Wire stripper - nicking wire

[rstor22]

In the past I've used the following Klein wire strippers:

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/klein-kurve-wire-stripperscutters-solid-stranded/klein-kurve-wire-strippercutter-solid-and-stranded-wire

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/klein-kurve-wire-stripperscutters-solid-stranded/klein-kurve-wire-strippercutter-solid-and-stranded-wire-0

I've noticed that sometimes I would need to use a lower gauge to prevent the wire for getting nicked. For example, when stripping 24 awg solid wire, I found that using the 22 or 20 awg setting works best. The 24 awg setting works sometimes however it is inconsistent and many times causes a nick in the wire. Have others also noticed this or am I doing something wrong? (I've tried to ensure that the wire is not being pulled at an angle)

I recently purchased these Irwin Self Adjusting wire strippers (similar design sold under different names):

http://www.irwin.com/tools/pliers-adjustable-wrenches/self-adjusting-wire-stripper

I found with the self adjusting wire stripper, the wire does not get nicked and I get perfect results consistently.

[Christopher]

I've found this type of stripper to be the best and quickest (for prototype work)

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-strippers/0663617/

[Balaur]

I must admit that it happens to me as well, even with rather good strippers.
My pet peeve is to see stranded wires with a few cut wires and the remaining going into the crimped connector. 

When I'm not particularly hurried, I go for a two-pass process. The first one is a simple nick using the correct size. Then, I pull the isolation in a second step, using the next, bigger, available size. It seems to work better.

[nanofrog]

The plier types you linked (Klein Kurve), are prone to nick or cut strands far more often IME. The latter type you linked from Irwin, and the set linked by Christopher, are referred to as automatics.

FWIW, I use a Pressmaster Embla, which is another automatic. The blade cartridges allow it to do more, which makes it more economical than separate strippers, particularly where Teflon or other hard insulations are concerned. No die nests to figure out either, so even easier to use. 

[zapta]

I don't pay attention to guage markings on the stripper,  I just start from a too wide opening and keep narrowing until it strips well, that is, the largest opening that strips that specific wire.

Also, I prefer strippers that have guage adjustments rather than having to choose the right size each time. That's because I typically work with one wire size at a time (solderless breadboard, wirewrap wire, etc).

Am very happy with these two

http://amzn.com/B00004T7WR    // for general wires, cheapo but works remarkably well

http://amzn.com/B005EXNWLM  // for thinner wires

For teflon I am using a Teledyne thermal wire stripper but the first one above should also work well.

[bobcat]

Solid and stranded wires have different O.D.
Stranded is slightly larger than solid.

[LabSpokane]

Get these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000RFSWF8/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1

Actually look at the numbers on these they are correct.

[David_AVD]

I recently purchased these Irwin Self Adjusting wire strippers (similar design sold under different names):

http://www.irwin.com/tools/pliers-adjustable-wrenches/self-adjusting-wire-stripper

I found with the self adjusting wire stripper, the wire does not get nicked and I get perfect results consistently.

We have a few sets of those at work and the guys love them.

[coppice]

I recently purchased these Irwin Self Adjusting wire strippers (similar design sold under different names):

http://www.irwin.com/tools/pliers-adjustable-wrenches/self-adjusting-wire-stripper

I found with the self adjusting wire stripper, the wire does not get nicked and I get perfect results consistently.

I haven't used that model, but I have used various self-adjusting strippers. They usually work great on the first day, but go downhill rapidly. I have never seen anyone who works with wire day in and day out use a self-adjusting stripper.

[coppice]

I've found this type of stripper to be the best and quickest (for prototype work)

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-strippers/0663617/

This is the preferred tool of most people wiring electronics for a living.

[radiomog]

I use a TW-1 Stripall from Kinetics

it's thermal, no nicked wires

http://www.teledyneinterconnect.com/products/stripall/default.asp

[coppice]

I use a TW-1 Stripall from Kinetics

it's thermal, no nicked wires

http://www.teledyneinterconnect.com/products/stripall/default.asp

At first sight thermal strippers seem to have many advantages, and they used to be available as reasonably priced tools from the major soldering tool makers. They never really caught on, though. I wonder why? I've never used one, so I really don't know the answer.

[pickle9000]

In Canada electricians (Dave calls these guys sparkies) often use this type. Main reason is the screw/nut adjustment set and forget. When doing a few hundred wires in a row you only have to hit the one hole.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1PCS-ADJUSTABLE-WIRE-STRIPPERS-CUTTERS-5-inch-NEW-IN-BOX-Free-Shipping-/251589947975?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a93edf247

[Electro Fan]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X4X23U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

- Very effective and enjoyable to use, highly recommended (this is a set of 2 to cover various size wires)

[zapta]

I use a TW-1 Stripall from Kinetics

it's thermal, no nicked wires

http://www.teledyneinterconnect.com/products/stripall/default.asp

At first sight thermal strippers seem to have many advantages, and they used to be available as reasonably priced tools from the major soldering tool makers. They never really caught on, though. I wonder why? I've never used one, so I really don't know the answer.

Those teledyne thermal strippers have very long work life, All spare parts are available (e.g. spec-all) and teledyne actively support them. I got an old one on ebay for $20, purchased a spare part but it did not fit well (one of the two hands was longer than the other) so sent to Teledyne and they make it right for no charge. That's a great customer service.

[zapta]

My first ever wire stripper. I used to be good at it, stripping on the right side of the mouth. Self adjustable and no nicking what's so ever. Not doing it anymore though.

[Christopher]

Using my teeth on PTFE isn't good at all

[LabSpokane]

In Canada electricians (Dave calls these guys sparkies) often use this type. Main reason is the screw/nut adjustment set and forget. When doing a few hundred wires in a row you only have to hit the one hole.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1PCS-ADJUSTABLE-WIRE-STRIPPERS-CUTTERS-5-inch-NEW-IN-BOX-Free-Shipping-/251589947975?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a93edf247

For >18ga solid core wire, ok, no problem. For finer gauge and stranded, those things are just wretched. It's difficult to impossible to properly strip a wire without damaging it. You might get lucky, but usually not.

[coppice]

My first ever wire stripper. I used to be good at it, stripping on the right side of the mouth. Self adjustable and no nicking what's so ever. Not doing it anymore though.

Teeth do work remarkably well, without nicking the wire at all. It seems like someone should try making a stripper from synthetic teeth.

[Balaur]

My first ever wire stripper. I used to be good at it, stripping on the right side of the mouth. Self adjustable and no nicking what's so ever. Not doing it anymore though.

I chipped a tooth like that. And at some point, I think I had a 50% chance of tasting mains. Yay! 

[pickle9000]

In Canada electricians (Dave calls these guys sparkies) often use this type. Main reason is the screw/nut adjustment set and forget. When doing a few hundred wires in a row you only have to hit the one hole.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1PCS-ADJUSTABLE-WIRE-STRIPPERS-CUTTERS-5-inch-NEW-IN-BOX-Free-Shipping-/251589947975?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a93edf247

For >18ga solid core wire, ok, no problem. For finer gauge and stranded, those things are just wretched. It's difficult to impossible to properly strip a wire without damaging it. You might get lucky, but usually not.

14ga wire is minimum size here (in a wall), no argument though you are certainly correct.

I normally use my flush cutters. I place my index finger behind the pivot slide the wire in and pull.

I have everything listed here but unless I have 50 in a row my flush cutters end up doing the job. As for the others they all have their place. I like the tw-1 for really thin stuff, the self adjusting one is good on rubber wire and the one that cuts and spreads makes really square cuts in the insulation that looks good on a pcb.

[quarks]

I have never seen anyone who works with wire day in and day out use a self-adjusting stripper.

try Weidmüller Stripax, so far the very best "universal" stripper I used (and proofed very long lasting with daily heavy use).
But even with this great tool, you most likely will need some more other strippers. 

[Chris Jones]

I do like the Ideal Custom Stripmaster (subtly different from the not-custom one) but it is hideously expensive.

http://www.idealind.com/products/wire_processing/hand_tools/custom_stripmaster.jsp

It is the only thing I have that can strip PTFE wires perfectly without any risk of nicking the wire.

[Chris Jones]

The only way to be sure you will never nick the wire is to use thermal strippers. Unfortunately they are not cheap and generate some nasty smoke that needs to be extracted in the same way as solder fumes.

Yes, smoke from PTFE/Teflon is really nasty with hydrofluoric acid and worse (and will also kill birds - common due to non-stick frying pans), and smoke from PVC is said to contain dioxins, hydrochloric acid etc. I would want excellent fume extraction before using a thermal wire stripper on anything other than polyethylene or polypropylene.

Ideal custom stripmaster will not nick wires, but very expensive.

[briselec]

I've found this type of stripper to be the best and quickest (for prototype work)

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-strippers/0663617/

Occasionally I'll use a pair of these but most of the time I prefer using worn 7" sidecutters. They easily strip the insulation but because the cutting edges are fairly blunt they don't nick the strands.
 

[BurningTantalum]

I was issued with an AB Mk II when I started work in 1974. I managed to purloin another pair plus a couple of sets of spare jaws before I left the company. They have since been used daily all over the world, on everything from ribbon cable to panel wiring, and I still have a set of blades somewhere.
They are made in Malta and are still available, now orange instead of blue.
I have never found anything easier to use, although they are really getting to the end of their useful life. I was hoping that 'they would see me out' but this may not happen unless I get hit by a bus tomorrow.
Has anyone bought any recently?
The main downside is that they are made of aluminium - I did see something similar made of glass loaded plastic but don't recall a manufacturer.
BT

[MarkL]

I've had a pair of these Paladin Mini Stripax 1115 for several years now:

  http://www.amazon.com/Paladin-Tools-1115P-Mini-Stripax/dp/B0000WUHM4

Outrageously expensive (about US$100), but they are best I've ever used.  They also have a larger version, the 1113, for larger gauge wires.

If you're trying to strip wire with a consistent size like wire-wrap wire, the Clauss No-Nik non-adjustable tools work well.  I think they are now owned by Ripley Miller Tools.  Use 0.012" for wire-wrap.

[robrenz]

Before we all reinvent the wheel lets remember these 2 threads 

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/high-quality-wire-strippers-what-to-buy/msg176482/#msg176482

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/hakko-wire-stripper-frustration/msg96909/#msg96909

[nanofrog]

I did see something similar made of glass loaded plastic but don't recall a manufacturer.
BT

Perhaps these might be of interest.

Pressmaster
Jokari
Weidmuller

[neslekkim]

Before we all reinvent the wheel lets remember these 2 threads 

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/high-quality-wire-strippers-what-to-buy/msg176482/#msg176482

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/hakko-wire-stripper-frustration/msg96909/#msg96909

People don't even read this thread when answering, the funny thing is that there are in general 3-4 types of strippers that are repeated many times, yes, different manufacturers, but still the same brands..

[BurningTantalum]

Thanks Nanofrog,
I looked at all of the links on the post: Re your links - The Weidmuller appears to have two opposing notched blades.
The Stripax model may be what I'm looking for.
 The AB system uses two opposing straight 'blades' that actually consist of about 35 separate 'teeth' on each. These are pivotted at the back end and sit on a resilient urethane block. Thus they cut through the insulation but conform around the conductor. Further operation of the handles strips the cut insulation from the conductors. Multiple wires can be stripped in one operation, and different sized wires can be stripped in one operation (should you wish!)
The Pressmaster may work on this principle but it is not clear.
I can't see anything similar by Jokari - the Super4 + looks like the Weidmuller.
The AB can be adjusted for insulation thickness, and also the pressure on the cutters before the withdrawal happens. As you can see - the 'newness' has worn off mine, and the grip on the insulation is very poor due to the wear on the serrated jaws. 40 years of everything from wirewrap wire to 2.5mm2 domestic rewires.
BT

[nanofrog]

I looked at all of the links on the post: Re your links - The Weidmuller appears to have two opposing notched blades.
The Stripax model may be what I'm looking for.
 The AB system uses two opposing straight 'blades' that actually consist of about 35 separate 'teeth' on each. These are pivoted at the back end and sit on a resilient urethane block. Thus they cut through the insulation but conform around the conductor. Further operation of the handles strips the cut insulation from the conductors. Multiple wires can be stripped in one operation, and different sized wires can be stripped in one operation (should you wish!)

The Stripaxe works the same way (multiple blades stacked on one another, so they can form around the wire to allow it to strip multi-conductor flat cable, such as 2 wire lamp cord). Watch the specific models for desired range of wire size, but the Stripaxe 16 is the most general purpose in this regard IIRC.

The Pressmaster may work on this principle but it is not clear.

I own these, and they are a bit different regarding the blades.

They offer 3 different cartridges for them.

• Black - (standard cartridge & most commonly used), contains a pair of solid, straight blades for soft insulation types, such as PVC. They will strip multi-conductor flat wire, such as lamp cord.
• Blue - is designed for hard insulations such as Teflon (use a pair of V shaped blades).
• Red - cartridge meant for larger gauge wire (use a pair of O shaped blades).

They, like the others linked, have an adjustment for insulation thickness. I've also found it useful for insulation that's hardened over time such as automotive wiring harness repairs.

I've never tried to strip wires of different sizes simultaneously before, but wouldn't expect it to do that well, if at all due to the solid blade construction.

Overall, they're quite nice. Comfortable and light weight, which is nice if you need to do a lot of wire. Not perfect though (have had issues with old insulation coming off cleanly; new usually strips right off), and I usually have to run some test strips until I get the insulation depth adjustment set correctly for an unknown spool of wire. Not that big a deal though, and I don't waste that much wire to get it set (familiarity working in my favor).

I can't see anything similar by Jokari

Their blades are like the Pressmaster (most nest-less automatics of this basic type are IME; flat or V shaped blades).

As you can see - the 'newness' has worn off mine, and the grip on the insulation is very poor due to the wear on the serrated jaws. 40 years of everything from wirewrap wire to 2.5mm2 domestic rewires.

They've served you well to last that long. 

Given the history of reliability + performance your existing pair have given you, it might be worth it to try and locate a new pair. 

Hope all of this helps. 

[quarks]

The Stripax model may be what I'm looking for.
 The AB system uses two opposing straight 'blades' that actually consist of about 35 separate 'teeth' on each.

I also have a stripper like your AB (but I do not remember the brand, because it is not on the tool and already probably 30+ years in use ).
If you need to replace the AB you will most likely be very happy with a Stripax.

[BurningTantalum]

Thanks, Nanofrog & Quarks (and everyone)

I will order a pair of Stripax, I think.
I no longer work professionally, but didn't realise until I thought about it - The two operations that I still perform almost every day are soldering and wire stripping, so I should have the best tools that I can afford. Metcal and Pace perform the first task; I think that I had become a bit obsessed with the AB strippers because I have never owned any other - I wanted a new one the same ! A bit like the first girlfriend syndrome (I made that up...)
It was a wrench to toss out 4 old Weller TCP1 units a while ago as they too dated from my first employment, even though they were an utter PITA to maintain.
Regards,  BT

[nanofrog]

Found a post in another thread that has close-up photos of a Stripaxe blade cartridge. 

Wire strippers thread.

If you find yourself doing a fair bit of Teflon or other hard insulations, the Embla should be more economical choice (just swap in the blue cartridge, ~$30 here in the US). Cheaper than a separate tool at any rate, and it does an excellent job of it as well.