Pros: Self-adjusts to correct stripping depth, removes outer and inner casings, works with wide range of wire gaugesĬons: Poor performance with stiff wire coatings Though it will handle most standard household wiring with east, this tool may struggle with wires with thicker coatings like you may find in more industrial settings. The stripper works with wires rated between AWG 10 and AWG 24 ( AWG stands for American Wire Gauge), therefore making it suitable for most DIY and many commercial projects. Reload the interior wires lined up side-by-side and squeeze again to reveal the metal wiring at the core.Īs the name suggests, the jaws of this stripper self-adjust to create the perfect amount of cutting and stripping depth - taking away only the sheath, never cutting the metal itself. The outer sheath will be cleanly removed, exposing the inner casing. Just thread the cord to be stripped into its jaws and give a squeeze. And it does so with nothing but a squeeze of the fingers. And in order to work with these thicker types of wiring, both layers must be cleanly removed.Įnter the Irwin Tools Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper, a useful handheld wire stripper that makes short work of both the outer and inner casings of a cable. Cut apart a thicker cable, however, like that of a grounded extension cord or the wiring of a washing machine, and you'll see multiple copper wires sheathed in secondary layers of rubber or vinyl. If you cut apart a power cord to a lamp, toaster, hairdryer, or other small household appliances, you will see copper wiring sheathed in the rubber exterior. The Irwin Tools Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper can separate both the thick outer casing and thinner interior sheaths of double-insulated wires without cutting or crimping the slender wiring within. Pros: Removes guesswork from wire stripping, works with solid and stranded wire, easy-to-use wire cutter built inĬons: Heavier and bulkier than most hand wire strippers If you bring your tools on the road, you may find this one to be a bit bulky, but if it's just going to sit in your tool chest in the garage, it won't be a dealbreaker. This isn't a cheap tool, but it's worth its price if you think you'll use it even a few times a year botching a wire-stripping job can mean running entire new lengths of wire once you mangle too much of the wiring, so think of it as an investment against future frustration. Unlike most wire cutters, which are set into the base of scissor-like jaws, this one is a circular cutout, through which the wire is fed the design prevents the cord from slipping out and guarantees a clean cut. If the wire is too long, or if you need to cut a section of cable, you can use a unique wire cutter that's built into the Katapult. The Klein Tools Katapult Wire Stripper and Cutter reveals about an inch of wire with that squeeze, which is the perfect length for rewiring light switches, lighting fixtures, or outlets. And what's more, a steady squeeze on the spring-loaded handles will strip both solid and stranded wire, so this tool can be used for most moderate-grade wiring projects. Not sure of the wire gauge at hand? No problem, just gently slip the wire into each slot until you find one where it fits snugly. If you can match up a wire to clearly labeled cutout, you can strip a wire with the Klein Tools Katapult Wire Stripper and Cutter. The Klein Tools Katapult Wire Stripper and Cutter takes the guesswork out of wire stripping thanks to a number of clearly marked slots suitable for various wire gauges. Whether you're replacing an old light switch or selling scrap wire for cash, a wire stripper is a good tool to have on hand.īut, most importantly, be safe: If you aren't familiar or comfortable working with electricity, consult an expert. So, armed with decades of DIY experience, a set of tools that included a good wire stripper, and instructions from YouTube, I did the job myself. This was after being charged $150 a year prior by an electrician for a 15-minute job, which I later discovered I could have done myself. I discovered how effective a wire stripper could be when I had to swap out a light switch for a dimmer. They are also important tools for hobbyists who work on computer hardware, cars, robotics, and the like. They can be helpful in repairing all sorts of cables, like extension cords, chargers, a floor lamp's cord, etc. The best wire strippers are critical for basic electrical work, such as installing a ceiling fan or light fixture, replacing an outlet or light switch, or wiring a device like a garage door opener or DIY home security system.
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