Best Wire Strippers for small AWG Electronic Repair in 2022?

[tooki]

I checked many data sheets of many wire strippers and almost non of them state the minimum strip length.

Oh, sorry, I did misunderstand you, in that case!

Yes, it’s unfortunate that some tool companies don’t specify this.

The uncut parts are torn off and the length of those torn / stretched parts is often too long.

That is the problem I'm trying to solve.

Edit: I have this Wago https://www.wago.com/be-nl/gereedschap/striptang-quickstrip-vario/p/206-1125

I just found out that you can buy V shaped replacement blades. The strip length range starts at 2 mm and goes up in steps of 0.5 mm to 20 mm.

I will just order some V shaped blades. Expensive but it will do the job.

Try using your existing automatic stripper, but first squeeze just a tiny bit so the blades begun to engage, then give a half-turn (well, actually a quarter turn) each way to score the wire all the way around, then squeeze to strip. That scoring makes for a much cleaner cut. This works quite well in the PreciStrip 16 (which has oval blades and whose wire grip centers the wire), but can also be done on flat-blade, flat-grip models like the MultiStrip 10, and should work on your WAGO Quickstrip Vario (aka Wiha 42062, both a rebranded WEZAG Cable BST).

How do you like the Quickstrip Vario, by the way? There aren’t many reviews of it (or the equivalent Wiha).

[temperance]

I bought the Quickstrip Vario for a few reasons:

-Cutting depth is adjustable. You need this for certain cable types which I was using at that time.
-It can do partial stripping. This is practical when stripping multi cables.
-The price was right about 5 years ago but not so anymore.

Out of curiosity I searched the invoice and I paid €75. Today the tool is €121.

Also the spare cutting blades became stupid expensive. €70 for standard blades and €91 for V shaped blades.

Other tools with similar options are about €70...90 and spare blades cost around €30...35.

Try using your existing automatic stripper, but first squeeze just a tiny bit so the blades begun to engage, then give a half-turn (well, actually a quarter turn) each way to score the wire all the way around, then squeeze to strip.

Thanks for the tip. I don't mind to spend money on something I don't have to fiddle with because I have to strip 200 cables with 4 wires each at both ends.

I'm thinking about getting the phoenix Contact WIREFOX-E 10. The spare blades are available in most shops.

[2N3055]

I bought the Quickstrip Vario for a few reasons:

-Cutting depth is adjustable. You need this for certain cable types which I was using at that time.
-It can do partial stripping. This is practical when stripping multi cables.
-The price was right about 5 years ago but not so anymore.

Out of curiosity I searched the invoice and I paid €75. Today the tool is €121.

Also the spare cutting blades became stupid expensive. €70 for standard blades and €91 for V shaped blades.

Other tools with similar options are about €70...90 and spare blades cost around €30...35.

Try using your existing automatic stripper, but first squeeze just a tiny bit so the blades begun to engage, then give a half-turn (well, actually a quarter turn) each way to score the wire all the way around, then squeeze to strip.

Thanks for the tip. I don't mind to spend money on something I don't have to fiddle with because I have to strip 200 cables with 4 wires each at both ends.

I'm thinking about getting the phoenix Contact WIREFOX-E 10. The spare blades are available in most shops.

WIREFOX-E 10 is rebranded Pressmaster (original is cheaper). Pressmaster EMBLA it is called and you have straight and right angle type. Check on TME.
There are PTFE blades that work well on thin wires. Depending on isolation thickness and how soft it is you might need fine adjustments sometimes for specific cable.
Insulation grabbers are plastic and quite narrow.
I have straight type for years now, and like them very much.

For more sturdy cables I also use Weidmuller Stripax, partial stripping is nice for twisting stands together before putting ferrule.
They work well for that.
Also they have this blade made from thin strips that conforms to the cable. You can strip some flat cables with it too.

[temperance]

WIREFOX-E 10 is rebranded Pressmaster (original is cheaper). Pressmaster EMBLA it is called and you have straight and right angle type. Check on TME.

Thanks you very much. TME even has the spare blades.

[tooki]

I bought the Quickstrip Vario for a few reasons:

-Cutting depth is adjustable. You need this for certain cable types which I was using at that time.
-It can do partial stripping. This is practical when stripping multi cables.
-The price was right about 5 years ago but not so anymore.

Right, but I didn’t ask why you originally bought it. I asked how you like it, that is, what are your impressions now that you’ve owned it for a while.

[temperance]

The previous tool I used/owned was this one:

https://cktools-superstore.co.uk/Jokari-Wire-Stripping-Pliers-T20060

Why I bought another tool:
-This tool can be frustrating when stripping multiple cables, as loose wires can end up between the wire cutter.
-It cannot strip high-temperature-rated hookup wire. The insulation on this type of wire tends to be much tougher than standard 85°C-rated PVC hookup wire. The fully automatic blades don’t cut deep enough into the insulation, which causes the wire to be pulled through the clamping jaws instead of being stripped properly.
-It cannot strip Kynar-insulated wires because, in this case, the blades cut too deep.
-With solid wire 22 AWG and up, the blades leave marks on the solid core wire. This likely depends on the thickness of the wire insulation.


The Quickstrip Vario can strip high-temperature-rated wire with very tough insulation, as well as 30 AWG wires with thin Kynar insulation, thanks to its adjustable cutting depth. Once set, it performs reliably without damaging the core, provided it is properly adjusted.

Unlike some other tools I've used, the clamping force of the jaws is well-balanced. The jaws leave small marks on the insulation, but they do not deform it. Deformed insulation can be problematic when installing bootlace ferrules, as the insulation must fit properly into the ferrule.

I have never used this tool for anything larger than approximately 14 AWG or smaller than 30 AWG, nor for specialized wires such as THHN wire.

Of course I found some downside. The tool includes a finger guard for the wire/cable cutter, but it fails to provide effective protection. The guard opens and closes with the tool, yet I don't see how it prevents injury, as you can still place a finger in the cutter slot and close the tool. A locking guard mechanism would be more appropriate. This finger guard looks like a failed attempt at a safety feature.

Maybe you can find tools with the same performance for less money. But simply put, I'm not rich enough to buy numerous cheap tools. If an expensive tool doesn't perform you can complain and return the tool without endless discussions about ones expectations.

[tooki]

Thanks! That is interesting. I hope I get a chance to try those out sometime.

[temperance]

I forgot to mention that Quickstrip Vario doesn't strip PTFE insulated wires with the standard parallel type blades. But you can buy V-shaped blades capable of doing this.

[2N3055]

I forgot to mention that Quickstrip Vario doesn't strip PTFE insulated wires with the standard parallel type blades. But you can buy V-shaped blades capable of doing this.

That is also the same for the Pressmaster. There are separate V shaped blades, and they also work well for other thin wires.

[temperance]

The pressmaster is almost on the way including a set V-shaped blades. Thank you very much for pointing this out.

I have no idea why the price of the Quickstrip Vario has gone up so high. The V shaped spare blades costs as much as the pressmaster including V-shaped blades.

[tooki]

Maybe for marketing reasons? WAGO gives huge discounts to any halfway decent customer when buying direct. (At work, we get 40-50% discount on most products, and higher on some!)

With a higher regular price, they can offer bigger discounts and not actually lose any money…

[PlainName]

I really should stop reading this kind of thread... 

So, bought a WAGO because it was on discount at Amazon (around £80 I think) and the features interested me. Particularly the part strip which leaves the cutting on the wire. And the bar that holds it close. And the blade storage.

In the flesh it kind of worked OK but felt much like any Ali look-alike in the way it could be configured. All the adjusters were notchy and not particularly easy to move and set, but on the plus side it did the business with 30 gauge wirewrap. Except the jaws leave the end 10mm or so crinkly. Couldn't tell if the insulation was damaged but it was definitely squished and non-linear. Larger wires showed the same thing, and because the insulation is thicker the marks are much more obvious.

But... blades are a stupid price. If I notched a set I'd end up basically buying the thing again, and I don't think I would. So I also bought a Pressmaster EMBLA to compare.

Wow! What difference! Sure, it is plasticy but it is soft plasticy and very nice to hold. Of course, the first test with 30 gauge snipped it off cleanly, but adjust the cutting depth fixed that. And the adjustment are nice and smooth, with what feels like indents for positioning. Insulation unmarked but held securely (unlike the Knippex which, with some cables, you have to hold in place yourself). Cutting length adjust similarly smooth and easy. Doesn't do part strips, doesn't have anything to hold it closed, no storage for anything. But I like this enough to keep it. Probably use it in preference to my Knippex too (also didn't nick the wires like the Knippex did).

Not sure about the WAGO. The nice to have features are meaningless if it buggers up the insulation. And, indeed, writing that now has cleared my mind and it's going back. I would also send the Knippex back now were it not out of the return window.

[jpanhalt]

I agree.  It's not the tool so much as it is the craftsman.  See post #3.  It's been a long time since I had a wonderful visit to Bristol and a disgusting visit to London, but £80 was a lot then compared to $11.

[temperance]

I agree.  It's not the tool so much as it is the craftsman.  See post #3.  It's been a long time since I had a wonderful visit to Bristol and a disgusting visit to London, but £80 was a lot then compared to $11.

The tool you posted in #3 doesn't make sense if you have to strip a lot of wires. And that has something to do with the capabilities of the tool. I want/need to precisely strip 2...3mm repeatedly to prepare wires for the crimp contacts mentioned before. Sure, I can do that with the tool you suggested. But having an automatic stripper do that with the required accuracy is what I'm after. 

Couldn't tell if the insulation was damaged but it was definitely squished and non-linear. Larger wires showed the same thing, and because the insulation is thicker the marks are much more obvious.

I don't experience this problem with the Wago Quickstrip Vario. I even wrote that explicitly because some strippers are very good at damaging the insulation. My Wago leaves very tiny marks on the insulation. Maybe the tool you bought an amazon is a cheap copy.

If I have time I post a picture.

[PlainName]

Couldn't tell if the insulation was damaged but it was definitely squished and non-linear. Larger wires showed the same thing, and because the insulation is thicker the marks are much more obvious.

I don't experience this problem with the Wago Quickstrip Vario. I even wrote that explicitly because some strippers are very good at damaging the insulation. My Wago leaves very tiny marks on the insulation. Maybe the tool you bought an amazon is a cheap copy.

If I have time I post a picture.

For larger sizes it would be just a visibility issue - it just looks bad. But I could kind of put up with that if it did the Kynar well (which is really what I am after). It was definitely a crinkled 10mm or so at the end, which would look particularly unprofessional, as well as being difficult to see if it's electrically sound. I didn't take a photo at the time, and it's packed up so can't really take one now. I really don't think it was a fake.

But, as I noted, it wasn't just one thing. Rather, it was a death by many cuts and I didn't really have joy from using it because of that.

[temperance]

But I could kind of put up with that if it did the Kynar well

I strip this kind of wire in 30 AWG and 28 AWG and I don't have the problem you described. I just tried it again in order to inspect the marks and they are barely visible. Probably because Kynar is much tougher material in comparison with standard 85 °C PVC wire.

Maybe your tool is faulty somehow.

[PlainName]

If it was faulty, going back is the right thing

[artvandalai]

Anyone know if the blades are interchangeable between these wire strippers? They all look identical.

[2N3055]

Anyone know if the blades are interchangeable between these wire strippers? They all look identical.

They should be. All of them are made by Pressmaster. Good quality.

[artvandalai]

Any negatives or tips on using these? I purchased the Xcelite SAS3210

[artvandalai]

I've got better wire strippers, but nevertheless I got these Knipex Wire Stripping Shears about a year ago, since they were OK-ish priced for a Knipex product, and seemed like a good backup pair. Knipex products are sometimes on sale at Amazon, sometimes by 30% or so, at least that's what I've experienced.

I've ended up using them quite a lot, they save time because I can snip the wires and strip them with the same tool. The photo shows 30 AWG Kynar wire stripped with them, even the very short one with less than 10 mm length of insulation. The V notches are very sharp to be able to do that.

This tool has all the advantages and disadvantages of a tool that needs thumbscrew setting. I like it, but it won't be practical if you're working with with different diameter wire all the time. I don't think it's worth the list price, but as mentioned, they are sometimes a third off approximately, and for the sale price, they are very good at 30 AWG Kynar (and I've also used them for thicker wire approximately typical bell wire diameter).

would these type of strippers work for scraping the polyurethane coating off of magnetic wire?

[free_electron]

magnet wire is stripped using a rotary tool.

[tooki]

I've got better wire strippers, but nevertheless I got these Knipex Wire Stripping Shears about a year ago, since they were OK-ish priced for a Knipex product, and seemed like a good backup pair. Knipex products are sometimes on sale at Amazon, sometimes by 30% or so, at least that's what I've experienced.

I've ended up using them quite a lot, they save time because I can snip the wires and strip them with the same tool. The photo shows 30 AWG Kynar wire stripped with them, even the very short one with less than 10 mm length of insulation. The V notches are very sharp to be able to do that.

This tool has all the advantages and disadvantages of a tool that needs thumbscrew setting. I like it, but it won't be practical if you're working with with different diameter wire all the time. I don't think it's worth the list price, but as mentioned, they are sometimes a third off approximately, and for the sale price, they are very good at 30 AWG Kynar (and I've also used them for thicker wire approximately typical bell wire diameter).

would these type of strippers work for scraping the polyurethane coating off of magnetic wire?

No.

There are special tools for magnet wire. If you’re using a specific diameter of smaller wire, you can get a matching pair of magnet wire stripping tweezers. For thicker magnet wires, the blade-type rotary strippers free_electron showed are common. (The ones shown go down to 0.3mm.) If you need to strip very thin ones, or a variety of sizes including very thin ones, a fiberglass wheel rotary stripper is another option. Finally, there is chemical stripping, which uses molten lye to eat away the enamel.

Eraser pioneered the fiberglass wheel type, but now sells all three of the non-tweezers kinds of magnet wire strippers.

If you just need to do a few, just use fine sandpaper or a scalpel blade (carefully!) to scrape off the enamel. Some people just burn it off with a hot flame, but beware that this produces toxic fumes, so only do it with good ventilation.

[SteveThackery]

Some people just burn it off with a hot flame....

I've done that myself, but I think it's better to use a cool-ish flame, maybe something like the yellow part of a cigarette lighter flame. Not a flame with extra air added so it makes a noise.

Unfortunately, if the wire is very fine, I've found it immediately melts into a ball (melts, burns, not sure).

2000-grit paper is good at removing the enamel without damaging the conductor.

[tooki]

I've got better wire strippers, but nevertheless I got these Knipex Wire Stripping Shears about a year ago, since they were OK-ish priced for a Knipex product, and seemed like a good backup pair. Knipex products are sometimes on sale at Amazon, sometimes by 30% or so, at least that's what I've experienced.

I've ended up using them quite a lot, they save time because I can snip the wires and strip them with the same tool. The photo shows 30 AWG Kynar wire stripped with them, even the very short one with less than 10 mm length of insulation. The V notches are very sharp to be able to do that.

This tool has all the advantages and disadvantages of a tool that needs thumbscrew setting. I like it, but it won't be practical if you're working with with different diameter wire all the time. I don't think it's worth the list price, but as mentioned, they are sometimes a third off approximately, and for the sale price, they are very good at 30 AWG Kynar (and I've also used them for thicker wire approximately typical bell wire diameter).

would these type of strippers work for scraping the polyurethane coating off of magnetic wire?

I just saw now that you asked the same person the same question in another thread an hour earlier:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/suggestion-for-wire-stripper-for-small-gauges/msg6245051/#msg6245051

Doing that is kinda rude, because much of the effort some of us put into answering your question in this thread had already been answered in the other thread. Wouldn’t have needed to bother if you’d just written in one thread. What’d you expect shabaz to do, anyway — answer the same question twice?