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

[analogix]

I'm in need for a wire stripper and there are numerous discussions/comparisons here on the costly "pro" ones, but what suffices for hobby use? I'm staying away from the cheapest ones, assuming they'll break down in a couple of days, but there are a few claiming to be "automatic" and which I've read blogs and postings (not here) about from people who find them very nice:




Are they any good and do they last?
What would an alternative to this be? Something like this perhaps, or are there better options?:

[Avacee]

I've a pair of the second one shown that were about £8 from eBay.

There's a bit of play in the grippers at the top so you can't just insert wire and squeeze - as you see in all the pretty marketing youtube videos for decent quality ones.
I have to place the wire, squeeze gently to place the grippers next to the wire, hold the squeeze and align/place the grippers, put gentle pressure on the left hand gripper so it holds the wire well, and then squeeze.

I have no trouble once I've lined up the grippers with anything up to 10awg or down to cheap chinese breadboard cables and given the amount I do (hobbyist) then I'm happy with the cheapo eBay purchase.
I knew they'd be cheap and I got what I expected but when I replace them I'll pay the extra for something better made.

Avoid if you feel you'll be using them a lot or you've got the spare cash and of course: Your Mileage May Vary.

[Mattylad]

The top ones have been slated on Screwfix reviews - never used those myself.

I use RS components supplied auto strippers 553-617 and they work well.
Cheaper ebay replacements costing under £3 went straight into the bin.

You get what you pay for

I wont use the type where you have to pull the stripped sleeving off as I work inside sharp stainless steel cabinets.

[P90]

I have the Irwin branded ones, made in Taiwan, look like your first and second pictures, they are pretty good. I have several of the manual  strippers, I use those more often.

[Gyro]

Yes, they do deliver, but mainly for things like mains solid core twin and earth type applications.

This style work (very) much better for normal wire stripping applications:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-Electric-Cable-Wire-Stripper-Pliers-With-Extra-Blade-/142200599212?hash=item211bd0f2ac:g:-hEAAOSwnHZYQ-hD

Note, ebay listing picked to find photos in a hurry. You can find them from different suppliers and with different blade aperture ranges.

[jpanhalt]

I use the first type for solid and multi-stranded of 22 AWG or larger wire (maybe a little smaller).  I use the second type for smaller solid wire.  I use a third type for smaller stranded wire.

I use heat or a melted salt pot for transformer wire that is not "solderable."

Quality of the stripper is very important.  Not all strippers of the same "specification" are the same.

John

[LaurentR]

The automatic strippers are good for doing a lot of repetition of the same strip on a small number of wire types. Not necessarily what a hobbyist needs.

The non-gauge-based auto strippers like in the OP rely on a proper ratio between insulation diameter and core diameter. That covers 80% of the wires well and 20% poorly.
The gauge-based auto strippers (like the ones Gyro pointed to) tend do do a much better job but they are a bit more finicky to use because you have to aim for the right hole and the number of holes is limited.
Both types work well for removing a given range of insulator length. They don't work if you only want to remove, say, 5mm.

So all in all, the automatic strippers are a bit of a niche. Useful in some cases, but you'll always need manual strippers for those odd cases. All you get in speed at the cost of control and versatility.

For small electronic wires, my favorite is still the inexpensive Hakko CHP CSP-30 stripper.
For house wiring (mostly large solid core, but occasional large stranded), the auto strippers could be useful if you are going to strip 100s of ends, otherwise the manual strippers will do. Most of the pro electricians I have seen use just a knife or a diagonal cutter to strip heavy gauge :-)

[neslekkim]

I have the vise-grip version of the first models, solid tool.

And for thin wires, I went for an way to expensive knipex 1242195, but all depends on which wiresize you need..

[analogix]

You're right, LaurentR. I won't be doing much repetition of the same thing as this is for hobby use. I just need something that does the job well, but without paying "professional" prices. In other words I want it all 
Seriously though, I've been using a pair of pliers for years which of course relies on my accuracy in pressing, so sometimes it works, sometimes I have to try again (on the slightly shorter cable). So I bought my first cable stripper which looks very similar to this:


The thing is it doesn't handle the thin wires I use mostly (I guess it's around 22 AWG though those numbers have never made any sense to me), so I'm in the market for another one.

The reason I go for a lot of eBay stuff has a lot to do with shipping costs. Order from China and the shipping is usually "free" (included in the costs in other words, and it's still reasonable). If I order something from say, the US, the shipping alone often adds up to twice the cost of the item. No kidding! That's what you get for living outside of the US.

So in conclusion, would a simple, "traditional" stripper in general do the best job without too much hassle? Seems to me, from reading the replies here, that the cheap automatic ones are nice in theory, but more of a hassle to do the job while the equivalent expensive, brand-name ones do deliver both the convenience and quality, but at a cost. So maybe with a decent "manual" one it's hard to do very badly, even though it's slightly more work to strip a wire?

Neslekkim: where did you buy that automatic Vise Grip from? They do sell them on eBay for instance, but shipping alone is almost the cost of the stripper, and then with import duties and taxes added you're all of a sudden paying perhaps 4x of what they actually cost to begin with!

[neslekkim]

Neslekkim: where did you buy that automatic Vise Grip from? They do sell them on eBay for instance, but shipping alone is almost the cost of the stripper, and then with import duties and taxes added you're all of a sudden paying perhaps 4x of what they actually cost to begin with!

US, but I see the prices have increased a lot (on the shiping), no customs for me, but now it seems like bigger deal
This one will not give you customs: http://www.ebay.com/itm/332225733162 Atleast newer happened to me when using GSP since the customs is taken care of when you buy it, and the total incl shipping is less than NOK350.
GSP takes time though, and it's not very trackable..

Same with these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/332062761430  total below the limit, and using USPS, so faster delivery.

[alanb]

You may fined this of interest. https://youtu.be/dSJHUUWDamA
This shows a few different types of stripper and is by a contributor to the forum.

[691175002]

I purchased one of these many years ago and it has worked well: https://hobbyking.com/en_us/wire-strippers-cutter-2-in-1-strip-like-a-pro.html

I've had the opportunity to try higher end strippers as well.  They obviously work great, but frankly the cheapo does a good job as well.  More expensive ones also tend to be much bulkier which can sometimes be a problem.

No idea if I got lucky with the stripper I received, but you can adjust the tension and it handles a pretty wide range of wire gauge and insulation thickness.  I also keep a pair of traditional strippers around to cover for tasks the automatic stripper isn't suited for.

[macboy]

Have you ever seen something like this? I came across these for the first time today, and then again a second completely unrelated time (that kind of deja vu happens to me a lot).
https://www.parallax.com/product/700-10001


I don't have one, but it looks useful.

[james_s]

I have a few pairs of Tee Strippers which are roughly like the second picture you posted. I've never found anything that works better than those. They work WAY better than the really cheap strippers that don't have overlapping blades. I hate those automatic stripper things, they're bulky and clunky and it doesn't make stripping the wire any easier.

[analogix]

I have a few pairs of Tee Strippers which are roughly like the second picture you posted. I've never found anything that works better than those. They work WAY better than the really cheap strippers that don't have overlapping blades. I hate those automatic stripper things, they're bulky and clunky and it doesn't make stripping the wire any easier.

What's a "Tee" stripper?
I'm the OP and my second photo in the thread shows an automatic one, but perhaps you're referring to someone else or a different posting?
I'm fine with something manual as long as it works, is of reasonable quality and isn't too complicated to use. Talking about complications: with the manual ones, is there a simple way to figure out which stripper diameter option you should use? I have no idea if a certain wire would be 22AWG, 20 AWG or whatever and would have to measure the diameter in mm, then look up on the net what that is in AWG terms.

[james_s]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ideal-T-Stripper-Wire-Stripper-and-Cutter-for-10-18-AWG-Solid-Wire-45-120/100079352

[Cyberdragon]

Are those bottom pinch-pull types any good? Last one I had of those was a cheap as-seen-on-tv one and it exploded apart because the wire insulation was a bit crusty.

[KL27x]

My good tool.

Damn this thread. Now I have to find mine. I have both of these guys, somewhere. But I hardly ever find a use for them. Not too many crawlspaces or engine compartments on my schedule. Most of my work is under a microscope. And the stripper I can't do without is the one for teeny kynar wires.  I know one of these days I will end up bodging a high amp conductor using a couple dozen strands of wrapping wire, cuz that's all I will be able to find.

[tigr]

But I hardly ever find a use for them.

I use for stripping thin wires.

[KL27x]

^ I'm sure you do. But not the way I do it.

[shteii01]

I currently use scissors type wire stripper.  Ideal brand, but I don't remember the model number.





I like them a lot. 
However.  At the base of the blades, by the bolt that hold the blades together, there is a cutter and I must have used it on something a bit too big, I probably used it to cut a large-ish cable.  Now, when I cut stranded wires, the blade does not cut all the strands.  There might be a nick in the edge of the blades, or play between the blades and the blades don't line up to cut all the strands.

I am generally happy with this Ideal product and I would buy another or similar Klein tool.  They do cost though.

I am wondering if people have used Southwire brand of these style strippers.  This is mostly for people in US since Southwire is store brand of Lowe's chain of hardware/home improvement stores in US.

Another reason I don't want to buy the more expansive Ideal or Klein strippers is that I am likely to buy two strippers instead of my single tool.  Some of the stranded wires that I have to work with are in the 26/28 AWG and some are in 12/10 AWG.  I also wire a lot of three phase motors and our standard VFD cable for them is 14 AWG, so I strip a lot of those stranded wires.  So I would buy two Southwire strippers to cover the range of wires with mostly using 14-28 AWG and using 10 AWG from time to time. 

Any comments on Southwire brand? 
Some other brands that you like that don't cost top dollar?
Other store brands?

[james_s]

A nick in the blade will mess up any scissor type cutter. With some care you can file out any damage with a hand file, just make sure you keep the mating surfaces of the blades flat and only file that side if you have to file down a nick.

[PlainName]

Many years ago I bought these:

http://uk.farnell.com/elliott-lucas/pa1851-8/wire-stripper-self-adjustable/dp/107228



They are rather like number 2 in the original post, but don't have the adjuster or depth stop. Since number 2 was available cheap I got a pair just to see how things have moved on.

The originals are really very simple: shove the wire in, squeeze, done. There is no adjustment to make and they work perfectly every time. Even now - I am right at this moment stripping some twin+earth, and these easily strip the outer without affecting the internal wire sleeves.

The new one, on the other hand, I've yet to sort out. The adjuster lets you set the depth of cut, but the difference between 'not doing anything at all' and 'perhaps a  bit too tight' is basically a touch. Very sensitive indeed. The originals don't have any adjustment and don't need any, so I'm not sure what's going on there.

A closer look indicates that on the originals the gripper part, on the left, grips before the cutter part closes. On the new ones it is the other way around. Probably only makes a difference to where the cut is, though. The originals have a very distinct step as the  strip happens which is lacking on the new ones.

So, whilst superficially similar, they seem to be rather different in operation. And result.

[IanB]

I'm in need for a wire stripper and there are numerous discussions/comparisons here on the costly "pro" ones, but what suffices for hobby use? I'm staying away from the cheapest ones, assuming they'll break down in a couple of days, but there are a few claiming to be "automatic" and which I've read blogs and postings (not here) about from people who find them very nice:



Are they any good and do they last?

I own this pair of wire strippers, which are like the ones in your picture: http://www.frys.com/product/3256901

I find them to be the best wire strippers I have ever used and they are now the ones I always go to first. They do a perfect job on everything from thick mains cable to 26 gauge solid or stranded hookup wire (even though they don't claim to handle below 22 gauge). They are quick, easy, and will strip every wire to the same length.

I far prefer them to the ones with adjustable holes and cutting blades. With those, not only do you have to carefully pick the right hole size for the wire, I always seem to end up with broken strands on stranded wire.

The only better option for wire stripping I have come across are the ones with heated blades that melt through the insulation, however they are much more expensive.

[CopperCone]

realistically most things that are vibration resistant required will have potting which will kind of eliminate the requirement for nicked wire strands, especialy when combined with things like those 'clamping' gromets used to thread wires through a chassis (and prevent ingress of foreign material), and potting material.


My personal recommendation for good wire strippers:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-Wire-Stripper-Cutter-11046/100630720?AID=11210757&PID=4150373&cm_mmc=CJ-_-4150373-_-11210757&cj=true

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-6-1-4-in-Wire-Stripper-Cutter-11045/100630729?AID=11210757&PID=4150373&cm_mmc=CJ-_-4150373-_-11210757&cj=true

20$ has you covered on good quality handtools, made by Klein, from 26 to 10 AWG. This is what I use. I splurge in other areas. Also, very comfortable.

Price is low because its mass produced for electricians. Also, lifetime warrenty, and you can pick it up at home depot in the electrical section.


**************other information on strippers*******

Precise is useful when your wire diameter is small in proportion to your insulation diameter (i.e. high voltage), otherwise the mechanical ability of the wire does not suffer too much from a 'nick'.

The more precisely machined the strippers are, the less chance of a nick you will have.. however it all depends on the insulation type of the wire. Teflon wire (which is real nice for chassis work), does not agree well with conventional wire strippers, which seem optimized for PVC insulation.

This can make a plan of using a 200 dollar wire stripper go down the crapper, if its optimized for different insulation then what you are using.

Serious production work does happen with 10$ klein tool wire strippers with no problems.


these are good
https://www.zoro.com/knipex-self-adj-wire-stripper-5-to-13-awg-12-50-200/i/G4481508/cg?gclid=CNO-zdDw-dQCFcKPswodkF8PwA

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/high-quality-wire-strippers-what-to-buy/25/

various jaw sets/models exist for different ranges.

But what is more important, way more important then a wire stripper, is a cable stripper. Poor wire strip, unless you completely fuck it up, won't really effect you. However, a bad cable strip, means short circuits easy when you bend it.  These are really important
https://www.zoro.com/greenlee-cable-stripper-8-awg-to-1250-kcmil-7-in-1903/i/G0924262/cg?gclid=CMi82_nx-dQCFdWIswodE9YI9g

Realistically you would want cable ties and stuff on the wire close to the connection or solder point, which further reduces the risk of damage from a nicked wire.

Buy kits of this stuff for a project/lab and the price goes up more then a quality pair of wire strippers (if you still want them, look for German brands off digikey.. they have really nice automated ones with different jaws. but prepare to pay a premium on it, like 250$ minimum. I recommend Wiha , weidmuller or Knippex..


********************************* other stuff on wiring thats way more important then strippers (other then cable strippers)********

I would personally spend that money on wire accessories like zip ties (you can get some nice stuff), nice terminations/crimpers (ferrules, etc), cable/wire holders (sticky type, screw type), cable glands/sealing grommets, silastic/silicone glue compound, potting material, correct usehttp://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/online-products-catalog of cabling (rather then individual wires), etc

Spend some time in the panduit catalog here:
http://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/online-products-catalog

before you go out and spend a fortune on wire strippers. Obviously nice ones made out of carbide would be the best, so long the pivot joint kicks ass.. but if you are looking to make a robust mechanical system all those accessories added to your product/project will do way more for you for the price.

specifics

http://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/cable-and-wire-bundling/cable-tie-mounts-and-accessories
very important for good strain relief, and EMI performance (i.e. repeatability)

http://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/wire-routing-protection-and-insulation/heat-shrink
heat shrink is very important for good strain relief

http://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/wire-routing-protection-and-insulation/abrasion-protection
if you do good work with gromets and fasteners, the need for this stuff becomes less important (for internal work), however, something can always come loose, this gives your cable additional protection and life if something goes free and rubs on something etc.

*also, this keeps wires together mechanically. Advanced designs (often seen in old equipment) specify for hand looming, where a 'ribbon thread' like material is wrapped around the wire and tied off periodically. This allows for custom pressure to be applied to the cable, to hold it together. You can put point pressure between cables with 'hand loomed' , while maintaining flexibility, and leaving the ability to route, more so then is possible with just a cable protective jacket, which may kinda sorta keep cables together.. but if it applies excessive pressure the routing ability/flex ability of the cable will be effected" Also, you can vary pressure along a wire lenght, so you can decrease it at expected bends for instance.

http://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/wire-termination
quality crimps are important, along with quality crimp tools. this is a high point of failure right here, more so then anything else good crimps are great. For home use you might prefer to just solder stuff and use heat shrink etc.. having good crimping ability is expensive

http://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/cable-and-wire-bundling
not the cheap ass zipties you get. they have some really nice stuff here

http://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/wire-routing-protection-and-insulation/wiring-duct
people forget this stuff exists. It adds another layer of protection. You can use short pieces of it internally.

http://www.panduit.com/en/products-and-services/products/wire-routing-protection-and-insulation/abrasion-protection/grommet-edging
very important too, specifically called it out. Line those sharp corners.



then these guys
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cable_gland

Don't know of a good manufacturer. With glands there is a entire spectrum of shit (well with cable and wire too. I guess) that varries between 50 cents plastic common stuff to expensive (possibly in the hundred dollar range) stainless steel, water resistant, chemical rated, etc cable glands that are custom machined on many axis CNC machines.

There are other things related to wiring too that exist. It is not my specialty. Also, it is a very fun 'arts and craft' area of manufacturing (like deadbugging electrical or making custom enclosures (shop work)).

cable harness, chassis wiring, product wiring, etc is kind of its own engineering discipline. Larger companies that make alot of product may have their own EE that has broad knowledge of mechanical, thermal, electrical and chemical behavior of these things that does wiring design. He ends up needing to talk to everyone. It gets complicated because of things like thermal derating for wire bundles, etc.