"Automatic", cheap wire strippers -do they deliver?

[frozenfrogz]

Yes, that is the one
It automatically strips 0.2mm^2 up to 6mm^2 and there is a small integrated cutter. You can set

Frozenfrogz: it's funny you should mention that wire stripper you just pictured, because it looks very similar to the one sold by Clas Ohlson!
If you click on the small photo at the link above it seems to say "Weicon Super no. 5", but it's hard to tell. Perhaps I'll just check it out myself in the shop.

So this one strips different diameter wires easily, without needing to know the diameter first (and then adjust the tool), but does this automatically? I like simple solutions, but also something that won't break apart after a few uses. I like that it's made in Germany   

Made some quick and dirty action pics
The red indicating slider is not dead accurate, but it comes in handy once in a while.
The tool can be locked by a separate slide on the back.

Edit: Just in case it is ever needed, the blades are replaceable.

[nanofrog]

If you click on the small photo at the link above it seems to say "Weicon Super no. 5", but it's hard to tell.

Double click the photo, and you'll get the full size version; Weicon Super no. 5 is unmistakable. 

So this one strips different diameter wires easily, without needing to know the diameter first (and then adjust the tool), but does this automatically?

Yes.  To me, this makes it more useful than jobs that require a lot of repetition as I switch wire sizes frequently on the bench.

Regarding durability, either brand will last you a long time IME.

[analogix]

Very nice!
Does it also strip several wires at once (like a flat IDC cable), or at least a part of an IDC cable width?

[frozenfrogz]

If that is a requirement: No it does not. It is single wire only and if you are working with flatband and multicore wires a lot, then you should be looking at the Jokari FKZ, Knipex 12 64 180 or Knipex 12 42 195 "Multistrip".
Edit: The head of the No.5 is relatively broad and it can be challenging to get into tight spots, so that might be a thing. You have to stay clear of other cables/obstructions, so that the tool can push down on the isolation of the wire to be stripped right.

Very nice!
Does it also strip several wires at once (like a flat IDC cable), or at least a part of an IDC cable width?

[nanofrog]

Very nice!
Does it also strip several wires at once (like a flat IDC cable), or at least a part of an IDC cable width?

Unfortunately, it does not (V shaped blades rather than straight/flat).

There are a couple of others not mentioned above that will, such as the Pressmaster Embla or the Weidmueller Stripax.

In the case of the Pressmaster, they offer multiple blade cartridges. A
"V" blade set for PTFE insulation* & half round for larger wire sizes (blue & red respectively for easy identification). I found adding the V blade cartridge not only makes it more flexible, but more economical as well (i.e. Knipex or Ideal Stripmaster designed for PTFE costs more, and they can't do flat cable).

FWIW the Embla gets rebranded a lot (Wiha, Xcelite, and Beta for example). The Stripax is rebranded by Paladin.

Embla (original)



Embla RA (parrot style)



Additional Blade Cartridges





Weidmueller


Knipex 12 12 06; Amazon (uses dual sets of cutting blades as do Ideal's Teflon models, hence the increased cost)



* They'll cut other difficult insulations such as silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, Kapton, and multi-layer.

[analogix]

That's too bad about the Weicon no. 5 not being able to strip multiple IDC cable wires. I don't need to do it often , but for those seldom situations that I do -is there another solution?
I just looked at the prices for some of the ones suggested that can handle multiple wires at once, and they're priced for "professional", deep pockets if you know what I mean    This is just for hobby use, but I'm tired of getting wires unsuccessfully stripped, cutting them shorter and shorter...

Perhaps I'll just get the Weicon no. 5, and for stripping IDC wires, just use a flat bladed hobby knife and hope for the best 

[nanofrog]

That's too bad about the Weicon no. 5 not being able to strip multiple IDC cable wires. I don't need to do it often , but for those seldom situations that I do -is there another solution?

Perhaps I'll just get the Weicon no. 5, and for stripping IDC wires, just use a flat bladed hobby knife and hope for the best 

You've figured out the less expensive method on your own. 

When using a knife (it does need to be very sharp at the tip), the trick is to score the outer sheath. Then bend/flex it while pulling and it will tear off without damaging the inner insulation on the individual wires or nicking the copper strand/s on single layer insulated wires (i.e. 2 or 3 wire zip/lamp cord).

[frozenfrogz]

The whole point about IDC cables is that you do not need to strip them. What would be the use case in which you need to strip the isolation? If you want to put crimps on the end (Dupont connectors,...) you need to separate the strands anyway, the same should be true for almost any solder connection, unless you use them to solder as a full strip on vero board / PCB with the correct pitch.

I’m just asking out of curiosity

[nanofrog]

Flat cable, but non-IDC. Some examples would be lamp cord, flat 2 wire with double insulation (flat jacket that contains 2 individually insulated conductors), flat 3 wire power cables (single insulation with molded ends), and flat speaker cable (sometimes called zip cord here in the US). Even Romex wire used for residential structural wiring in North America.

[IanB]

Except with those kinds of cable, why wouldn't you split them and strip the cores individually?

I just verified that my strippers work on figure 8 twin core speaker cable, but after stripping I still have to separate the cores for use.

[nanofrog]

Except with those kinds of cable, why wouldn't you split them and strip the cores individually?

I just verified that my strippers work on figure 8 twin core speaker cable, but after stripping I still have to separate the cores for use.

Having a stripper that can handle flat cable isn't a necessity from a technical standpoint as a razor knife + a standard stripper that can handle the wire size & insulation type can certainly get the job done. It's just slower, less convenient, and has a greater risk of causing damage if the razor knife goes too deep.

FWIW I got the Embla because not having to find the right nest is desirable to me and it's more cost effective due to the interchangeable blade cartridges. The ability to strip flat cable with it is just a free bonus feature. 

[analogix]

Thanks guys for pointing out that IDC cables can be stripped in other ways than using a dedicated multi-cable stripper tool.

Why would I need to strip an IDC cable? Just recently I needed to connect multiple wires from a circuit board connector to various places on a PCB (Dupont connectors at one end and as Frozenfrogz guessed correctly) and soldering the other ends to ICs etc. on the PCB. An IDC cable was chosen for this. But you're right -I can split the individual wires, then strip them individually. If the cable stripper is reliable and does its job, and I take care to strip the wires at equal lengths I don't think there should be any issues.

What's the best way to separate the individual wires from an IDC cable? I've used a flat-bladed hobby knife before, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn't (it's too easy to miss by a fraction of a mm, causing the next wire to have its insulation cut off along excessively).

I'll see if I get the time to pop by the store which has the Weicon no. 5 this week.

[neo]

When i worked with ribbon cable, which was to a limited degree, i found using a straight razor to just barely split the end and lightly pulling it apart with pliers worked reliably. So long as you avoid mishaps and crushing the insulation.

[nanofrog]

What's the best way to separate the individual wires from an IDC cable?

I use flush cutters (nip it a little, then peel it with my fingers or a smooth jaw pair of pliers).

Like a hobby knife though, there are occasions I screw it up and cut the copper strands. But I get fewer mistakes with this method than a hobby knife.

[frozenfrogz]

I also like simply using a small flush cutter for the initial notch, then pull it apart as much as I need. After a couple of cuts you get the hang of it and never think about it again.
On the other hand, there are dedicated tools for this (not fitting the »cheap« demand of course )



If I had to do a lot of separating, this would intrigue the tool collector in me xD

Edit: If you had to do it on a regular basis, maybe build a small rig with a couple of razor blades spaced at the right pitch and some kind of indexing? You would only need to cut a small notch from the front (see attached nasty sketch).

[analogix]

I've just bought the Weicon no. 5 from Clas Ohlson (which looked just like the picture Frozenfrogs posted. The one at the store's page must have been an older model or something) and it works great!

I've just tested out with a couple of wires and I can see how much easier stripping wires will be from now on! I haven't had the time to try it out extensively, but my impression so far is that it's well built (high quality and strong plastic from what I can tell) and very easy to use. It basically does what it's supposed to do and I'm very happy with my purchase and happy it was suggested to me here! 

[frozenfrogz]

That’s good to hear, thanks for concluding this thread
I use it nearly every day and to me it is every cent well spent. It is like buying a band saw to replace a manual hack saw you have been using for years: You don’t know what you have been missing until you own one xD
(I just bought a Makita 2107FK so please excuse the analogy )

[analogix]

Yes, finally I probably have no need to bother the readers with yet another question 
At least others who are also looking for a wire stripper will have a lot of choices and useful comments to read through.

Exactly what you said -you don't know what you've been missing until you find the tool that you should have all along!
The natural question to myself then is of course, which next tool/technique have I not known about which I should have bought/learnt many years ago, but at least I should get now to make life easier 

Congrats on that Makita portable saw. Nice!

[neslekkim]

(I just bought a Makita 2107FK so please excuse the analogy )

That's a cool saw, didn't know these existed, this dude have created a table for it:

[shteii01]

Yeah, portable band saw is nice.  There is corded and cordless models. 

But the really awesome one is Milwaukee sub compact band saw that you can use with one hand:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2429-21xc

[frozenfrogz]

I looked at the M12, but I wanted to have a mains powered saw (that is pretty hard to find here in Germany - portable band saws are not in the "basic tools everyone buys" category here somehow). Also it had to be capable of cutting diameters of up to 100mm. I need it to cut blanks for turning on my precious mini lathe

[analogix]

I've now had the Weicon no. 5 stripper for a while since I last posted here (I'm the OP) and have to say I'm very happy with it. The wire stripper does exactly what it's supposed to do without any over-complicated method needed. It appears as a well built, quality product. Very nice and didn't cost too much either (IMHO of course).

[edavid]

Has anyone compared the Weicon No 5 to the Jokari Super 4 and T20100?  How about the Pro'sKit CP-367A?

Also, does anyone know a US source for the Weicon?

[nanofrog]

Also, does anyone know a US source for the Weicon?

Not finding one, so you may have to use a UK or EU source. 

The Jokari Super 4 or T20100 are available in the US though (All-Spec or Amazon). Another way to get one would be as a Knipex 12 62 180, which is just a rebranded T20100. And FWIW, Jokari makes a solid product. 

If you're going to be stripping a lot of wire at a time, you'll want a pair with cushion grip handles.

[edavid]

Here's a summary of Weicon-like strippers available in/from the US.  I was too lazy to paste in pictures.

Capri 20111 20011 (made in Taiwan, 10 year warranty)
Amazon $13.46 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01018CX46
eBay $15 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Capri-Tools-20011-Automatic-Wire-Stripper-and-Cutter-/262399535051

Jokari Super 4 Plus T20050 (made in Germany)
Amazon $23.49 (low stock) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011OZFLGW
eBay ~ $24 http://www.ebay.com/itm/JOKARI-automatic-wire-stripper-SUPER-No-4-Plus-for-Electro-Wired-Cable-6mm-/331817547445

Jokari Secura T20100 (made in Germany)
Amazon $39 https://www.amazon.com/Jokari-T20100-Secura-Automatic-Stripper/dp/B003U3RUP2

Knipex 1262180 (made in Germany, same as T20100?)
Amazon $40 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003B8WB5U

Pro'sKit CP-367A (made in Taiwan)
AliExpress $22 https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Pro-sKit-CP-367A-Self-Adjusting-Insulation-Gun-type-automatic-wire-stripping-AWG-24-10-0/32813283260.html
Amazon $25 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0041TG0X2

Weicon 51000005 Professional Wire Stripper No. 5 (made in Germany)
eBay ~ $26 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Automatic-Wire-STRIPPER-0-2-6mm-PRO-Pliers-STRIPPER-to-stripping-/152663200292

I ended up ordering the Capri, since I liked the price and the warranty.  Maybe I'll be sorry.