Best Overall
Klein Tools Solid and Stranded Wire Stripper
Best Bang for the Buck
Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Stripper/Crimper/Cutter
Upgrade Pick
Knipex Tools 7¼-Inch Automatic Wire Stripper
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A conducting wire stripper advance productiveness for professional electrician , budding apprentice , and DIYers , but with a mixed bag of model on the market , the besttooldepends on the conducting wire the exploiter is work with . We wanted to get laid how today ’s top wire ecdysiast execute in material - life undertaking , so we try them . We cut down and divest a wide range of wire character and sizes , awarding points based on how well each tool functioned . Our Best Overall filling was theKlein Tools Solid and Stranded Wire Stripper ; its spring - loaded action and buffer , ergonomic grip made it exceedingly comfortable to utilise , plus its preciseness ground - cutting holes made systematically clean cut of meat .
telegram strippers can be more versatile than folks might think . Their primary purpose is to shorten and remove the rubber covering that encases wire ( known as the jacket ) , but some of the best models slice up thick cables , cut screws to size , and crape terminals onto the end of overseas telegram or conducting wire .
Whether the exploiter needs a basic or professional - grade wire stripper , there is an array from which to choose . in the lead , get a line what to consider when shop at for the best telegram stripper and regain out how the following tools earned a spot in this batting order base on our hired hand - on test .
Our Top Picks
Now that readers eff what to look for when choosing the serious couplet of conducting wire striptease for their projects , they can start shopping through some of the top product in the industry . The following lineup of wire strippers surpass in our hands - on tests . Check out the pros and cons of each pecker before making a selection to ensure the good burst for your wiring needs .
Those seek a basic set of telegram strippers that come with pronounce wire bore sizes and are comfortable to use need look no further than Klein Tools Solid and Stranded Wire Stripper . We appreciated the spring - loaded military action and the cushioned , ergonomic grip , which made this wire ecdysiast comfy enough for extended use . It feature preciseness land - burn holes , which make consistently clean cuts every clip a firearm of wire is strip . At just 9 inches long and count less than 6 ounce , it ’s modest enough to hold in a sack or tool pouch , so it did n’t weigh us down .
The focalise stripper nick accommodate wires from 10 to 20 gauge in size . We were able to abbreviate through conducting wire flawlessly , using the marked holes in the base of the shear blade . The saw-toothed steel of the tool’sneedle - nose pliertips leave us to grab and turn away the end of the wire for attaching them to electric outlet terminal screws . The only real defect of this tool is that it does n’t include crimp , which are often needed for automotive and computer work .
What our tester says:“I found the double - insulated screening on the grip , which append shock rubber when working with electric wires , to be a definite summation . ”—Glenda Taylor , intersection Reviews examiner & writer
Get the Klein Tools 11055 wire strippers atAmazon , Ace Hardware(2 - composition set ) , orThe Home Depot .
The modestly price Irwin Vise - Grip Multi - Tool Stripper includes handy feature such as hardened cut tooth and electric nookie shear . We were impress by the number of subroutine on the Irwin wire stripper well , particularly because it comes at a very attractive price point . In add-on to cutting and stripping telegram from 10 to 22 gauge in size of it , this ready to hand tool offers crimping ability , so we could securely attach terminal connecter to the end of the wires we ’d stripped . In addition , the Irwin telegram stripper boasts serrate plier tips that we used to turn the wire ’ ends to tie them to nut - case depot .
We detected two minor downsides , however . The strict plastic used to isolate the handles did n’t finger too comfortable ; we got the signified that we ’d have sore hands using the pecker for an extended period . Also , the stripper miss a spring to force them open — we needed to unfold the twist manually each prison term we wanted to cut , crimp , or strip a Modern wire .
Get the Irwin Vise - Grip wire strippers onAmazonorDeasig .
The Knipex Tools Automatic Wire Stripper is ideal for use on calculator , electrical box retrofit , and other jobs in mingy spaces . This is an automatic stripper , so we were able to habituate it to strip the insularism from comparatively poor wire that we could n’t really grasp . By position the end of a wire direct in the front tooth of the Knipex , all it took was a gentle credit crunch on the induction handle for the shaft to unwaveringly grasp the conducting wire , cut the insularism , and then pull the insulated cap off the closing of the wire .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila Photo: Glenda Taylor
We successfully stripped wire ranging from 10 to 24 gauge without having to adjust the cock . The Knipex is ego - adjusting , intend it mechanically uses the proper pressure to slice and divest the insulation no matter the wire gauge . We would wish to have see a crimping feature , but this putz is so quick and various , it ’s a winner even without the power to crimp .
Get the Knipex Tools wire strippers onAmazonorKnipex .
Best for Pros
Klein Tools Large Cable Stripper
Not all wires are small in diameter — larger - diameter cables , such as 2/0 bore , are often necessary when running high - voltage or underground wire . In our experience , big - diam wires and cablegram can be challenge to loot manually , which is usually done by scoring the cable jacket crown with a sharp tongue around its perimeter and then pulling the jacket off . This takes up meter good spent lean and connecting the overseas telegram .
Though we were slightly skeptical about the Klein Tools Large Cable Stripper when we first inspect it , we ’re well-chosen to account that although it ’s a unsubdivided cock , it ’s extremely in force for denude four size of transmission line : 2/0 , 3/0 , 4/0 , and 250 MCM . We ground that after put in the wire into the corresponding - size hole on the Klien stemmer , all we had to do was pervert the wire to dismantle the insulating jacket out . This cock work using the same concept as an erstwhile - fashioned pencil sharpener that fits into a student ’s pencil box seat . Just insert the ending of a cable , twist it , and the blades in the Klein peeler will slice the out crown cleanly away .
On the downside , this mannequin does n’t cut the wire and does n’t have crimping ability . Still , it efficaciously strips aside the insulation on large cables that would otherwise require to be cut and stripped manually .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the Klein Tools 21051 wire strippers atAmazon , The Home DepotorKlein Tools .
Best for Electronics
Jonard Tools Adjustable Wire Strippers
Manually cutting the insulating jacket crown of a tiny telegram with a sharp tongue or razor and then strip it off with your fingers can result in cutting through the integral conducting wire rather than just the cap , so we were mad to essay the Jonard Tools low conducting wire stripper . It manage narrow wire between 18 and 22 gauge , and we establish it very easy to use .
At first coup d’oeil , however , the Jonard wire stripper is underwhelming . It ’s entirely made from credit card — even the stripping steel are plastic . Still , we found the Jonard peter quite handy for undress fine telegram .
The tool works through a simple assumption : By turning a small rack at one goal , the blades adjust to accommodate different size wires . After that , all that ’s require is squeeze the top and bottom sides of the tool to produce enough pressure to cut through the wire ’s insulated jacket . It work , but only for fine wire ; anything orotund than 18 standard of measurement wo n’t fit , and the plastic construction believably would n’t stand up to heavier - standard of measurement wires .
Photo: Amazon
A small black slider allowed us to adjust the distance of the peel section of the wire easily . alas , the provided increments are not mark — we just had to know the difference between ¼- and ⅛-inch increase . We wished the cutting blades and the turn wheel were made of metal to last longer , but the Jonard does perform the function it was design for — stripping fine wires — and as such , it ’s a boon for those who work with electronics .
Get the Jonard Tools conducting wire strippers atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Best Spring-Loaded
Greenlee Hand Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter/Crimper
distinctive pliers without leaping - loaded handgrip ask a perfectly orchestrated digit grip for one - handed opening and completion . Most DIYers demand time to acquire that expertness . Greenlee ’s conducting wire stripper has springtime - dilute handles to overcome this acquisition curve . We know pro electrician often choose nonspring - loaded wire cutters , but we choose ones with spring .
This peeler works with 10- to 20 - gauge wire , which is ideal for most home projects . Plus , we could shear off the tip of a small 6 - 32 copper ass without exert a wad of pressure on the handles ; the Greenlee will also fleece 8 - 32 sized ass . The slide - on nonslip grips prove to be very well-heeled . This is a top choice for those who want an all - in - one stemmer tool .
What our tester says : “ I was able-bodied to crimp connective terminals on the wire end using the crimper function just below the fulcrum of the tool , and its needle - olfactory organ plier peak worked well for grabbing and pull wires out from the back of an exit . ”
Photo: Amazon
Get the Greenlee wire strippers atAmazon , Acme Tools , orGlobal Industrial .
Best Self-Adjusting
Irwin Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
Professionals and DIYers can easily habituate the Irwin Vise - Grip , even with just one hand . just slip the conducting wire through the jaws , force the handle , and develop a absolutely stripped wire . Plus , this modelling cuts wire .
This conducting wire stripper works otherwise from any of the other cock we tested . We sneak in the conducting wire horizontally just below the two topmost metallic element clinch and then squeezed the grip together . As we press , the left clamp lowered to trap the wire , and then the right clamp cut the insulating jacket and pulled it off — all this with a single squeeze .
We tested the stripper on a ambit of telegram sizes ; each time , only the isolate jacket was cut and not the wire beneath . We did n’t have to make any adjustments to the instrument — it adjusted itself to the wire size , which was pretty impressive .
Photo: Amazon
The tool works on wire between 10 and 24 gauge . These stripper also feature build - in crimpers , which are color - rag to match the most vulgar types of wire connectors .
What our quizzer says:“Those in the market place for just one wiring shaft that does it all will in spades want to consider this self - adjusting Irwin modelling . ”
Get the Irwin Vise - Grip self - adjusting wire strippers onAmazonor atLowe ’s .
Photo: Amazon
Best for BX Cable
Klein Tools Armored and BX Cable Cutter
DIYers who figure out with metallic element - clothe , BX , and armored cables will find that the Armored and BX Cable Cutter from Klein Tools apace and accurately strips armour . This framework accepts ⅜-inch metal - clad cable and uses a hand crank and rotary rack to slice the armoured cap fast .
In the past , we ’ve cut armored cable using a hacksaw , which incurs a risk of cutting a bit too far and nicking the wire within . We ’ve heard others sound off of this as well — we’re not the only ones ! Fortunately , we ’re felicitous to cover that the Armored Cable Cutter is a game changer when it come to take a leak clean cuts .
The peter comes disassembled , however , and the commission are n’t very explanatory , so it take about 10 minutes to put it together right . gratuity : The slight orbitual steel that cuts through the wire ’s brand - reinforced jacket is gather away in the cylinder - mould handle node .
Photo: Amazon
Once assemble , the cable’s length striptease artist is straightforward to use . We put the cable in the slot provided , compact the hold to grip it firmly , and then turn the bike to trend the cable television ’s brand crownwork . After that , a unsubdivided twist of the jacket crown was all it have to relax and pull out it off . This is a tool most DIYers wo n’t use day by day , but when cutting armored cable television is necessary , it make the task simple , clean , and quick .
Get the Klein Tools BX conducting wire strippers atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Wire Strippers
To select the telegram strippers we wanted to examine , we researched the models offered by thetop tool brandswith high customer satisfaction . We conceive build stuff , AWG reach , functionality , puff , rest of use , and unique characteristic .
We made certain to select tool with AWG kitchen range of 10 to 18 gage or 10 to 24 gauge to lodge a variety of telegram sizes . Plus , we added a couple of cable strippers to the mix .
We test each of the telegram stripper to see how efficaciously they severed the telegram ’s insulated cap . We automatically eliminated any conducting wire strippers that cut or nicked the wires within the jacket — a fateful flaw by our criterion .
Photo: Amazon
We try each of the functions on every tool , which include the ability to cut wires , shear screws , and crimp electrical connective to the end of wires . We awarded points establish on a rubric for how well each role worked during examination . We also graded the cock establish on how comfortable they were to use , whether they postulate assembly , and whether they offered reflex , self - adjusting features .
After the testing , we tallied the points and used them to choose the practiced ware for each category .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wire Strippers
Now that readers are gird with knowledge about the type of wire stripper , it ’s time to read up on other important factors and feature film to debate when shopping for a set . Here ’s what to keep in mind when evaluating the best wire strippers for electric undertaking .
Material
The materials of the jaws , hold , and any mechanisms can ascertain the quality and length of service buyers can expect from a brace of wire strippers . Most wires are copper , which is a soft metallic element that most other metals can easy cut through . However , when using a conducting wire peeler to cut screws to length or punch through knockout , a sturdy material is necessary .
Steel is a ok material for telegram strippers , as it ’s long-lived and affordable . Just make certain the strippers have harden cutting teeth for the sake of seniority . Also note that not all grasp finishing are adequate in quality . A high - lineament rubber or silicone clutches will be comfortable to seize but durable enough to resist heavy - duty projects .
AWG Range
fortuitously , users need n’t extend a separate pair of conducting wire striptease for each conducting wire caliber identified by the conducting wire - standardizing system known as American Wire Gauge ( AWG ) . One stage set of conducting wire strippers can cover a large chain of wire sizes .
However , wire ecdysiast that can treat burly 2- and 4 - gauge wire wo n’t work for thin 22 - gauge wires . Unless users are professional lineman , computer technicians , or tech hobbyist , they may never deal with wires on either end of this spectrum , so a full do - it - all curing of sprigger that works with wires typically encountered during a home repair or installment should answer . In general , this would be between 10 and 18 calibre .
Computer techs and electronics hobbyist may ask a stripper that works with thinner calibre numbers , preferring a gauge chain of mountains of between 20 and 30 . These strippers will work with the fine conducting wire found in a pilotless aircraft , a wagon train set , electronics dominance boards , and other smaller projects .
Photo: Amazon
Precision and Accuracy
Gauged wire stripper must be exact and precise to avoid frustrating mistakes . The teeth on low - quality stripteaser can be off by quite a moment or violate down chop-chop . These inaccuracies can stimulate a substance abuser who is wiring alight fixture , for example , to rationalize the wire unintentionally while strip , then wear out it off while deform it .
Another issue with low - character strippers can be struggling just to get through the jacket crown , forcing users to select a small set of teeth that will by chance cut into the wire . For object lesson , if endeavor to strip a 10 - calibre wire , the 10 - gauge teeth notch on a chintzy wire stripper may merely rub the crownwork , not reduce it sufficiently to absent it . The user may then opt for a little gauge pass , such as a 12 - caliber notch , that could inadvertently cut too deep and damage the wire inside the jacket .
Although there are no test or certifications for precision and truth , purchase a tool from a acknowledge manufacturer that sells quality peter will help control that stripper well will do their job accurately . A stripper well that ’s used properly can last a lifetime , and a drop curtain of oil every now and then can serve maintain smooth opening and closing .
Photo: Amazon
Features
For such a simple tool , a hatful of helpful features can be pile into a stage set of wire stripper well . linesman often need to work atop ladders , which limit access to tool on the ground , so the more a pair of striptease can do , the expert .
Shoppers will find features such as threaded bolt cutting tool , crimps for cable television service end , and serrated jaws for grip telegram . There are also wire strippers with needle - nose jaws that can reach into a tight spot such as a junction boxful . Also , spring - loaded handles can be a big help for those still developing their technique , as they ’ll allow users to apply the wire strippers with one script while defend the wire with the other .
Comfort
When wiring only one or two outlets , quilt might not be much of an issue when opt a wire stripper . However , those with a full day of wiring ahead will want a prosperous stage set of strippers with nicely coated handles .
Most wire strippers have rubber coating over their handles to put up a comfortable , nonslip airfoil for all - daytime use without causing pain in the ass or soreness . The higher the quality of the tool , however , the better the golosh used for these handgrip . In many cases , manufacturers apply silicone polymer , as it ’s soft to the touch and less potential to slip off the end of the handles .
There also are double - superimposed grips that supply even more cushioning . These strippers have an inner rubber layer around the grip for grip on the tool and a soft out level for comfort .
Safety
When working with tool , safety machine is always a circumstance , and conducting wire strippers for your electrical project are no dissimilar . The following features tally safety gadget :
Ease of Use
When it come to ease of use , there ’s no beating a set of automatic , self - correct wire strippers . These models automatically detect the thickness or gauge of a telegram , well edit through the jacket and also take it via a mechanism that grapple the jacket and pulls it off the wire .
As mentioned earlier , spring - loaded handles make chess opening and closing a pair of strippers easy with one hand . Though a user can evolve the technique to open any yoke with one hand , spring - loaded handles are quicker and easier to treat , particularly when working on a ladder or in a pixilated space .
With gauged wire strippers , intelligibly legible printing on the tooth will help users delineate up the telegram quickly and accurately . Having to guess tend to direct to mistake , sometimes requiring starting over .
Types of Wire Strippers
To equate effectively the best wire sprigger for electrical projects , it ’s helpful to learn a piece about the styles of strippers uncommitted . One kind might be a ripe fit for a user ’s work flow or contrive than others . Check out the five primary types of telegram strippers below .
Adjustable
Those looking for a basic one - sizing - fits - all - expressive style tool should consider an adjustable wire exotic dancer . These stripper have plier - style hold that slide to aline the opening of the jaw . After adjusting to the veracious size , a prompt squeeze will cut the telegram ’s jacket crown . Then slide the stripteaser to remove the jacket and expose the copper wire . New users may discover this style of stemmer a bit more particular than others , but in time , most folks educate a feel for them to avoid cutting into the conducting wire .
Gauged
Gauged conducting wire strippers are all about choice . These tools have a range of case-by-case teeth meant for specific wire size . As long as tending is paid to the conducting wire size of it and the tooth being used , these tools will cut the jacket without any chance of slicing into the actual conducting wire . For instance , put an 18 - gauge wire in the 18 - bore section will slice the jacket crown nicely , allowing for loose removal . Gauged wire stripper well are great for beginners , as they ’re cheap and light to use .
Self-Adjusting or Automatic
Those who favour the debauched approaching to telegram stripping may choose a ego - adjusting ( or automatic ) stripper . These tool occur in pistol - grip or plier - handled flair . As the grip are squeezed together , the spring - loaded teeth in the school principal smell out the telegram ’s sizing and slice into the jacket crown . These strippers also mechanically remove the jacket crown , so substance abuser need n’t pull it off of the remainder of the telegram . Though well-off to use , this type of stripteaser is expensive and can be bulky in a tool pouch .
Gauged Automatic
estimate robotic strippers are a compounding of the features in a gauged stripper and the robotic crownwork remotion of a self - align stripper . After come out the telegram in the correct gauge , squeezing the handle cuts through the casing and separates the jacket from the wire at the same time . They ’re expensive and bulky , but equate to a bent of gauged strippers , a gauged automatonlike stripper can save time .
Wire Stripper and Cutter
Many honest-to-god - school electricians never use wire peeler . Instead , they ’ll use a trustworthy duad of linesman pliers tostrip wires . These burly pliers have cutting edges that electricians can expend to cut the conducting wire to duration . They can then score the exterior of the jacket at the right location by go for light pressure to the handle . Thesepliersare very sturdy , so electricians often also use them to punch through knockouts on electrical box and secure screw - down conducting wire entries .
FAQs
The pursuit is a collection of some of the most often asked questions about wire stripper . If consumer still have interrogation after reading through it , they may require to contact a telegram stripper ’s maker and speak with a client service representative .
Using an automatic , ego - aline wire stripper , such as our upgrade pick , theKnipex Tools wire exotic dancer , is by far the unspoilt path to strip wires speedily .
The easy agency to rifle fuzz from a telegram jacket is to use a utility knife and slit the cap down the length of the wire . Be trusted to pose the telegram on a tabletop and keep your destitute manus safely behind the knife .
Some strippers certainly can crape final connector onto wire . Some linesman - style pliers and wire ecdysiast have build - in frizzle groove that make strong and unafraid connexion on transmission line end .
bit yards have two prices : dirty and white . Dirty bull wire includes wire with its jacket , nut , outlets , or anything the scrapper must remove before recycle the copper . uninfected price are higher , so it can be worth your time to strip down the copper out of the cap before turning it in .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product examiner and writer specify in the construction , remodeling , and substantial estate industries . She and her married man own a world-wide catching troupe , and Taylor is get in both residential and commercial edifice program . She try a spacious range of power tool as well as other home improvement , family , and lawn - and - garden products .
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