I always found the spades (?) of the 66 block to be convenient to clip a
test set (with an angled bed of nails) onto.  I've also used slip on
jack more than a few times, especially for testing.  E.g.

I agree that 66 blocks were always simpler for testing and troubleshooting, but I always liked Krones and 110s better.  66 blocks were too easy for someone to double punch or do otherwise derpy things on. Not that such things couldn't be done on Krone/110, but I always felt it at least required a little more dedication. :) 

That and all the forearm burns from me being stupid and leaning on the wall to discover not everything in there was low voltage like I was told it was...

On Thu, Apr 14, 2022 at 8:43 PM Grant Taylor via NANOG <nanog@nanog.org> wrote:
On 4/14/22 2:05 PM, Mike Hammett wrote:
> I know I'm discussing what some consider ancient technology. I counter
> that it meets or exceeds the needs of many, many people.

As people say, "if it isn't broken, don't fix it".  --  That being said,
I believe the third stanza is missing; "Optimize it."

> Currently, we use 100-pr Telect-style termination blocks. They don't
> offer much in terms of ease of use for testing and don't organize
> well on a 19" or 23" rack.

I always found the spades (?) of the 66 block to be convenient to clip a
test set (with an angled bed of nails) onto.  I've also used slip on
jack more than a few times, especially for testing.  E.g.

Link - 66 block to RJ-45
  - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F3W7NL4

> I was recommended to look at Krone blocks. They look just great. Easy
> to break into for testing with their "look both ways" plug as well
> as their preterminated blocks looked much easier to rack-mount.

I've never run into Krone myself.

I found that using the two sides of a 66 block with bridge clips to be
convenient for testing.  Especially for building and / or floor entrance
points.  E.g. incoming network on the left side, outgoing station on the
right side, and bridge clips connecting the two.  Any time I need to
test, pull the bridge clips to split the circuit in a way that's equally
as easy to put back.

Sure, this technique burns more 66 block / wall space.  But I found it
to be worth while in some use cases, like building entry.

> Any recommendations for places to get old telco blocks, testers,
> mounts, etc.?
>
> Any recommendations for alternatives that are easier to source?

I look forward to learning from recommendations on this thread.



--
Grant. . . .
unix || die