Best Small Automotive Wire Stripping Tool ?

[427HISS]

I have a couple of standared wire stripping tools, which are fine most jobs, but I'm wanting a good quality, moderate priced small tool, one that can be used in places like under the dash, trunk, engine bay, small areas, etc. I've see a couple that are a joke, and some that are very expensive.

I'm tired of fighting the average/normal size stripper,...in tight places !
I either get busted knuckls and sometimes doing damage.

So what do you have and like, and why ?

Please post links, and /or photo's.

 

[kctyphoon]

You looking for traditional or auto strippers? I have those Irwin auto strippers and they are really good for home projects. Manual - channellock, Klein, Milwaukee strippers - all good

http://www.sears.com/irwin-self-adjusting-wire-strippers/p-00913352000P

I have the automatic Klein's too. Actually found them in the street, but still haven't used em.

 

[redvalkyrie]

I like the Knipex pistol grip style.

 

[rmack898]

I have an Ancor auto stripper. It's all plastic and it looks like a piece of junk but I used it daily in an industrial setting for 12 years before it started to get dull.
If you use it on an occasional basis it should last a lifetime.

https://www.carid.com/ancor/wire-st...&utm_campaign=53463042&utm_content=4181287608

 

[Bagherra]

These have worked for me for years...

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-12-in-wire-strippers-with-pressure-adjustment-63143.html

 

[hrichard]

These from VIM are by far my favorite do it all tool. The Crimpers are on the nose instead of down by the handles and 2 years of using them everyday the strippers are like new

Sent from my SM-S902L using Tapatalk

 

[Tonyuk]

I like the knipex tool i got just before Christmas, nice and easy to use, but it wouldn't pay the full asking price for it;

There are loads of similar tools however under the name "automatic wire stripper" and there are goods ones starting at £10 and up, like the below;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B074SDPK4F/?tag=atomicindustr-21

They're not complex tools, just get a decently priced one with good reviews.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Small in my book is 18 down to 24 or less. I Like Ideal T-strippers.

Unfortunately to cover that range, you need 2 pair. T5 for 10-18 and T-7 for 22-30.

The ultimate wire strippers are Clauss No-Nik. They are individually sized

 

[Certified Drunk]

Small in my book is 18 down to 24 or less. I Like Ideal T-strippers.

Same ones I've been using for 20+ years...

 

[Bretny]

I got a set of ideal brand strippers just for automotive work. There the single hand style ones and great for working under the dash or hard to reach places.
Liked them so much i got a second pair. I believe i paid about $30 for them but there good quality and one set i have is almost 10yrs old.

 

[Bretny]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NBA8GM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[emeraldcoupe]

These from VIM are by far my favorite do it all tool. The Crimpers are on the nose instead of down by the handles and 2 years of using them everyday the strippers are like new

Sent from my SM-S902L using Tapatalk

I have the snap on version of those, PWCS7CF . it's my favorite pair of crimpers / strippers

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I have the snap on version of those, PWCS7CF . it's my favorite pair of crimpers / strippers

I have the Snap-on set too (which are different than the VIM/Napa/MAC sets), and they're my go to set along with a set of Matco WS515 strippers. Both are compact to fit most everywhere I've needed them.

 

[ca90ss]

I have an Ancor auto stripper. It's all plastic and it looks like a piece of junk but I used it daily in an industrial setting for 12 years before it started to get dull.
If you use it on an occasional basis it should last a lifetime.

https://www.carid.com/ancor/wire-st...&utm_campaign=53463042&utm_content=4181287608

I have every style mentioned so far and the bluepoint version of these are what I always reach for first. The knipex are nice too but don't work as well on small wires.

 

[Stooge]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NBA8GM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

i have a few pairs of Klein's version of those, and they've been my go to's for home, work and hobby. not ideal for every scenario because theyre a little big, but its usually not a problem.

 

[mcmtech]

I’ve got the ideal ones shown a few posts above

 

[jsmeece]

I have the Blue-point ones (AWG 10 to 22) I bought over 27 years ago from Snap-On, still have them. I think Snap-On Blue Point makes two versions now. Pricey in 2017, $69 and $85 now.
https://store.snapon.com/Strippers-...atic-AWG-10-22-6-1-4-Blue-Point--P634297.aspx

https://store.snapon.com/Strippers-...atic-16-22-AWG-5-1-2-Blue-Point--P634298.aspx

 

[Wamsutta]

For tight places under the dash, you probably want something that strips from the front of the tool.

 

[kctyphoon]

I actually hate the versions that have anything you need mounted behind the handles.. I find them awkward and cumbersome to use.. IMO people are better off just getting two tools instead, like dedicated strippers and a dedicated set of crimpers. Just seems like the "behind the handle" part is never easy to use.

I'll always opt for dedicated crimpers instead of using the crimpers behind the handles of my Irwin's if I can.. not easy to use tools like that in tight areas.

 

[SuperCat]

I recently purchased the IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper, 8". I can't believe how well this tool works and it is only about $20 everywhere. It has a fine adjustment knob as well. While I do very little electrical work, I have to say this is the nicest wire stripper I have ever owned and the price is right.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OQ21CA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[SuperCat]

Here's another wire stripper you may be interested in:

 

[kctyphoon]

Yea those are what I have..(the Irwin's) they work really well.. I see them, or clones, under different brands these days also.. worth every penny. It's nice that you can set them to strip the same amount of insulation off every wire too..

 

[skruft]

Normally I use the small t-stripper but it is possibly not the best in very small spaces because I have to choose the right hole. I have used a Paladin version of the automatic ones.

 

[427HISS]

Normally I use the small t-stripper but it is possibly not the best in very small spaces because I have to choose the right hole. I have used a Paladin version of the automatic ones.

Like these and which one ?

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&k...targid=kwd-10075610123&ref=pd_sl_8ogz1wf71t_e

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Here's another wire stripper you may be interested in:

Oldie but a goodie....

 

[427HISS]

Exactly,....what I'm looking for, the redneck tool. Perddy too ma.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

I picked up the Irwins as shown above from amazon recently for $16 on a deal one day, great tool, IMHO

 

[427HISS]

I picked up the Irwins as shown above from amazon recently for $16 on a deal one day, great tool, IMHO

Damn, missed it. You **** ! lol

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Damn, missed it. You **** ! lol

That was back on 11/28

 

[kythri]

For tight places under the dash, you probably want something that strips from the front of the tool.

Those look nice.

For anyone who doesn't want to have to zoom the image and strain their eyes, these are 11 06 160's.

The rest of the line is here:

https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=&groupID=1376

The 11 06 160's are VDE tested. If you want to save $20, the 11 01 160's are pretty reasonably priced - $28.16 Prime shipped. A few bucks cheaper other places.

 

[427HISS]

Ok, since we're having so much fun, how about crimping tools ?

What is the perfect, not too tight of a crimp or too loose, ....just right !
Shape of crimp ?

I watched a video of a guy that used a visegrip one-in-all tool, used the correct colored crimp section, but pulled the conector right off. Then used the Channellock, plier type, and held great. No I know it could have been his mistake and it's only one vid.

Anyway, what's your favorite and why ?
Please post any links, photo's etc.....

 

[Wamsutta]

I prefer the electrician style crimpers and I like to use the non-insulated splice connectors and ring terminals because they take up less space; then I put heat shrink tubing around them.

Snap-on 29ACFG

https://ssli.ebayimg.com/images/g/9ecAAOSwImRYJPED/s-l1600.jpg



.

 

[427HISS]

Nice, how much are they ?

 

[ca90ss]

Ok, since we're having so much fun, how about crimping tools ?

What is the perfect, not too tight of a crimp or too loose, ....just right !
Shape of crimp ?

Whichever crimper the manufacturer of the specific connectors you'll be using recommends.

 

[427HISS]

Which company do you like for automotive /stereo, type of wire connectors ?
I'm looking on ebay, amazon for the assortment box.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1728564883...=I172856488315.N43.S2.R2.TR2&autorefresh=true

 

[Wamsutta]

Which company do you like for automotive /stereo, type of wire connectors ?

http://www.midterminc.com/

They have everything.

 

[apollo11]

Small in my book is 18 down to 24 or less. I Like Ideal T-strippers.

Same ones I've been using for 20+ years...

Me three!
for under dash, you need small and these fit the bill

 

[427HISS]

This looks to be a knock off, but look similar. $3.50

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Multifunct...-Stripping-Cutter-Cutting-Pliers/401160816658

 

[kblee27]

I recently purchased the IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper, 8". I can't believe how well this tool works and it is only about $20 everywhere. It has a fine adjustment knob as well. While I do very little electrical work, I have to say this is the nicest wire stripper I have ever owned and the price is right.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OQ21CA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This irwin style stripper can also break an insulation in the middle of a bunch of wire harness and allow you to put a tap, without cutting and rejoining.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Klien 1003 are my go-to in awkward spots.