The best wire stripping tool gives you a fast, safe, and easy way to strip wires while also providing an excellent cutting method. This article looks at some of the best wire stripping tools available today and explains their key features.
What is a Wire Stripping Tool?
A wire stripping tool is a device that removes the outer layer of plastic on a wire to expose the inner metal end. This allows you to connect the wire to another or simply cut it if that is your purpose.
There are many different types of tools out there designed for this purpose. Some are better than others, and it is important to know what to look for before making your purchase.
Many people ask us what the best tool is for stripping copper wires, and we always say that it depends on your situation. If you are dealing with small diameter wires, then a hand-held stripper may work best. On the other hand, larger diameter wires will require industrial equipment like hydraulic or pneumatic machines that can cut through thick insulation without damaging the core wire itself.
There are several things to keep in mind when selecting which type of tool will be best suited for your needs:
What to Look for When Buying Wire Strippers
- Comfort – A poorly designed handle can cause blisters and hand fatigue after a long workday. Look for handles that have some kind of grip to keep your hands from slipping up and down. They should also be padded to prevent blisters from forming. A pair of wire strippers with two handles could be more comfortable than one, but consider how and where you’ll use them before deciding.
- Stripping capabilities. You want a tool that can strip multiple gauges of wire with ease, so look for models designed to cut through 10-22 AWG (American Wire Gauge) wires with minimal effort. Some wire strippers even come with special functions designed to strip 12 AWG flat Romex® wires without using an additional tool.
- Crimping capabilities. An added feature available on some models is crimping capability, which means they can compress insulated terminals onto wires to make solid electrical connections easily.
- Plier-style: A plier-style wire stripper has long handles, which give you more leverage for removing tougher insulations. In many cases, these also have holes for crimping connectors onto the ends of stripped wires or other features like bolt cutters and scissors.
- Rotary: Instead of using long handles for leverage, rotary wire strippers use a knob to rotate the blades around a wire, making it easier to strip away insulation from smaller wires without cutting into them.
- Knife-edge: Some plier-style and rotary strippers also have knife edges on the cutting blades. These help you cut through cable ties or other materials as needed.
- Insulation size ranges: The main purpose of a wire stripper is to strip away insulation on different sizes of wires. Choosing one that has a range of sizes on its cutting jaws lets you work with different types of wire more efficiently than if you had to switch between tools
What Tool is Used to Strip Wire?
Stripping the insulation off of a wire is a common task in electrical work. There are many different types of tools that can be used for this task, but the following will be included:
- Wire Strippers – A wire stripper is designed to quickly and accurately remove insulation from a single wire. This tool will have multiple holes with different diameters. The wire is inserted into the appropriate hole and pulled down to remove the insulation from the end of the wire. This method leaves a clean, straight cut on the insulation but can be time-consuming if there are many wires to strip.
- Knives and Scissors – Knives and scissors can also perform this task. They provide more control than other tools, but they can be dangerous because it is challenging to keep them away from the metal part of the wire while cutting. Also, it takes a long time to strip many wires with knives or scissors.
- Utility Knife – A utility knife can also be used to strip wires. It requires an even more careful technique than scissors or knives because it has a much sharper blade. However, it can make quick work of stripping many wires because it cuts very quickly and allows you to keep your hands further.
Different Types of Wire Strippers
There are many different types of wire strippers available, and choosing the right one can make your job much easier.
Wire strippers are available in both manual and automatic versions. Manual strippers have a slot designed to cut through only the insulation of a wire and not the copper inside. Your range of choices for manual strippers include:
- Rotary or circular type
- Cutting pliers
- Needle nose pliers
- Crimpers
- Automatic Wire Stripper
Automatic wire strippers are usually spring-loaded and make quick work of cutting through insulation. Some even have adjustable holes that allow you to strip several different gauges of wire. These typically come in two types:
- Linear hole type
- Circular hole type
Best for BX cable
Klein tool heavy-duty side cutting and wire stripping pliers
This Klein Tools 8 in. heavy-duty, side cutting, and wire stripping pliers feature a dual material Journeyman handle with a more comfortable grip for easy handling. The heavy-duty jaws are ideal for cutting, stripping, and twisting. The pliers also have hardened induction side-cutting knives that cut ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wire.
Features
- Side cutting pliers with a built-in wire stripper.
- Forged from top-quality steel, heat-treated for durability and precision ground to exacting tolerances.
- Hardened cutting knives suitable for ACSR, screws, nails, and most hardened wire.
- Longer handles provide more torque when needed.
- The coil spring provides fast self-opening action.
Gardner bender stainless steel wire stripper
The Gardner Bender Stainless Steel Wire Stripper is designed to strip solid wire. The serrated jaw design provides a positive grip on the wire for clean stripping. This stripper features a locking mechanism that keeps the wire in place while stripping and also has an adjustable stopper that can be set to the desired length.
Features
- Coated handles for added grip and comfort.
- Automatic spring-loaded action for self-opening.
- Sharp cutting blades can cut bolts to 10-32 sizes.
- Insulated handle for safety.
- It has knurled swivel thumb screw for easy adjustment.
Gardner Bender Strip-Easy Automatic Wire Stripper
The Gardner Bender Strip-Easy Automatic Wire Stripper is designed to strip stranded easily and solid wires. This stripper also strips clean up to full ½ in. (13 mm). The fully automatic wire stripper has a precision ground stripping hole that automatically adjusts as the jaws close for a clean, straight cut every time. The automatic wire stripper is made of high carbon steel for durability and strength.
Features
- It incorporates a built-in spring designed to adjust when changing wire sizes.
- Provides consistent and comfortable pressure.
- Extra-wide no-slip rubber handles for a firm grip.
- Automatically adjusts to strip Solid or Stranded Wire.
- Strips wire clean up to full ⅞ inches.
MulWark Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Electrical Wire Stripping Tool
MulWark electrical wire stripping tool is designed to strip different types of cable and wire. The heavy-duty tool is high-quality tempered steel and is built to last. It has a comfortable handle that gives you a firm grip. This multi-purpose tool can be used as a wire cutter, stripper, and crimper. It is ergonomically designed, making it easy to use and reducing hand fatigue. It also has a spring-loaded action for the self-opening of the handles after each cut or strip.
Features
- High Quality & Durability – This multi-purpose wire stripping tool is made of hardened steel, making it more challenging to wear, providing longer service life.
- Easy to Use – The wire stripper has a spring-loaded mechanism, making it easier to remove unwanted wires from the cable and quickly cut or strip bare wires.
- Special Design – The tool has a comfortable non-slip handle, allowing you to perform your tasks more easily without being tired or tired.
KOTTO Automatic Electrical Wire Stripper Set
The KOTTO Wire Stripper Cutter is a heavy-duty, self-adjusting wire cutter that will cut through copper or aluminum cable. The stripping blade is tempered steel and ground to a half-round shape, ensuring fast and clean strips. This tool is fully adjustable for different gauges of wire by turning the thumbwheel on the top of the tool. The handle has a comfortable rubber grip for added control and leverage.
Features
- The cutter has a spring-loaded design, which can easily cut through wires without damaging them.
- Ergonomically designed TPR handles ensure a firm and comfortable grip.
- The blades are made of hardened steel, safe and sturdy, ensuring long service life.
- The wire stripper has self-adjusting jaws that automatically adapt to different wire gauges.
Wire Stripper, Yangoutool Automatic Wire Stripping Tool, and Wire Stripper
The Yangoutool Automatic Wire Stripping Tool is a handy tool for your workshop or toolbox. It has a built-in wire cutter for cutting wires and a wire stripper for stripping the jacketing off most standard electrical wires such as phone wires, network cables, flat ribbon cables, power lines, etc. It can do the job quickly without leaving any sharp edges. It is a safe and reliable tool.
Features
- Easily cut through the cables protective jacket to expose the inner wires inside.
- The unique blade design eliminates nicks in the copper wire, which could cause problems in data transmission.
- Ergonomic design for easy handgrip with comfortable handle grips for easy handling.
- Precision wire cutter with built-in lock for safety and convenience to cut off the extra wire neatly, not affecting your further connection work.
Best Spring Loaded
Klein Tools Katapult Wire Stripper
The Klein Tools Katapult Wire Stripper/Cutter features an innovative pocket design, making it easy to strip and cut without a bulky tool in your pocket. You can even strip, cut, and loop solid or stranded wire using just one hand!
Features
- The compact size fits easily into your pocket.
- One-hand operation and quick release lever allow you to strip, cut, and loop wire in one motion.
- Spring-loaded action for self-opening and built-in screw shearing holes on the backside of the tool
- High-quality stainless steel construction for durability
- It is conveniently marked with wire gauge sizes for stripping multiple gauges of wire.
Klein Klein-Kurve Wire Stripper/Cutter
The Klein Klein-Kurve Wire Stripper/Cutter has induction hardened cutting knives for long life. An automatic coil spring returns the stripper to its original position for faster positioning and increased productivity.
Features
- Perfectly mated cutters and strippers are induction hardened to maintain perfect alignment.
- Precision ground stripping holes cleanly strip wire without nicking or fraying.
- Looping holes make loops or bend up to 7/8″.
- Cushion-grip handle provides greater torque and comfort, significantly when cutting large gauge wire.
Best Automatic
Irwin Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper with ProTouch Grips
The IrwinSelf-Adjusting Wire Stripper with ProTouch Grips is the world’s best self-adjusting wire stripper. It strips wire automatically, adjusting to the correct size with just one squeeze of the handles. The adjustable stopper controls the length of the core strip while swivel knurls hold the wire for easy wrapping and looping.
Features
- Strips and loops in one motion. No adjustments are needed.
- Induction hardened cutting blades for longer life.
- High carbon steel construction for durability and long life.
- ProTouch grips provide extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue.
Pro’sKit Precision Wire Stripper
Pro’sKit Precision Wire Stripper is perfect for stripping wires without damaging the inner conductor, making it ideal for working with data cables. The built-in cutter can clean wires, and the adjustable stopper ensures a precise stripping length.
Features
- Replaceable blades ensure clean cuts every time.
- Adjustable stop with locking screw provides repeatability and prevents over-stripping.
- Spring-loaded for easy one-handed operation.
- Spring-loaded for easy one-handed operation.
Klein Tools Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper and Cutter
This Klein Tools self-adjusting wire stripper is a compact, multi-purpose tool automatically adjusts to strip solid and stranded wire. The built-in wire cutter easily cuts through copper, aluminum, and brass.
Features
- Strips the insulation without damaging the wire
- Cuts copper, aluminum, brass, and other soft wire
- Wire looping holes simplify the pulling and twisting of wire
- Built-in cutter for cutting copper, aluminum, and bras
Irwin Multi-Tool Stripper, Cutter, and Crimper with ProTouch Grips
The IRWIN VISE-GRIP 8″ Multi-Tool Stripper, Cutter, and Crimper is a versatile 3-in-1 tool that easily strips wire and crimps to terminals. It also has a precise shear cutting blade for cutting copper wire.
Features
- 3-in-1 tool easily strips wire, crimps insulated terminals, and cuts copper wire up.
- Precision shear-type blades for clean cuts through copper and aluminum conductors.
- Induction hardened cutting edge stays sharper, longer.
- ProTouch grips provide extra comfort and reduce hand fatigue.
Capri Tools CP20013 Professional Wire Stripper and Cutter, Blue/Black, Small
Capri Tools is a go-to company for premium quality tools at affordable prices. This wire stripper is one of the best on the market. It will cut and strip standard gauge wires with maximum efficiency and minimum effort. You can easily adjust it to your size with its simple thumb screw construction. It also has a joint groove design that gives you extra space for thick insulation.
Features
- Precision, hardened steel blades for clean, accurate cuts
- Hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble.
- The rust-resistant blue finish on handles, jaws, and rivets
- Spring-loaded action for self-opening
- Cuts copper and aluminum wires from 10 to 20 AWG (2.5 – 0.8 mm)
There are many wire stripping tools out there for various purposes. In the end, it all comes down to what you are using your wire stripping tool for, as well as your personal preferences.
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