Summary

The Netshoe provides a quick fix for ethernet cable plugs that have lost their tongues.

Update - 06-25-22: I've made slight changes to the tongue section to provide more accurate printing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOs9LcF9KDg

Due to many improvements implemented over the years, ethernet cable plugs don't lose their tongues as often as they used to. But if you would like to make a semi-permanent repair to any broken RJ-45 cable plugs without the cutting, stripping, and crimping needed to install a fresh plug, this might work for you. It may also help if you need a way to lock a plug into its jack, because these things generally don't come loose accidentally. I have them in use all over my house.

No two broken ethernet plug tongues leave a nub with exactly the same shape or size, but my experience is that they almost never need any special treatment to work with the Netshoe. The tongue side of the plug must have no remaining guard material so that it is perfectly flat except for the nub.

Print accuracy, especially for the tongue, must be precise. Slower speeds with small layer height is needed. I have provided the basic model in the suggested print orientation as well as a version that includes a support configuration. I have printed many copies successfully using my FlashForge Creator Pro. For slicing I've used both the FlashPrint application and Cura with this configuration.

I recently tried PLA+, and it offers better results with same settings except that it needs to be extruded at a slightly higher temperature. If you can print these with Ninjatek Armadillo and clear away the supports neatly, they are almost preferable to the original tongues.