Wire Stripper Tool Recommendation?

In my experience no one stripper works with all wire types. I use different strippers (see links) according to the gauge and wire type. Stripper #1 works best for me on wire gauges 18 and smaller. Stripper #2 works best for me on gauges 14 thru 10, including all teflon insulated wire and thermoplastic insulated wire like type THWN/THHN.

#1 - http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

#2 - http://www.mytoolstore.com/ideal/ide11-24.html

Agree, dont think ya can get the perfect tool. Im sure you have tried it but try a little grace with a wire cutter only not cutter stripper combo. i just do a test run and alot of the time i use 1 size smaller and make 3-4 light cuts, spin and twist wire and tool a little and pull the plastic off my self. Good luck

I have the Stripmaster and won't do a wiring project without it...

The one I have is the standard Stripmaster with either 10ga-18ga or 10ga-22ga blade set - not certain which one it is off hand.

I've had mine for probably 10 years, maybe more, and have not yet had to change the blades; OTOH, I don't use it every day. So, yes, IMO the blades last a long time.

Can't offer a suggestion on a retailer. I have an inroad to a local wholesale electrical supply outfit so I got mine there. It's been so long ago I have not a clue what I paid for it.

Most pros do use KLEIN tools (the # 1 brand from electricians though).

You can have a look at them either @ Home Depot or Lowes.

Cheers.

Is it bad if some of the copper wires are cut while stripping, about 4-6 fell off when I pulled the insulation off? I mean, should I cut the wire and start over?

Thanks,

Sam

I got mine from Home Depot. Im pretty satisfied with it. Its got Blue Handles. Very easy to use.

Mine is a craftsman I paid about $10 for at Sears and it works great. I usually buy craftman handtools because they have a lifetime no questions asked replacement warranty.

If it bothers you go for it, but you certainly won't hear a difference and you'd need some pretty fancy gear just to measure the difference.

The best strippers I've found are Ideal Reflex Premium T-Strippers (ther're about $20 or so). A tip for never cutting those small wires is to oversize by one notch on your stripper. In other words, if you're stripping 18AWG wire, use the 16AWG stripper notch. With a little practice, you'll be getting perfect strips every time.

http://www.idealindustries.com/ht/WireStrippers.nsf

The T-Striper series is what I use for everything. More control over the amount of pressure you put on the cable. I agree with bryan above one size above or don't squeeze them completely when you don't want to break the copper. Idea is to score the break, then pull the plastic off. Been using this method on speaker cable for years, no problem.

Your Teeth

If you're doing real specialty type of work and don't want any knicks or loss of strands especially when working with very esoteric wire like pure silver I use a thermal wire stripper. It uses high heat to melt the insulation off. I'll have to warn you that they're not cheap and like I say mostly reserved for very special wire with special insulations.

Been using the Miller 101 s for about 35 years. I remove the spring and hold them a little bit differently than most but with practice, you can easily strip 12 awg all the way down to 30 awg tone arm lead wire.

Just a simple straight bladed Klein tool. Learn the feel of pressure required and you can strip anything from delicate to massive blindfolded. Would never consider anything else.

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-self-adjusting-wire-stripper-36810.html Hasn't failed me yet.

The good news is that using your teeth avoids nicking the conductor.

The bad news is that some modern insulation is so tough that you might actually pull some teeth out in the process.

Holy smokin 5 year old thread alert!!
Fwiw, I use 4 tool's and same method as this old poster stated.

It's therapy to work like this, get into hobby mode and think about what you are doing.

High voltage wire:
a) Cut the wire with the small wire cutters
b) peel the outside jacket back via bottom steel tool (I forgot name)
c) Strip the wires with the wire stripper (method above - but actually 1 size bigger, no nicking)
d) Twist the wires together 2 turns before placing twist cap on with pliers, then twist tightly via end cap to ensure good connection and vibrations don't cause loosening over many years.

Speaker wire/other wire
a) Cut the wire with the small wire cutters
b) Strip the wires with the wire stripper


I've had the above tools....25 years or more??
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Edited by mtbdudex - 2/23/13 at 12:25pm