Does any front-loading automatic wire stripper work for Romex?

[jasonrohrer]

I'm considering Euro-style auto-adjusting wire strippers, like the Knipex Precistrip 16, the Weidmuller Stripax, or the Pressmaster Embla.

It looks like these work like magic on PVC-coated stranded wire, and also maybe very fine solid wire, like Cat6 Ethernet.

But I don't see many examples of people using these on Romex for US residential electrical.

The Knipex Precistrip 16 is specifically marked in some listings with "Does not strip THHN wire."

And it looks like the inner cables of Romex are THHN?

Weidmuller Stripax has an "Ultimate" version, with 4 diagonal blades inside, making a diamond shape around the wire. They are marketed for "halogen-free insulation", which may include THHN as explained here:

Weidmuller introduces stripax ULtimate wire strippers

Stripax ULtimate is suitable for halogen-free insulation and other wires specified for use in high temperature environments, including those classified by UL as THHN and SIS.

www.automation.com

Negative reviews of the Knipex Precistrip abound on Amazon, mostly from US customers. I'm guessing they are trying to use it on Romex and failing... some may even be breaking the tool on the first day.

The Stripax Ultimate is listed as doing 24-10 AWG, which covers the full range of "fine wires" like Ethernet all the way down to 30A Romex. Where Precistrip 16 does an even wider range of 28-6 AWG... but I guess fails on THHN like Romex?


The Pressmaster Embla has the benefit of three different types of jaws that fit in the same tool... but I don't see many people talking about it. Maybe the v-shaped blades will work on Romex?


Does anyone have positive experience of using any of these for US Romex electrical wiring?

 

[Zeke]

Just use these:



Fastest thing there is when stripping to leave the min length in a box.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Are you wondering theyll strip the outer jacket? The answer is no

Use the tool pictured above

 

[captaindiode]

Klein makes one. Haven't tried it yet.

Model 11061

Wire Stripper and Cutter, Self-Adjusting - 11061 | Klein Tools

The Klein Tools Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper / Cutter takes the guesswork out of stripping solid, stranded, and Romex® wire. As the name suggests, this tool features a self-adjusting stripping head for quick, precise wire stripping. It's especially useful in panels and other places where...

www.kleintools.com

 

[sparky 1971]

I don't think there is an auto stripper that will remove Romex jacket. They say they work with Romex, but that is meant for after the jacket is removed. The only time I use a razor knife is when running romex. Put the cable in the box, reach in to the back and score both sides with the knife and pull the jacket off. One of those fancy Klein strippers meant for romex might work faster, but I'd find a way to screw it up and take too much jacket off since it has to be used before the cable is inserted. And... I don't like new things and the learning curve associated with them.

 

[gleman]

I did my barn, a couple remodels and some Habitat for Humanity projects with these and they kill it.



K1412 they are made for Romex. A simple wrist twist pops off the outer sheath in those funky looking holes near the top and it's easy peasy after that.

 

[captaindiode]

I don't think there is an auto stripper that will remove Romex jacket. They say they work with Romex, but that is meant for after the jacket is removed. The only time I use a razor knife is when running romex. Put the cable in the box, reach in to the back and score both sides with the knife and pull the jacket off. One of those fancy Klein strippers meant for romex might work faster, but I'd find a way to screw it up and take too much jacket off since it has to be used before the cable is inserted. And... I don't like new things and the learning curve associated with them.

The video reviews show it taking the outer jacket, but I have't tried one.

 

[2Fast]

 

[sparky 1971]

The video reviews show it taking the outer jacket, but I have't tried one.

The video shows it taking the jacket off of a thermostat wire. It honestly looks to me like a gimmick that takes at least twice as much time to use as any of the old style strippers to save very little effort.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

wow what a joke

 

[walrus]

Utility knife?

 

[Terry D]

I have been using the yellow handled ones pictured above for years, they work great. Even though they are not listed, I have also used them on UF cable with surprisingly good luck. It more just scores it. A lot of times the outer jacket will break the rest of the way and pull off. Especially if its cold out.

 

[JRC3]

...since it has to be used before the cable is inserted.

You can do it after, might leave an inch of jacket on 12 but that's usually no problem at all.

 

[JRC3]

I have been using the yellow handled ones pictured above for years, they work great. Even though they are not listed, I have also used them on UF cable with surprisingly good luck. It more just scores it. A lot of times the outer jacket will break the rest of the way and pull off. Especially if its cold out.

Funny because I bought mine thinking UF was what it was meant for. I got it at the ReStore so no package. A few weeks later I see one being used on TOH and realized its true and awesome purpose.

 

[sparky 1971]

You can do it after, might leave an inch of jacket on 12 but that's usually no problem at all.

It's a problem for me. I shoot for about 1/2" of jacket. And, I don't want to use the strippers. I've tried other types with the curved handle and effin' hate them.

I doubt it would be anything that resembles easy to use those to strip the jacket off inside the box for a standard receptacle box that's 12" - 16" off the floor, especially if it's 12/2. You'd about have to lay down to see what you're doing, make sure that you don't accidentally use the 14/2 slot, as well as make sure you don't snag two cables

I like these, and only these. There will be no substitution. Period.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JKWVXA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[yatg]

Another option. It is front loading. The reviews vary from "best tool ever" to "absolute junk". And half the reviews are talking about an armored cable splitter.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WDR197X/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[egdede]

Not an auto stripper, but I bought one of these to strip wires in boxes when I remodeled my kitchen. I had one of those 'why didn't I think of that' moments when I saw it. It really reduces wrist strain.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WDR197X/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Marcin_ose]

I think there is a viable solution for both the outer sheath AND individual wires: search for KNIPEX Tool Tips - Why use the 12 64 180 to strip Romex and get this video:

KNIPEX Tool Tips - Why use the 12 64 180 to strip Romex | Pete demonstrates why you should use the 12 64 180 Automatic Wire Stripper to strip Romex/NM-B! Don't miss out! | By Knipex | Facebook

Pete demonstrates why you should use the 12 64 180 Automatic Wire Stripper to strip Romex/NM-B! Don't miss out!

www.facebook.com

But - the tool goes only up to 14 ga and is expensive: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051YM6Z2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Still looking...

 

[Marcin_ose]

More feedback - Weidmuller Stripax seems to fail on Romex - see reviews - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KP1R1BA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And back to Knipex - the lower cost Knipex 12 62 180 appears to show excellent results with Romex at least to 12 gauge. - 12g Romex with excellent results - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003B8WB5U/?tag=atomicindus08-20 - but don't do the outer insulation. So for gauge up to 14, the Knipex 12 64 180 seem to win. For $100 more, you can master up to 10 ga Romex with the Knipex NexStrip.

I put these notes at our wiki for refence - https://wiki.opensourceecology.org/wiki/Wire_Strippers