Does anyone really need wire strippers?

[bcradio]

Your cheap.

Yup, all these threads are becoming a bit much

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I first learned to strip wires with a razor blade. Later I’d do it with any kind of diagonal cutting pliers either stand alone or the cutter built into needlenose pliers.

I heard a rumor that ”they” make electrician apprentices strip all their wires with diagonal cutting pliers for some initial time period.

I’m eyeballing up the knives electrical installation tool that has built in wire strippers and it’s a beautiful tool. But really… so we need wire strippers? Suppose a person is going to strip less than a dozen wires in a given year. Does having a specialized tool to speed up the job slightly actually make sense?

What I’m really asking, is two things:

1) does anyone just strip all their wires with a knife or diagonal cutters?
2) does the strip performed by the dedicated strippers result in a better outcome than other means? It’s a stretch to guess this but maybe the tension put on the wire is less with actual dedicated strippers?

Or is it really just a speed thing? And also maybe a bit of a reliability thing since 90% of the time I strip the wire fine but 10% of the time I cut through the wire fully and have to go further down and redo the strip.

Yes, I have one hand. Auto strippers make the task easier, cleaner and safer.

 

[bcradio]

Yeah, I don’t buy that answer. The pros I know use very few tools and work very very quickly. I’d be surprised if bosses would put up with new workers with large kits full of specialty tools. They want them to function with basic stuff. They send these kids into attics and crawl spaces and don’t want them coming out to get a stripper out of the truck.

If you don't know the tools you need to take in an attic for a job as a professional electrician, then you need a new profession.

 

[toolenthusiast]

> ChatGPT, please summarize this thread.

Dykes are OK but strippers are better.

 

[Coach James]

I also have several pairs of wire strippers. I could get by without them, but they do a better, more efficient job than other methods. My dad was a "This is how we always did it before and it works so it's good enough." For years, he seemed to take pride in not buying tools to make a job easier.

I remember, as a kid, using two nails to remove the snap rings when changing u joints on a Ford driveshaft. When I got older, I bought snap ring pliers, talked my dad into using them. He commented on how much faster and easier doing snap rings were. I'm a cheapskate, but I will spend money on tools to make a job safer and/or easier.

Coach

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Yes they help, Lowes or Home Depot have plenty of options.

 

[shawhite]

Decades ago, My electrician apprentice buddy said the wire stripper is to prevent nicking the wire, as is possible with a bare blade. No big deal for your car stereo or landscape lights, but running large service stuff, where the exterior of the conductor is carrying the current, a nick can lead to failure,

Edit: I have to say, I really have no idea where you are coming from. You were postulating about buying giant sized sockets several weeks back, just in case you might need them in the future, and now you don’t want to stock a pair of wire strippers? I must have 6 or 8 pairs of them, for big and small wire, an auto stripper, a cheap pair to loan neighbors, etc. I learned to strip wire for my HO trains and cars with my teeth, but I don’t ever do it for 110v wiring, it’s always a dedicated stripper, using the correct slot or setting for the gauge wire.

I was taught skin effect only exist in high frequency applications IE (communication/radio transmission). Never heard of it in 60Hz power distribution

 

[Rinspeed]

Stripping wire without proper strippers is just plain goofy.

 

[ching0n]

i probably use my wire strippers as much as I use a crescent wrench.

 

[Kuma601]

Only so many oops on a short lead that a redo means a nut or similar connector fix. When a box is already tight or dealing with stranded, easier to have the proper wire stripper. One of those that may not get used often depending what you do yet having the right one that does it correctly is beneficial.

Last time I used the wire strippers was when replacing the fluorescent ballasts. Otherwise they've sat for well over 10+ years. When I did car audio they were used regularly and well worth it.

 

[ZRX61]

If I don’t have a 2 1/2” socket or giant wrenches and I need to turn a 2 1/2” fastener, I’m pretty much screwed.

Just use large Crescents...

 

[RTM]

.

If I don’t have a 2 1/2” socket or giant wrenches and I need to turn a 2 1/2” fastener, I’m pretty much screwed.

Now the likelihood of me needing to turn a 2 1/2” fastener is virtually zero and the likihood I need to strip a wire in the next year is pretty good.

I just did a walk around my property, anything bigger than a 1" fastener is on plumbing, all else is lag bolts, gate hardware, furniture assembly, etc. I occasionally need big fasteners removed on vintage tools being restored, like vises, most can wait on repairs.

Wiring, probably a mile or two with 30ish breakers over 2500 SQ ft.

If anything on my car breaks that needs a 2-1/2" metric socket, I'd be calling a tow truck, cuz I ain't gonna fix that, I have pro mechanics that do the hard stuff. I don't have the time, the indoor space to leave it torn apart for several days while I work an hour a night on it, etc.

All that leaves is loaning tools to the neighbors, and I'm not stocking tools like 2-1/2" sockets for them.

Like I said before, still don't understand.

 

[JRC3]

I just burn the insulation off with a lighter. The fumes give me a good buzz to boot.

 

[Firebrick43]

I just burn the insulation off with a lighter. The fumes give me a good buzz to boot.

I love the smell of Dioxins in the morning

 

[rooster59]

Probably have enough loose change in the cushions of your couch-

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-inc...zIjoiMy4wMCIsInByb2R1Y3RfaWQi OiI0MDE5In0=

 

[KnurledNut]

Strip? Real men use T-taps...

 

[ItsNemo]

I just did a walk around my property, anything bigger than a 1" fastener is on plumbing, all else is lag bolts, gate hardware, furniture assembly, etc. I occasionally need big fasteners removed on vintage tools being restored, like vises, most can wait on repairs.

Wiring, probably a mile or two with 30ish breakers over 2500 SQ ft.

If anything on my car breaks that needs a 2-1/2" metric socket, I'd be calling a tow truck, cuz I ain't gonna fix that, I have pro mechanics that do the hard stuff. I don't have the time, the indoor space to leave it torn apart for several days while I work an hour a night on it, etc.

All that leaves is loaning tools to the neighbors, and I'm not stocking tools like 2-1/2" sockets for them.

Like I said before, still don't understand.

The largest bolts you'll ever find on a normal passenger vehicle are the axle nuts, and those are usually topping out at 36-38mm or so....maybe some 40-50mm ones on pickup trucks, but you still haven't cracked into the 2 inch range.

Pretty sure my 3/4" set tops out around 2 3/8" or so

 

[Dig Doug]

If I’m tweaking in the back yard and trying to get rid of the wire I just found on a Job site ….

Then I use a razor knife!!

Setting up and Landing wires in an Electrical panel - Ahhhh nope!

 

[zktk01]

I work in telephone industry we use wire stripper that cuts to the exact length that will let you get 7 wraps around a pin with 22 or 24 gauge wire. Would be a pain to do with out.

 

[bcradio]

Glad we got this sorted out. Hopefully we can stop with these silly threads.

 

[sanddan]

Decades ago, My electrician apprentice buddy said the wire stripper is to prevent nicking the wire, as is possible with a bare blade. No big deal for your car stereo or landscape lights, but running large service stuff, where the exterior of the conductor is carrying the current, a nick can lead to failure,

Edit: I have to say, I really have no idea where you are coming from. You were postulating about buying giant sized sockets several weeks back, just in case you might need them in the future, and now you don’t want to stock a pair of wire strippers? I must have 6 or 8 pairs of them, for big and small wire, an auto stripper, a cheap pair to loan neighbors, etc. I learned to strip wire for my HO trains and cars with my teeth, but I don’t ever do it for 110v wiring, it’s always a dedicated stripper, using the correct slot or setting for the gauge wire.

This is exactly why. I’m still using the one I inherited from my dad who was an electrician. Probably 60+ years old and still kicking. Diagonal cutters also work good after they tried to cut through a hot wire. Leaves a perfect hole for stripping smaller gage wires.

 

[RTM]

Diagonal cutters also work good after they tried to cut through a hot wire. Leaves a perfect hole for stripping smaller gage wires.

My dad had a pair of end cutters set up that way. I found a similar pair at a GS, bought it just for the memories. Him crawling out from under the house after cutting in to that hot wire....I was too young to understand (5-8 yo) what had happened, but by 14 I understood. He kept them til he passed, we left them with mom after cleaning out the garage.

 

[tarbellb]

A good stripper will open your mind to whats possible

 

[Pinemarten]

For stranded wire, buy something like this wire stripper..........

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BC39YFQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Don't be the guy who's wires look like a rat chewed the insulation off. Broken/cut strands makes the rest of the strands carry more amperage per strand. Excessive amperage causes heat. Heat increases resistance......which causes more heat.

In aerospace work, one broken strand is cause for rejection. Re-strip, do it over, and hope the wire isn't too short now!

 

[MarcSeattle]

OK everyone, what's your thoughts:

1) The best wire stripper for someone who electrical work all day, every week.

2) The best wire stripper for someone who does occasional wiring work. I'm thinking of a handy homeowner remodeling a kitchen or a construction tradesman who does a variety of things. This might be the same as above, but I was thinking of the price-performance compromise.

 

[ecotec]

OK everyone, what's your thoughts:

1) The best wire stripper for someone who electrical work all day, every week.

2) The best wire stripper for someone who does occasional wiring work. I'm thinking of a handy homeowner remodeling a kitchen or a construction tradesman who does a variety of things. This might be the same as above, but I was thinking of the price-performance compromise.

Plain Klein strippers.

 

[sparky 1971]

OK everyone, what's your thoughts:

1) The best wire stripper for someone who electrical work all day, every week.

For the last 29 years I've been using these. Like me, they are boring, but they are also proven to work every time. I've seen other guys use about every variation of the same thing. I've tried the curved handles, comfort handles and about everything in between and I always go back to my T-strippers.

Ideal 6 in Wire Stripper Solid: 18 to 10 AWG, Stranded: 12 to 20 AWG 45-120 | Zoro

Order Ideal 6 in Wire Stripper Solid: 18 to 10 AWG, Stranded: 12 to 20 AWG, 45-120 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

2) The best wire stripper for someone who does occasional wiring work. I'm thinking of a handy homeowner remodeling a kitchen or a construction tradesman who does a variety of things. This might be the same as above, but I was thinking of the price-performance compromise.

Either above, or something like these. The first contractor I worked for supplied a pair of these which I used for about six months until I tried another guys T strippers.

Klein Tools Long Nose Multi Tool Wire Stripper, Wire Cutters, Crimping Tool 1010 | Zoro

Order Klein Tools Long Nose Multi Tool Wire Stripper, Wire Cutters, Crimping Tool, 1010 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[M6erfan]

Doing some remodeling, I have run across broken solid wire in wire nuts on several occasions. This is what nicking a wire leads too. Yeah, I'll stick with proper wire strippers.

 

[Hannahranga]

Homeowner V professional is imho just getting better quality tools and the more specific tools for larger/fancier cables. That said if you've got to do more than a handful of big stuff get a swivel stripper.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I have stripped wires with razor blades, utility knives, buck knives, diags, little wire pliers with round holes in them, things you clip on and spin round the wire, pencil sharpener like things, different assorted squeezy things that nick the insulation and pull it off, sharp rusty bits on tractor hoods, a sharp rock, nail clippers, you-name-it. They all work. The little pliers with round holes and the squeezy-pully wire strippers are my favorites, depending on the job. Though I am fond of the pencil sharpener things for large cables.
So, I guess the answer is, need, no, prefer, yes, as I get a neater, quicker job with the right tool.

 

[zendriver]

OK everyone, what's your thoughts:

.

2) The best wire stripper for someone who does occasional wiring work. I'm thinking of a handy homeowner remodeling a kitchen or a construction tradesman who does a variety of things. This might be the same as above, but I was thinking of the price-performance compromise.

I’m lazy and I like the tool to do the work, so I just use the 40+ year old stripmasters that I got from USAF surplus

 

[NoahG]

I’ve always been an Ideal T-Stripper man, but if I’m at my bench all day working on LED tape I do like the Klein Katapult. A good buddy does wiring on film sets, and his shop foreman got them a pneumatic wire stripper. Now THATS some serious stripping.

 

[quattroman]

I dont need wire strippers, but for the £13 they cost I am sure going to use them. I can and have stripped wires with pliers, knife, etc, but strippers get it perfect every time in a couple of seconds on most jobs.

A friend who is an electrician only uses his pliers, he is very fast and neat as he does it every day and does not want to lug extra tools around.

 

[theoldwizard1]

When I was a kid, I stripped wire with my 2 front teeth ! Mostly 20-24 gauge.

 

[Ton ton]

I'm always looking for a better wire strippers.

 

[eejack]

OK everyone, what's your thoughts:

1) The best wire stripper for someone who electrical work all day, every week.

2) The best wire stripper for someone who does occasional wiring work. I'm thinking of a handy homeowner remodeling a kitchen or a construction tradesman who does a variety of things. This might be the same as above, but I was thinking of the price-performance compromise.

For either it is personal preference. I like the curved handle strippers ( generally will purchase capri or platinum from amazon ) similar to the klein curved handle mentioned above. Lots of electricians I work with like the T strippers. I suspect it is like most tools, one style/pair fits your hands best or feels better and that is what you go for.

If I am terminating a large assembly, like a relay rack or a large panel I will drag out the ideal stripmasters, but they are big in the pouch so I use more often when I am stationary. They do seriously reduce my wrist stress so I find myself using them more and more as I age.

 

[redwrench60]

For general purpose solid/stranded wire, a pair of Ideal T-strippers is hard to beat. They are high quality, compact, comfortable and very affordable.

When I’m dealing with a big run or panel full of EXANE wire, out come the automatic wire strippers like Ideal Stripmasters or Kleins automatic strippers. Anyone who has fooled with that stuff knows how thick and tough the insulation is.

 

[Wiz02]

When I am running 12 or 14 awg NM-B, I love using my NM-B cable strippers. They remove the outer sheath neatly, cleanly and easily. They were a game changer for me.

 

[rockettauto]

It's been mentioned about nicking wires but honesty most people using a knife or dykes actually score the wire all the way around, which especially on solid conductors has now primed it to break.

 

[cgrutt]

Just soldered some LEDs in my son's car tonight tried stripping the outer core with some cheap dykes he had in car stopped got out of car went to my box and grabbed two different wire strippers and another pair of dykes to finish job. So much easier with right tools. I think I was stripping the inner wires with .050" but could be mistaken. In any case they were too thin to strip accurately with the cheap pair of dykes that he had.