A wire stripper tool increases the productivity of professional electricians and home handymen.
Many people think that a wire stripper can only cut and remove the rubber covering that covers the wire. Some good models also cut thick cable, cut screws to size, and crimp terminals on the ends of thick cables or wires.
So whether you need a basic or professional-grade wire cutting tool, you’ll always have plenty of options to choose from.
The Best Wire Stripper For Home Use
Klein Tools Heavy Duty Wire Stripper
4,9 Rating
Features:
- Cuts and strips 8-20 AWG solid and 10-22 AWG stranded wire with ease.
- Removes up to 1-Inch of the insulation layer.
- Cast alloy chassis with heavy-duty E-coat finish.
Solid and Stranded Wire Stripper / Cutter has a built-in cutting hole to cleanly cut 8-20 AWG solid and 10-22 AWG stranded wire, while the stripping head allows you to easily grip and strip just by squeezing the handle. Made of cast alloy with a heavy-duty E-coat finish for corrosion resistance and durability.
How To Use The Wire Strippers?
How To Choose Wire Strippers For Beginners?
Buyer’s guide for the wire strippers
This review and guide provide information on some best wire strippers for beginners you can find.
There are quite a few manufacturers of wire strippers for beginners on the market, and the prices vary greatly. From a pure price point of view, the type of wire strippers for beginners can be priced from $22 to $75.
The Best Wire Strippers For The Money
All our reviews are based exclusively on expert judgments or practical experience with most of the wire strippers for beginners we have tested. We strive to make our guide as independent and as detailed as possible.
Wire Strippers In Comparison
KNIPEX Tools Automatic Wire Stripper
- Automatically adapts to the different conductor.
- It Can also be used in rather hard-to-reach work areas.
- Handles are made of plastic.
4,8 Rating
Strip any type of wire
This automatic wire stripper from Knipex is perfect for home use. It is a standard tool that should not be missing in any toolbox. It is suitable for all common cable cross-sections and insulation materials. Whether solid, stranded, or fine-stranded conductors – these wire strippers can be used for any type.
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper
- Self-adjusting mechanism.
- Jaw Width: 2 inches.
- Maximum comfort and reduced hand fatigue.
4,9 Rating
Self-regulating mechanism
To provide maximum comfort and reduced hand fatigue, an adjustable stopper controls the length of the core strip, wire strippers crimps 10-22 AWG insulated, 10-22 AWG non-insulated and 0.28in-0.35in ignition terminals while wire cutter extends versatility, wire stripper with a self-adjusting mechanism to strip wire from 10-24 AWG while swivel knob micro-adjusts to strip gauges smaller than 20 AWG.
Knipex Self Adjusting Insulation Strippers
- For single, multiple, and fine stranded conductors with plastic or rubber insulation.
- Adapts automatically to the respective cable cross-section.
4,8 Rating
Powerful wire stripper
Tool designed with your hand in mind. Even more power for easier working. Self-Adjusting Insulation Strippers are indispensable for electrical installation. Fast and secure working in a large range of applications.
What Are The Types Of Wire Stripper?
There are two types of wire strippers that basically do the same thing, but have some differences. These would be mechanical wire stripper pliers and automatic wire stripper pliers.
There are several a wire stripper:
- Mechanical wire stripper
The mechanical wire stripper has a spacer screw that you can use to adjust the size of the cutting hole yourself. You do this by placing the hole in the piece to be stripped and then adjusting the size.
Then you squeeze the two knobs, and they cut into the cable. If you let go, the line is cut. Unlike the automatic wire stripper, the wire stripper has only a V-shaped cutting hole.
These pliers are especially suitable for private use because they are much less expensive than automatic wire strippers.
- Automatic wire stripper
The function of an automatic wire stripper is to automatically adjust to different cross-sectional sizes of different cables. For greater accuracy, a small wheel on some devices ensures that you can adjust the size again.
If you run the pliers over the cable that needs to be stripped, it adapts, and you can simply close it, similar to mechanical stripping pliers. The wire is cut and the wire stripper automatically strips the sheath.
What should you look for when buying the wire strippers?
When choosing a wire stripper, there are some criteria to consider when choosing the best tool. This will help you find the right wire stripper tool for you.
When buying should pay attention to the following:
- Functionality
Automatic wire strippers have the advantage that you no longer need to adjust the cutting hole because they can adapt to the cables. The sheathing is also automatically cut.
This type of wire stripper is highly recommended for electricians because it makes their job much easier. However, if you prefer a mechanical wire stripper tool, you should know that the job will take longer because you will have to re-adjust the pliers’ settings for each cable.
Also, there is no need for automatic stripping, and you have to use your own strength to loosen the materials. This often requires several attempts.
- Cross-section and cable length limiter
Each automatic wire stripping tool is designed for a specific wire cross-section. This means that not every pair of pliers can strip every cable. If the cable is too thick, the wires inside can also be damaged.
A length limiter is very important if you don’t want to accidentally cut the cable at any point.
- Material
The handles of wire strippers are often covered in plastic. This should ensure that the pliers are comfortable to hold. Those who work with it frequently also expect a certain amount of comfort and slip resistance. Additional rubber insulation is also recommended ensuring that you can work under voltage.
- Weight
If you plan to work with a wire stripper often, make sure it is not too heavy. However, most devices weigh 2lb.
- Additional features
A combination model is often useful because it saves you from buying additional devices. Some wire strippers also have extra features and attachments such as a built-in side cutter, wire cutters, or crimping pliers.
The side cutters and wire cutters will help you cut off wires, and you can easily make new connections with the crimping pliers.
- Color
Bright colors are often used in factories. It’s not so much about appearance as it is about quickly finding a device when needed. Most manufacturers work with colors such as red, black, or yellow.
Wire Strippers Price:
Under $50
- Klein Tools Heavy Duty Wire Stripper
- IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper
- KNIPEX Tools Automatic Wire Stripper
Under $100
- Knipex Self Adjusting Insulation Strippers
Conclusions
Wire strippers are indispensable tools for any electrician and are also convenient to use at home, in the store, or in the garage. Wire strippers are among those tools that look like big scissors, but their design and accuracy are extremely important.
These devices are specifically designed to strip wires accurately and safely, for a simple and efficient task. Wire strippers are among those tools that fit their intended purpose and are very useful. In the process, they will quickly justify their purchase and save you wasted work time.
FAQs- Wire Strippers
✅ How does an automatic wire stripper work?
If you plan to frequently strip cables with different cross-sections, the automatic wire stripper is the right tool for your needs. It automatically adjusts to different sizes.
Some models also have a small wheel that you can use to adjust the depth of cut yourself. The automatic wire stripper has a round or V-shaped cutting hole. If you squeeze the two handles together, that hole will cut into the cable. When you let go, the cable sheath is torn and then pulled down.
✅ What do you use automatic wire strippers for?
Automatic wire strippers are designed to make stripping cables and electrical wires easier. When stripping, your goal is to cut off the insulation of an electrical conductor, which is mostly made of plastic, so that the conductor doesn’t get damaged in the process. If you succeed, you can make the electrical connection with the insulated conductor.
A wire made of thicker wire is less likely to cause serious damage, but if the conductor is made of stranded wire, it will consist of many stray and thin wires. This is where you need to be careful that the individual wires don’t accidentally break or even break off.
✅ What are the sizes of wire stripping fixtures?
The size of the automatic wire stripper itself varies, at least minimally. The most important thing is that it fits comfortably in the hand and can be handled well. Therefore, it is advisable to check individual models in the store for suitability. The better the feel in your hand, the better the pliers will work.
However, you should also make sure that each pair of pliers is designed for a specific cross-sectional area of the conductor. This means that not every pair of pliers can strip every cable. If the cable is too thick for the wire stripper, you may also damage the wires.
