Wire Stripper Opinions

[HookWorse]

Looking for a better pair of wire strippers. Typed "stripper" in the search box, boy, didn't that lead to some interesting threads!!!

They'll be used mostly for automotive use with stranded wire. Do you use the basic strippers, or the automatic stripping type? Or a combination of both? Brand preference? Yeah, I know...everyone will have a different preference, but I'll lean toward the majority.

 

[crazytrain]

I have a set of these and really like them. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=7205&group_ID=796

 

[nehog]

The 'Stripmaster' (also available from other sources, for less...) are what we use here, both for production work and my playing around. A good quality product.

When you buy, realize there are a number of different cutting dies you can get for different wire. Most come with a universal set, but you can get some setup for special wires too...

 

[Neohio]

Go channelock for their crimpers i believe 909

for the stripers, that is personal preference, I have snap-on, channelock, greenlee, each has their goods and bads.

 

[bushpilot]

I have a set of these and really like them. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=7205&group_ID=796

ive got a set of those (w/out the snap-on name) cost me about 25 bucks
TOPS ! They work well !

 

[Ford12508]

I used a stripmaster the other day for the first time. I will never give up using either a knife or just a plain set of strippers. The stripmater worked well, but broke a few of the strands of wire off when used. Might have just been the pair I was using, but the correct gauge size pulled the insulation off and looked like ****, the next size down took off some strands.

 

[bushpilot]

sounds like a poorly adjusted cutter, pincher, wrong slot used or an ABUSED tool.

 

[gluckmysock]

I used a pair like this http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat/products.php?product=CTG5008-%2d-Self%2dAdj-Wire-Stripper

for 10+ years and loved them. That is until I dropped them on the shop floor and broke one of the wire grippers. I wasnt able to replace the broken part, so now I use these: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00973573000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

I would recommend the automatics. especially if you'll be in tight places.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Plain. Simple. They work !

Ideal T Stripper

You probably need 2 sizes, T5 and T6.

 

[HookWorse]

I've read good things about both Ideal and Stripmaster.

I can see uses for both styles of strippers. I may have to get one of each....

 

[Addrock]

These are the two that I like.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=360-627

http://www.service.kleintools.com/T...ippers/Cutters STRIPPERS-WIRESTRIP-DULNMCBLKK

 

[tw33k2514]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00080DPNQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

my stripper of choice. For wires that is

 

[theoldwizard1]

It took me awhile to find these on the web. Never owned them, but these are THE ULTIMATE wire strippers. Accurate to -0", +0.0005"

No-Nik® Wire Stripper

There is actually 4 different strippers for each wire gauge !

I think these are really intended for production (who would have a dozen or more wire strippers in a tool box and the corresponding chart to figure out which one to use).

I will tell you one thing. If you have to strip 28 or higher gauge wire, you need these !

 

[xcgates]

I had a set of Ideal T strippers, but haven't been able to find them since I moved. When I was in school, I kept them either in my backpack, or my pockets, because our lab had no-name, incredibly cheap wire strippers.

This type. If I forgot my nice strippers, I was better off using a dull butter knife than those strippers.

 

[03ranger]

Try these http://paladin-tools.com/list_tools.php?id=167&parent_id=169. Their not cheap, but good quality never is.

 

[JustBob]

There are many style manual strippers on the market made by many manufacturers that work well and will do the job. It is a different story when it comes to an automatic stripper, as all are not equal.

There is only one type of auto stripper that will strip all types of insulated wires cleanly without mashing, damaging, untwisting, scoring, cutting or otherwise disturbing the wires. Greenlee 1935A, GB Strip-Easy, Klein 11062, Ideal Stripmaster, Knipex 1211180, Draper, and HWS just to name a few of the major manufacturers. This design does have its draw backs, but is the best at what it does.

Example...

Ideal StripMaster


Knipex Automatic Stripper

 

[5lima30]

I've got (2) different sizes of Ideal strippers. One pair is over 20 years old and been used extensively the other pair is about 2 years old. Both are made in USA (Sycamore,IL). Never had any trouble with either pair. The Klein's shopuld also be good and I think they are also made in USA. YMMV.

 

[HookWorse]

I stopped at Lowes and picked up a pair of Stripmasters. SWEEEEET!!!

But...with stranded wire, I discovered you use the next size bigger hole. Example...for a 16 gauge wire, use the 14 hole and it strips perfectly and leaves all the strands intact.

 

[ddawg16]

Stripmaster? Automatic Stripper? Geeeezzzzz

Give me an Ideal or Klein any day.....faster...cleaner.....more reliable....and I'll never nick a wire....even the cheap adjustable one works better.....those are a lot like shooting a wheel gun.....you have to know what that point is just before the hammer drops....

 

[Kevin54]

When using strippers of this type, when you go to strip the wire, ( for stranded wire only) hold your one hand on the head of he strippers to control how far the insulation comes off of the wire. Don't just jump in and strip the insulation completely off. Only strip it about 1/4-1/2 the way off, then twist the insulation the rest of the way off in the direction of the strands. This will keep the strands together and tight for use in either crimping or when you want to solder the ends. We had to learn to do it that way according to government specs when wiring aircraft lighting. Cut strands were definitely a no-no.

 

[nehog]

Stripmaster? Automatic Stripper? Geeeezzzzz

Give me an Ideal or Klein any day.....faster...cleaner.....more reliable....and I'll never nick a wire....even the cheap adjustable one works better...

Basically any wire stripper works well, but in production environments where the person using it needs perfect strips each time an automatic stripper works best.

My favorite stripper is an old (probably 30 years old) $1.99 stripper that I've replaced the wire spring many times.

And nothing ***** more than those stupid 'strip/crimp/cut screws' things from the local hardware store! Horrible. OK, they do cut screws well, but they don't strip worth a damn, and don't crimp very well either!

 

[theoldwizard1]

I might have to buy me a pair of these - Ideal 45-621 - Reflex Super 12/2 and 14/2 NM (Romex) T-Stripper

 

[Addrock]

I might have to buy me a pair of these - Ideal 45-621 - Reflex Super 12/2 and 14/2 NM (Romex) T-Stripper

I had this one, the steel is too soft, and oxide rusted through, totally unusable in a year. I wouldn't recommend it. The Kliens are a LOT better.

 

[Skaal-tel 79]

When using strippers of this type, when you go to strip the wire, ( for stranded wire only) hold your one hand on the head of he strippers to control how far the insulation comes off of the wire. Don't just jump in and strip the insulation completely off. Only strip it about 1/4-1/2 the way off, then twist the insulation the rest of the way off in the direction of the strands. This will keep the strands together and tight for use in either crimping or when you want to solder the ends. We had to learn to do it that way according to government specs when wiring aircraft lighting. Cut strands were definitely a no-no.

We just got a few of these (or similar) where I work and they're quite nice. They are designed for a narrow selection of sizes and really only automotive but I guess that's probably what most here would use them for. I'd recommend them!

 

[JustBob]

We just got a few of these (or similar) where I work and they're quite nice. They are designed for a narrow selection of sizes and really only automotive but I guess that's probably what most here would use them for. I'd recommend them!

They will strip from 8 awg to 30 awg wire depending on the model. They come in different models with 3, 5 or 6 stripping diameters on the blade. All the models are the same, except for the stripping blades, so the different blades will interchange. I am not sure of the selection from other manufacturers...

http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=stripmaster_wire_stripper&div=3&l1=wire_strippers&l2=stripmaster

 

[HookWorse]

I'm impressed with the stripmasters so far. I also have a set of Klein 11055 standard strippers coming, so I'll have options.

I'll be stripping in no time!

 

[klhitman]

i have used all of the above at my job. i like the auto strippers for fast wire stripping. i have a pair of klien strippers that i use now.they are not auto. but they do the job. the only problem with the ideal auto strippers in that after a year or so in a production environment the break without warning. i have had three pair.

i would go with a klien stripper and a klien crimp er and you will be happy

 

[Eddie 70]

I have used a set of Ideal with the blue handles mentioned above for 20 years now. I work in electrical maintenance at a power plant. I get to use them on a regular basis. I liked them so much at work that I bought a set of them for my use at home. If the blades are out of adjustment, you will nick the wires. If they are set right, these are hard to beat in my opinion.

 

[DrunkSmurf]

I had a chance to try a pair of Klenks 2in1 while doing some electrical with a freind, and they actually worked quite well for the price.

They come in two sizes and both are fairly cheap.

 

[johno]

Basically any wire stripper works well, but in production environments where the person using it needs perfect strips each time an automatic stripper works best.

My favorite stripper is an old (probably 30 years old) $1.99 stripper that I've replaced the wire spring many times.

And nothing ***** more than those stupid 'strip/crimp/cut screws' things from the local hardware store! Horrible. OK, they do cut screws well, but they don't strip worth a damn, and don't crimp very well either!

Ya what he said, as a pro I used ideal stripmaster for years worked good, when it died I bought a klien similar style seems fine so far. Absolutely right about the hardware store style, keep a set for cutting screws if you do that a lot.

 

[btoner69]

I've wired industrial control panels for many years and field service. The automatic wire strippers in my own opinion are good for only 1 thing, when you have multiple wires of one length to strip. The T stripper will also cut the wires. I hate having to carry the auto and cutting pliers at the same time. T stripper is the only type to use, and when you drop them you dont have to reallign the strip jaw on them either. The price is also much cheaper. Ideal, Greenlee, Klien, any are good quality.

 

[Berserker]

I've got a pair of the spring ones, there good is your doing crimp fitting cause you get the right size. For romex, I just use the old fashioned small ones.

I see they got ones with curved handles. I wonder are those any better? I never really noticed my hands getting sore with the striaght ones, but I was young. Now I don't do enough to notice.

 

[btoner69]

Klien also makes a cool pair of romex strippers so that you can remove jacket from 12 and 14 gauge romex. I have the 12 gauge ones.
http://www.service.kleintools.com/T...ers STRIPPERS-WIRESTRIP-TYPNMCBL/Product/1012

 

[Berserker]

My electrical tools are Klein. I have wondered about the strippers that strip the outer jacket. Looks like they only do 12/2. Though that is a bulk of what I do.

 

[z28dad]

I have used the ideal t-strippers since I was 15. I have two pair, one for larger wire sizes and one for the smaller sizes. I still have the same pairs. A few months back I did purchase a set of GB's, that are for 12-2. These are the ones that strip the outer jacket and the conductors. I wonder how I made it so long without these. Money well spent for residential wiring.

 

[thelowlife]

I'm an electrician by trade so I can say I've stripped my fair share of wiring, both stranded and solid. I use almost exclusively Klein strippers. One of the best I've ever used not supre pricey either they aren't the automatic strippers but they also don't weigh 4lbs like some of those auto strippers seem to be.

Simple and efficient, works for 12 hours + a day 6 days a week for the past several years.

 

[darcyh]

When using strippers of this type, when you go to strip the wire, ( for stranded wire only) hold your one hand on the head of he strippers to control how far the insulation comes off of the wire. Don't just jump in and strip the insulation completely off. Only strip it about 1/4-1/2 the way off, then twist the insulation the rest of the way off in the direction of the strands. This will keep the strands together and tight for use in either crimping or when you want to solder the ends. We had to learn to do it that way according to government specs when wiring aircraft lighting. Cut strands were definitely a no-no.

Thank-you for this tip. I will do this from now on. And I learned something today!

 

[TOOL MASTER]

THE BEST!!!! i have a pair i bought over 35 years ago in germany..

FORGET THE REST....


http://www.atgstores.com/pliers/2530-5004-wire-stripper-89-873_g792341.html

 

[Joe92GT]

My electrical tools are Klein. I have wondered about the strippers that strip the outer jacket. Looks like they only do 12/2. Though that is a bulk of what I do.

They make many different variations of these.

I have one that has 12-2, and 14-2 sections for the romex, then the single 12 or 14 for individual strands. These are incredibly fast for romex, and also have a cutter at the end. Most jobs I just have a pair of these, my trusty klein universal electricians screw driver (has everything), and a pair of line-man's plyers/cutters.

I also have one that has a 90 degree head to get into a box and strip the romex, these are size specific, but I noticed that while in the box using the 12-2 size on 14-2 scores it enough to pull off the insulation, so I can get by with just the 12-2.

However, when working with 3 wire, or larger sizes I go back to the old fashioned razor.

 

[big.jim]

im a electrician and have tried many strippers and still revert back to the craft knife