Automatic wire strippers

[diesel research]

I have finally upgraded my wiring tools.

Most of us probably start out with one of those cheap stamped crimpers for automotive. The kind that include a crappy wire cutter and manual wire strippers.

Some will even claim they are "good enough". Eventually (many years ago) I decided they were not. I started with a pair of cheap red/black auto strippers. A step up, but not enough. I had the famous orange/blue ones all the tool trucks rebadge. I had the orange ones from HF. They all eventually began to ****.

I had known the crimpers sucked and had a pair of channellock crimpers and a cheap set of ratcheting crimpers with insulated crimp dies.

Happy to say I have upgraded to Ideal brand auto strippers and am most satisfied. Very smooth and crisp action, no biting off strands of copper or constant tension readjustments. At the same time, picked up a set of 8" knipex cutters to round out the ever expanding collection. After about 20 splices in the past 3 days, it is fair to say these are quite nice. Not sure on the model number of the Ideal strippers.

 

[pcpro15]

I picked mine up from lowes a year ago after using a buddy's. They really are worth every penny imho.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

I have this 3pc Mac electrical pliers set and love it

 

[lbgradwell]

Not sure on the model number of the Ideal strippers.

I use the Stripmaster 45-292. They are simply excellent.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

I use these Blue Points quite a bit. They are German and can't recall the OEM offhand but they are great. Never nick the conductor. Self adjusting and they are perfect when you have a short end when you're upside down under a dash.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=796&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Through SO they are a bit expensive but they are sold under several other names.

 

[speed bump]

Yeah those Stripmasters are nice. I use them every time I can fit them in, otherwise I like my Klein Curves.

Now wait until you decide to start spending money on crimpers. I already have $150+ worth of them lined out just to do part of the trucks wiring.

 

[Solid Lifters]

 

[ncfh]

I got these a few months ago and love them. Great for getting into tight spots/boxes, replaceable stripping blade, built in wire cutters, and ultra lightweight.

You do have to adjust the bite tension on really small single conductor wires though, the little slider on the upper jaw. Not a big deal at all really.

edit: Made in Sweden.

 

[nate379]

I have a set I bought at Kmart or Ames about 20 years ago. Still work great and I use the **** out of them.

 

[burnitwithfire]

I got these Tool Aid crimpers a year ago. Very sturdy and crimp hard. I used those cheapo crimpers made of 1/8th thick stamped steel before this. I had to make custom jaws as the ones it came with didn't fit my needs. I also removed the ratcheting mechanism as I found it annoying when crimping big wiring.

I use a simple x-acto knife to strip wiring. I really want automatic strippers but can't seem to find a decent set locally.

 

[fitz11]

Anyone have or used these? Looks like a good design if they work good.

http://www.klenktools.com/Main/Products/CuttingStrippingNew.asp

 

[1986warhorse]

i do remote starte and alarms and my 20 dollars vise grib brand auto strippers work great dont know if id ever tradehem for anything unless it was 100 plus from snappy

 

[Davo3]

I strip wires on and off all day long. I use the Klien Kurves (below), only with Greenlee handles slid on (to keep them from being confused with all the other Kleins in the shop).

When I have a whole lot to strip at once, I use one of these (below) - we have a pair with Wago logo and one with a Wiha logo, but they're identical otherwise. The blades wore out on one (but can be replaced), and the adjustable depth guide broke off on the other, but they still work fine. There are cutters in front of the lower handle, too, which is very handy. It's nice not to have to select where to put the wire. Not so good for #20 or smaller wires. The other guys don't seem to care for them, though.

We have a couple of pairs of these (below) around the shop, but they are much more clunky to use than the ones above. I've never seen them used - except for a few test uses. I don't like the ergonomics.

I had a pair of these (below) from HF. They worked all right, but I found it awkward to have to go from one side to the other.

 

[blue302stang]

I use these Blue Points quite a bit. They are German and can't recall the OEM offhand but they are great. Never nick the conductor. Self adjusting and they are perfect when you have a short end when you're upside down under a dash.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...1&group_ID=796&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Through SO they are a bit expensive but they are sold under several other names.

I was a little reluctant to spend $60 on these, but am really glad that i did. They are by far the best wire strippers that i have ever used.

 

[Monte]

http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Weicon/No.5.html

 

[rockchucker]

I use these on a daily basis and they work very well to say the least. Not the cheapest out there but they really do the job well.


http://www.service.kleintools.com/c...RMS+KD01YYCTN(P0020):1+KD01YYPRD(A0150):11063

 

[3 at 8]

I use these on a daily basis and they work very well to say the least. Not the cheapest out there but they really do the job well.


http://www.service.kleintools.com/c...RMS+KD01YYCTN(P0020):1+KD01YYPRD(A0150):11063

Are these pictured above; better, worse or the same as these similar looking Ideal model 45-292 ? : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NBA8GM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[greasemonkey44]

http://www.tradesmanschoice.com/catalog/Weicon/No.5.html

these are great i use my bosses for putting in gps units

 

[Monte]

 

[BloodySinner]

I have this 3pc Mac electrical pliers set and love it

I have that exact same set. Paid $16 for it new.

 

[petefixer]

What is the model number on that Mac set?

 

[turbochabot]

TCT-ELECKIT is the Mac number for the set pictured above.