Your opinions
- Thread starter Fudog
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Mikey
Aspiring Old Fart, EE, computer & networking geek
There are two hand-held styles in common use: the "squeeze and strip" kind:
and the "squeeze and yank to strip" kind:
The best of the former I've got were bought about 50 years ago, but they only go up to about AWG16. No brand name on them. I bought a new pair at Lowe's (GB, as shown) a couple of months ago to handle larger wire sizes and they absolutely sucked. Your best bet, I think, today, is to prowl around military surplus vendors and look there. I go to a large airshow in Florida every year and several tool vendors show up with them there. I bought a pair there last year for about $3 and they're pretty good.
The "squeeze and yank" kind are a little harder to use, but the Xcelite brand shown is the best I've found.
and the "squeeze and yank to strip" kind:
The best of the former I've got were bought about 50 years ago, but they only go up to about AWG16. No brand name on them. I bought a new pair at Lowe's (GB, as shown) a couple of months ago to handle larger wire sizes and they absolutely sucked. Your best bet, I think, today, is to prowl around military surplus vendors and look there. I go to a large airshow in Florida every year and several tool vendors show up with them there. I bought a pair there last year for about $3 and they're pretty good.
The "squeeze and yank" kind are a little harder to use, but the Xcelite brand shown is the best I've found.
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Lakee911
I&C Engineer (mostly WWTP)
I use the top one from bLowes and it's ok, but it isn't great. When I don't have it, I use a knife. Turn the wrist around it and pull.
Jason
Jason
Furd
Engineer
I like the Ideal 45-227 Grip-N-Strip End Stripper for general-purpose work or the Ideal 45-327 Maxim Stripper if I have smaller size wire I'm working with.
They ARE a bit pricey.
http://ideal.datacomtools.com/idealcatalog/wire-strippers.htm
They ARE a bit pricey.
http://ideal.datacomtools.com/idealcatalog/wire-strippers.htm
Chris75
Electrician
If working with NM cable these are by far the best...
Mikey
Aspiring Old Fart, EE, computer & networking geek
Klein makes terrific tools. I've got an ancient set of linesman's pliers that make a wonderful hammer as well. Indestructible.
Chris75
Electrician
Thats funny because not only is my linesman's a hammer, my screwdriver is a chisel...
I buy two sets of handtools every year, even without beating on the tools, I wear a screwdriver right out...
It depends. This stripper is very nice if:
A. You're doing assembly work at a bench, rather than field work, and
B. Someone else is paying for the machine.
A. You're doing assembly work at a bench, rather than field work, and
B. Someone else is paying for the machine.
JWelectric
Electrical Contractor/Instructor
Depends on the size of wire. For some wires I use one of these
PEW
DIY Senior Member
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I have a device called "the fang", does both the sheath, and the insulation on 12 and 14 wire with the same blades, no adjustments needed. Have had it for years, never have seen one anywhere else. Going to be very sad if it ever dies!
Mikey
Aspiring Old Fart, EE, computer & networking geek
I've got a nice pair of Klein dikes like that. Insulated handles, I'm happy to say.
Speedy Petey
Licensed Electrical Contractor
Budget??? We're taking about a $15-$20 pair of pliers.
Speedy Petey
Licensed Electrical Contractor
I agree that these are probably the best for working with NM cable.
Lakee911
I&C Engineer (mostly WWTP)
I like their tools too. I found one of their screw drivers on the side of the road and picked it up. It got me hooked.
Years back I used to have a pair of side cutters with a perfect hole that would strip #10 insulation.
Those cutters are what taught me never to take anyones word that the circuit was off.
I've got some of them too!
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