routers, aps, switches ... never use those, just asking for trouble! Do you see how tight they bend 'em to stuff 'em in the box? minimum radial #fail

CAT5e or CAT6 Snagless from CablesToGo--Sign up as a dealer [if you're a dealer, that is].

Beyond 14', I make my own with Belden 1700a Bonded Pair CAT5e or Belden CAT6 and Platinum EZRJ ends.

I always try to use pre-made.
If I need custom length, of say 3' & 4', I'll take 8-10' pre-made, plug one end into a jack, route the wire and cut to size. Then I do the same with the other side.
I get two custom length cables and I only had to make two jacks.
It saves me time and money.

I always prefer to use monoprice, is best for me. Visit Telesystemscorp : Cat5e Cable For Telephone Services.

I recently saw a post from 8 years ago. You should post there as well.

Alex, your message is not well thought out. It conveys a very negative impression of you and your services.

First, you tell us that the best cable for you is from a supplier whom we know as one of the cheapest suppliers of often cheap goods. You say this company provides the "best" without saying what you have compared it to. This makes you look bad.

Then, in your fourth post here, you ask for our business. You're asking other installers to use your services, some of which they supply. I bring up your fourth post because you've not been here contributing to solving problems people have; you're just here for the money. After telling us that you don't understand "best" and recommending something cheap.

Back off a bit. Visit here. Answer questions. Provide reasons for you to use terms such as "best." Then you might be believable.

Usually buy 1',2',3' from a reputable wholesale supplier, we have some things colour coded in the enclosure so I stock a few colours. It does take time if you premake on the job, if you make a pile here and there on a slow day that’s fine, I use to do that but now I can get a bunch at a good price and just ad some in on orders when I need them or if I'm running low.

Oh, come to think of it I need some now lol.

Same here!

I just signed up with cablesys.com.  The thing that sold me is that the bulk cables come in nice zip lock bags.  It's the little things like this that make life easier.  If you've ever had to dig through a big box of individual patch cables to find the right length you can appreciate this.

[Link: cablesys.com]