Update: thank you all for your detailed and kind input! I finally tried crimping on an 8P8C connector onto an Ethernet cable. I failed. Miserably. But at least I finally learned what’s actually happening - or what’s supposed to happen: the teeth of the connector actually puncture the individual wires in order to make contact with the conductors inside. Sic. But omg is it a game of patience. 🤣
I actually just want to shorten one that I’m already using. 😊
Since you’ve already received plenty of helpful advice, I’ll just add that I find it helpful to untwist the pairs from the middle out, putting them into place, starting with blue and white/blue (I do not do this professionally, but have done this a little bit). Maybe someone else has a differing opinion.