If you have trouble with standard RJ terminations, try these. I have never had difficulty with the standard type, obviously YMMV.

Here is a link that might be useful: a different type of RJ termination

this is the one I use allthe time and have no problems with it

http://www.idealindustries.com/products/datacomm/tools/crimpmaster.jsp

here, you can se that there are plugs available for either stranded or solid wire.

http://www.idealindustries.com/products/datacomm/connectors/telcom_mod_plugs.jsp

I switched to the EZ products as wayne posted. It is so much easier to use than the Ideal. The wires extend through the male RJ45 so you can see that they are for sure in the right order, and are all in deep enough without needing a flashlight and magnifying glass. I know of AV companies that have switched to the EZ products to improve their termination quality after having too many termination problems.

haven't had any problems with terminations using Ideal but use whatever works for you.

as you stated, YES stranded and solid cat5 require different connectors.

if you look real close at a connector fromt eh side, you can see the difference. a connector for stranded cable has 2 prongs sticking up center of the wire, this guarantees the blade to contact the wire securely. a connector for solid cat 5 has 3 prongs which offset to either side of center so they grip the sides of the conductor.

if you use a stranded connector on solid cable, you WILL break at least some of the wires. they may work fine until it is moved, but they will break.

solid connectors will work on stranded in a pinch, some are even rated for both.

also, the smoke gray connectors work better than the clear ones. i have never figured out what is different, but hte smoke colored ones do go on easier.

Well glad there are good connectors and the right tool to do it. I think I'll go with the EZ connectors. Problem is I think I lost the bid ): 1000ft of 16/4, 500 ft of 16/2, 1000 ft of cat5, Install 13 pairs of in the ceiling speakers, install 8 keypads, terminate 20 cat5 connections, program the system, few 16 ft tall ceilings, $800,000 large house, drywall is going up in 2 weeks so it is short notice. I said $2200