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Decent wire stripper / crimper recommendation

branimal

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May 31, 2016
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I need something that will last a bunch of 12 gauge strips? I'm installing 1500 square feet of recessed lighting. Do I need something heavy duty?

I saw an $11 Irwin that gets good reviews on Amazon but not sure reviewers are giving it that much usage.

Here's the Irvin
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Brownsfan

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Cleveland Ohio
I would go the separate crimper/stripper if I was doing it but if you want a combination tool I recommend something like this.
https://www.jbtoolsales.com/otc-595...Crimp-Tool This is actually what I use daily.
 
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branimal

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A bunch of you guys mentioned crimping tools... isn't it standard to use wire nuts and electrical tape in electrical boxes?

Is there a faster way more efficient way?


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speedfreek1210

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Thurmont, Maryland
As an electrician for the last 10 years I've never needed anything more than a set of ideal T- strippers. I definitely wouldn't be carrying those bulky automatic strippers on the job. Those would be great, IMO, for working on things on the bench at home but not on the day to day grind. Then again maybe that's just me.


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speedfreek1210

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I have a set of the Milwaukee one with the needle nose end now but I haven't used them enough to say weather I like them more than my t-strippers.


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DFB

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Southern VT/Western Mass
I have a pair of the Channellock 908G among others and are the ones I grab most often. Been very satisfied with them. Most places have the 908 its a little different that now has an additional wire loop forming hole.

Channellock has others versions also the newer 957 with the ergo handle;

Starting last summer I was selling the Tekton 3797 for $8.00 a pair. Similar design to the 957 Channlocks

I have two sets in garage right now they are pretty decent for the money and very sharp.

908

957

3797
 

WhiskeyRanger

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Mar 28, 2015
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A bunch of you guys mentioned crimping tools... isn't it standard to use wire nuts and electrical tape in electrical boxes?

Is there a faster way more efficient way?


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Depends on what you're doing. We use stakons to ground boxes.
 
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Chukster

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branimal

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I'd suggest something like this:

http://crimpsupply.com/tools/ul-listed-ratchet-crimp-tool-for-22-10-ga-insulated-connectors.html

If you're doing a big project & lots & lots of crimps, go for something that will give you repeatability; with a proper ratchet system you'll get a more consistent crimp throughout the job. And an automatic stripper like some have suggested - same reason, repeatability (breeds reliability)



Sorry for the dumb question but what will I need to crimp? Won't i be putting wires into a wire connector and taping them off? Is there a "new" way of doing things?

Yes I'll look for an automatic stripper.

By the way it looks like I'll need to use BX cable.

So ill probably buy a roto-split.


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R_einan

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Aug 29, 2016
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Eastern WA
Klein 11055 strippers
Channellock 909 crimpers

I'll second the 11055 strippers, nice tool. For crimpers I've got the Klein 1005.

I've also got a pair of Snap-On PWCS7CF that I love to death. They are sweet for small automotive stuff, but also work for tight space crimps pretty well. Like ground crimps in existing boxes.
 

NoahG

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Feb 24, 2013
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Detroit, MI
I'm partial to Ideal T-Strippers myself, specifically model #45-120. Combo tools like you posted are great to keep in the car or a technician kit but they get old when doing a lot of repetitive residential work.
 

Bert_

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NW Iowa
The Irwin's seem like a good stripper. I like the grips better on the klein myself, but maybe it's not a big deal if you don't use them everyday.

I would definitely get a dedicated stripper and a dedicated crimper.
 
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branimal

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I'll ask again, why do I need a crimper? I'm connecting wires with a wire nut. Is there a better way to do things. I haven't don't much electrical work.
Thanks



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engineer2

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Dec 13, 2009
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Chicago burbs
I prefer the kind that will properly crimp insulated and uninstalled terminals. My favorite is my old AMP Super Champ FT.
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IUEC Medic

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Mar 29, 2014
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East Bay Area
If you're just using wire nuts, make sure you use the correct size and the right technique.

I'm not a fan of taping over wire nuts, it's unnecessary, it wastes tape and it's a huge pita for whoever has to come troubleshoot behind you if you finish wiring and something doesn't work.

You will need cripmers in order to ground the fixture, unless the fixtures already have a ground lug and pigtail?
 
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shockwave

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Oct 23, 2012
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Marietta,ga
I am a big fan of the snap on pwcs7 stripper and the pwcs9 for bigger wires they hold up better than most o have had throughout the years but pricey but worth it
 

bmwpowere36m3

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Nov 8, 2012
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I haven't encountered a situation "requiring" a crimper when dealing with household line-voltage... low-voltage, AV, security, sure.

I prefer a simple Ideal T-stripper... tried an Irwin auto-stripper and didn't care for it. On some wire/insulation it would slip and it wasn't consistent. For smaller wire/electronics Ideal Stripmasters work great on sub <16 ga.
 
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branimal

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I bought the Klein 11055.

And 250 feet of MC lite armored cable, Bostitch linesman pliers, a rotosplit, and a Sheetrock circle cutter.

Sounds like I may need anti shorts as well for the aluminum cable.

Thanks for the help guys.


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