Stripping tools

Cable Stripping Tools – What to Look for?

Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, you should have a wire stripper in your tool bag. This small tool will allow you to make quick repairs to electrical wires. What to choose: a convenient automatic wire stripper, a classic wire cutter or handy wire stripper? Check out our tips!

What are wire stripping tools?

A wire stripper is a hand tool used to expose copper wire that is hidden under braiding and external and internal insulation. It is a basic tool for people who do electrical work on a daily basis. A wire stripper should also be among the tools of people who do electrics for fun. Due to the different diameters, shapes and types of cables, there is no universal product. The diameter of the cables that can be exposed depends on the range of the tool's press, connector crimping and cutting.

Knives, Automatic Strippers or Wire Strippers? Types of Tools

Are you looking for a product for stripping insulation from wires? There are currently several types of cable strippers on the market. They differ in their method of operation, type and quality of workmanship, as well as price. Wire strippers from renowned brands guarantee durability and many years of use without failures. Which tool to choose: an automatic wire stripper, wire stripper or wire stripper knife? Check below how they differ from each other and decide which type will be best for you.

Automatic wire stripper

Automatic insulation strippers are the most advanced solution for users who professionally strip insulation from cables. This is a product that should definitely be found in every electrician's bag. What makes this tool stand out? The process of stripping insulation from a wire is automatic. Simply insert the wire into the hole and tighten the stripper manually. One movement is enough to cut off the insulation evenly and expose the copper core of the cable. What distinguishes this type of device from others is also its price. The cost of an automatic insulation stripper, although still not very high, is higher than that of strippers from other categories.

Wire stripper

A cross between an advanced automatic wire stripper and a wire cutter is a cable stripper. They look like workshop pliers, but they have blades that can be used to cut the insulation layer off the wire. These blades tighten when the handle is pressed, and when the pliers are pulled toward each other, they expose the copper wire from the insulation. Wire strippers are also called frontal wire strippers because the cable is inserted into them from the front. The size of the clearance can be adjusted using a screw located at the top of the tool.

Wire stripping knives

The simplest tool for removing insulation from cables is an insulation knife. This type of product is most often used by DIY enthusiasts, people who occasionally do electrical installation work, e.g. at home (screwing sockets, connecting a lamp). Insulation strippers, although they do not allow for precise cutting and exposing insulation, also have advantages. Thanks to them, you can strip insulation from wires of various thicknesses and shapes. Another advantage of this solution is the price - a knife, even from a reputable company, is not a big expense. It is worth buying a whole set of knives, then the unit price is more favorable.

What product features should you pay attention to?

Don't know how to choose the right wire stripper for you? What features should good equipment have? Below are a few parameters worth considering when shopping:

• reputable manufacturer;
• handle insulation;
• high quality workmanship;
• long manufacturer warranty;
• the scope of work of the tool press, crimping connectors and cutting;
• price adequate to quality;
• the type of steel from which the blades are made.