Wire Stripper

[Rich M.]

I am looking for electric wire strippers that work well with 12 & 14 gauge wire.

I see that Irwin and others have a side stripping tool, but I am looking for one that can strip by placing the wire in from the front. I see Knipex and other companies have one but not too sure how well these modern versions work.

An older electrician I once knew, who is no longer with us, use to swear by these type of strippers, especially in tight places and boxes that had shorter wires. His tool was old and I have no idea of the brand.

So does anyone use a front loading wire stripper? Is so, how well does it work or not work? What brand seems to be the best?

A lot of mixed reviews online and through YouTube.

Since I am retired and have the time and have knowledge of BASIC wiring, a friend asked for help in updating several apartment complexes. He cannot find anyone to help and the electrician’s apprentice quit. So basically, I will be installing new receptacles and the electrician will be coming behind me to ensure all of the work meets code, since he is signing off on everything. So I guess I am the apprentice to the apprentice or something like that.

By the way, I **** at stripping wires that are already installed in the box. Also, I hope side wiring will be okay because it takes me three times longer to use the terminal screws.

I would hire myself to do this project, but not by a hourly rate.

 

[Jim greengo]

Check out your local box store,I prefer the ones with curved handles myself.
Dont limit yourself by brand name,find a pair that fits you.
I'm not a fan of kleins ,over rated.

 

[eejack]

So a couple of things that will help you. Most modern receptacles use a multi-bit screw ( straight | phillips | #1 robertson ) so pick yourself up a comfortable #1 robertson screwdriver as they resist slipping.

Most of us use a short bucket with a padded lid instead of kneeling on the floor.

Personally I use these strippers...

Capri Tools Professional Portable Wire Stripper CP20013 - The Home Depot

This is the wire stripper/cutter you've been looking for. It has all the essential features in a compact, light-weight design. You can strip wires from 10-24 AWG, cut wires and shear through 6-32 and 8-32 screws. The serrated nose allows you to pull, bend and shape wires. It also comes with a...

www.homedepot.com

They are comfortable for me and the hole in the stripper makes bending a loop in solid wire a cinch. Lots of companies have this style.

If I am dealing with lots of terminations, I use these as my wrists and elbow are not as young as I would like.

Amazon.com

It means carrying an additional tool and an extra step but it does reduce my pain at the end of the day.

 

[65ranchero]

Some thing like this?
For all my automotive wiring I use this (Mac tools brand from the '80s ) I don't recall using them for solid wire and I do not see why it would not work.

OTC Tools 4467 OTC Automatic Wire Strippers | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - OTC Automatic Wire Strippers with qualifying orders of $125. Shop Wire Stripper Tools at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[Zeke]

Funny, I read "electric wire strippers" and thought of something battery powered.

 

[unslow1]

Beta 1142BM and Knipex 11-01-160 look like an updated version.

 

[klassenl]

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-wire-stripper-12-piece-with-strip-clip/1000421424

 

[egdede]

If you are putting romex into boxes I am now a big believer in these. Note how the cutting blade allow you to keep your writ straight:

https://www.ktool.net/southwire-snm1214hh-us-romex-box-jaw-wire-stripper-for-romex-nm-b-jackets-12-2-14-2-sol-awg/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3-yQBhD3ARIsAHuHT66mrR0a7PiIpBA_pJExtptg1K7uN3RqHkrb0rOFP4DPlusNGvj0mxMaAgdAEALw_wcB

 

[Jim greengo]

If you're stripping sheathing off of romex already in a box a utility knife is usually the easiest way to do it.

 

[Firebrick43]

If doing romex/thhn then I prefer milwaukees 6 in one wire strippers as the do eyes, ream emt, and strip solid wire well.

For stranded wire up from 30-10 gauge the best wire stripper I have used has been the paladin Stripax pro 6 strippers. I have tried a lot of styles and none beat them.

For large cables, or round cable jackets a tool like a greenlee 1903 works very well or bend the cable and touch a very sharp knife/scaple to the jacket but you have to be careful not to nick the wires with this method.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Not the stripper you were looking for?
The MAC stripper works really well. The SnapOn with the blue handles does not work. It is too flimsy.

 

[Rich M.]

The front loading style wire strippers have not gotten the greatest of reviews and I am not the biggest fan of the plastic frame.

So now, the front runners are the Klein 11063w and the Irwin, both are side style cutters.

Still want more information on the Knipex.

 

[Poolshark314]

This style is my favorite and the fastest IMO. You don't have to get the wires into specific notches for wire gauge or anything. Just tuck them in and squeeze

 

[wyliesdiesels]

If you are putting romex into boxes I am now a big believer in these. Note how the cutting blade allow you to keep your writ straight:

https://www.ktool.net/southwire-snm1214hh-us-romex-box-jaw-wire-stripper-for-romex-nm-b-jackets-12-2-14-2-sol-awg/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3-yQBhD3ARIsAHuHT66mrR0a7PiIpBA_pJExtptg1K7uN3RqHkrb0rOFP4DPlusNGvj0mxMaAgdAEALw_wcB

If you're stripping sheathing off of romex already in a box a utility knife is usually the easiest way to do it.

I prefer the US version of these. Works better than a razor knife...

 

[4xdog]

This kind works the best for me. I've used one of these for 20+ years.

It's available with many company's brands (like the MAC shown above by @isb cornbinder. I dunno who's the German primary manufacturer -- I'll bet our correspondent @Monte can tell us, though.

 

[Rich M.]

This kind works the best for me. I've used one of these for 20+ years.

It's available with many company's brands (like the MAC shown above by @isb cornbinder. I dunno who's the German primary manufacturer -- I'll bet our correspondent @Monte can tell us, though.

Hey 4xdog, how do these work on solid 12 & 14 gauge wire? Most of the other brands/style design seem to struggle a little bit.

 

[Rich M.]

This style is my favorite and the fastest IMO. You don't have to get the wires into specific notches for wire gauge or anything. Just tuck them in and squeeze

I was looking at these along with the ones from Irwin and one of the complaints I saw was when working in a box and the wire is a little short, this style might be too big to do the job. I do not see this situation happening to much, but I am will be working in an old apartment complex and who know how many cuts to the wire I will find. Can you say pigtail?

How well does it strip 12 & 16 gauge wire?

 

[02camaro86]

This style is my favorite and the fastest IMO. You don't have to get the wires into specific notches for wire gauge or anything. Just tuck them in and squeeze

i got those a few years back based upon recommendations from here and wasnt thrilled. the jaws didnt grip the wire properly, it was a 50/50 chance theyd work on the first pull.

 

[justsam]

I was looking at these along with the ones from Irwin and one of the complaints I saw was when working in a box and the wire is a little short, this style might be too big to do the job. I do not seeing this situation happening to much, but I am will be working in an old apartment complex and who know how many cuts to the wire I will find. Can you say pigtail?

How well does it strip 12 & 16 gauge wire?

I have found the ideal solution for wires in boxes that are too short is to use the WEMO connectors. Super easy, no twisting, available in 2,3 and 5 ports, easily reconfigured. Order on line as I am not sure Big Box stores have them.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

i got those a few years back based upon recommendations from here and wasnt thrilled. the jaws didnt grip the wire properly, it was a 50/50 chance theyd work on the first pull.

I have a similar pair made by Irwin. I wasnt impressed either.

 

[4xdog]

i got those a few years back based upon recommendations from here and wasnt thrilled. the jaws didnt grip the wire properly, it was a 50/50 chance theyd work on the first pull.

I have a similar pair made by Irwin. I wasnt impressed either.

Me three. The pair I have don't work anywhere near 50:50. Maybe one out of five times. At least they were cheap.

 

[Poolshark314]

i got those a few years back based upon recommendations from here and wasnt thrilled. the jaws didnt grip the wire properly, it was a 50/50 chance theyd work on the first pull.

I have a similar pair made by Irwin. I wasnt impressed either.

Me three. The pair I have don't work anywhere near 50:50. Maybe one out of five times. At least they were cheap.

The clamping part should be adjustable so it actually grabs the wire. It actually does a great job of stripping the sheathing off the cable while not stripping individual wires on the first pass too. I can't speak to the actual Irwin model. Mine are an old RadioShack branded pair, but the same design.

I also have a set similar to the Klein 11063w and those never grab the wires. I suspect those need adjustment as well but the others always work for me so I just keep using those.

I was looking at these along with the ones from Irwin and one of the complaints I saw was when working in a box and the wire is a little short, this style might be too big to do the job. I do not seeing this situation happening to much, but I am will be working in an old apartment complex and who know how many cuts to the wire I will find. Can you say pigtail?

How well does it strip 12 & 16 gauge wire?

They work great on 12 and 16

 

[Reata210]

I like my Klein Model#: K12055SEN. Easy to get into tight places or crowded boxes. Strip very clean and most important feel good in my hand. Reasonably priced as well

 

[gahrajmahal]

I have used some receptacles that don’t require you to bend and hook the wire around the screw. You just strip about 3/8” off and place the straight wire under the screw that has a square ribbed washer. Sorry, don’t recall the brand. Anyone? These have made my remodels go easier.

 

[Rich M.]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017NQWDY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20 have found the ideal solution for wires in boxes that are too short is to use the WEMO connectors. Super easy, no twisting, available in 2,3 and 5 ports, easily reconfigured. Order on line as I am not sure Big Box stores have them.

Age these the same as Wago push in connectors?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017NQWDY4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jim greengo]

I prefer the US version of these. Works better than a razor knife...

I'm thinking that probably wouldn't so good on an existing box full of previously made up wires though.

 

[4xdog]

Hey 4xdog, how do these work on solid 12 & 14 gauge wire? Most of the other brands/style design seem to struggle a little bit.

I just took some pix of my strippers on gauge 12 stranded wire, and they work perfectly. I tried some gauge 14 solid conductor (the largest scrap I had right at hand) and they worked great.

The German-made strippers note they're good for 0.2 - 6 mm² wire (approx gauge 24 - 10) which seems about right. This kind have an adjustment for how much insulation is stripped off, but everything else is effortless automatic. I've had these for twenty years and thousands of wires and they still work perfectly.

 

[egdede]

I haven't used an auto-sizing set of strippers in many years. I always could see a faint mark on the wire. I'm paranoid about that. When stripping single wires I'm usually stretching the plastic to break it because I was a bit timid in applying force. I'm like a butterfly kiss when I strip. Wait, I meant...

 

[laser3kw]

I got these after asking GJ'ers a couple of months ago. Klein Katapults. Best value for the money. $30 at Home Depot
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Klein wire stripper link
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[Rich M.]

I have used some receptacles that don’t require you to bend and hook the wire around the screw. You just strip about 3/8” off and place the straight wire under the screw that has a square ribbed washer. Sorry, don’t recall the brand. Anyone? These have made my remodels go easier.

Leviton and Eaton both have several receptacles that use this method. Other brands mostly likely will have a version too.

Yes, it does make life easy, especially since I **** at using the hook method.

 

[laser3kw]

Yes, it does make life easy, especially since I **** at using the hook method.

watch this video for some hidden features on receptacles and wiring techniques. skip to around 4:00 minute to get past the back stab stuff - don't do back stab.

 

[Rich M.]

watch this video for some hidden features on receptacles and wiring techniques. skip to around 4:00 minute to get past the back stab stuff - don't do back stab.

Any wall receptacles that I now purchase is spec grade with side wire availability. I think this side wire method was designed just for me.

Thanks for attaching the video.

I am thinking of starting a new post that polls the wire connectors (nut) versus the lever Wago style debate. Now that could be a hoot.

 

[Rich M.]

I got these after asking GJ'ers a couple of months ago. Klien Katapults. Best value for the money. $30 at Home Depot
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Klien wire stripper lnk
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Do you like this model, with the defined wire gauge versus the other Klein model that self adjusts to the wire? Not really sure how the self-adjusting model actually is able to adjust for different wire thickness, but I do not the product directions to help me understand.

I am not planning on making a tremendous numbers of stripping, so I think the model you have is more practical for my upcoming usage or even the front stripping style 4xdog mentioned

 

[rancherbill]

i got those a few years back based upon recommendations from here and wasnt thrilled. the jaws didnt grip the wire properly, it was a 50/50 chance theyd work on the first pull.

I have a cheap pair and they work well EXCEPT WITH CERTAIN WIRE.

When were were building the house the electricians, who were using ordinary pliers were swearing, that the wire was hard to strip. I grabbed some and tried my selection of pliers. It was hard to strip conventionally and this style did not work at all. The electricians took the unopened back and got a brand that was easier to strip, the first stuff was a bad lot.

So you can't blame 100% on the pliers, the wire plays a roll in the success.

 

[nadogail]

Last night I saw some imported insulated strippers on Amazon. They have an adjustment for the size of wire and length of strip. If I wasn’t retired I might have bought a pair.

 

[rburke65]

Theses have always worked well for me!

 

[laser3kw]

Do you like this model, with the defined wire gauge versus the other Klein model that self adjusts to the wire?

I struggled with the defined wire size verses the "grip it and rip it" style. The defined wire size is an improvement of the conventional version that uses the same strategy, just doesn't pull the insulation off. I am familiar with that working and it made sense to me. The grip it style look kind of brutal and I just didn't warm up to it.
I have used my Klien Katapult an absolutely love it - two thumbs up.
^^ rbruke65 agrees!

 

[MBfreak]

Theses have always worked well for me!

I often use stranded 0,2 sqmm wires with teflon insulation. The stripper in the pic is the only type that works for me.
Ola

 

[Rich M.]

Well, from reading the posts, the Klein 11063W, as in the above picture, seems to work for most.

 

[Rich M.]

A guy I know has an obsession with yard sales and finds what he calls gold from time to time. Anyway, he found out I was looking at wire strippers, so what does he give me but a Speedex 661 automatic wire strippers, including the original box. No more jokes his trekking through yard sales.

Took it for test drive and it works like new. The stripper feels and looks like the Klein 11063W. A new toy for the tool box.

Now this is not a high price antique tool because I found others online ranging from $7 to $19. It is just an old well built tool from the past that still has a place today.