Cable stripper

Product Description
A cable stripper is a handheld tool designed to safely and efficiently remove the outer insulation from electrical wires and cables without damaging the inner conductor. Whether you are an electrician, a telecommunications technician, or a DIY enthusiast, having the right stripper for the job is essential for making secure, reliable connections. This guide covers the main types of cable strippers available and their typical applications.

Cable stripper

Types of Cable Strippers
Manual Wire Strippers
Manual wire strippers are the most common type, featuring a series of precisely sized holes or notches for different wire gauges. They work like pliers: you select the correct hole for your wire gauge, close the handles to cut through the insulation, and then pull to remove the slug. Many professional-grade models, such as those from Klein Tools, offer a comfortable grip, a locking mechanism for storage, and screw-shearing holes for 6-32 and 8-32 bolts. These tools are ideal for standard electrical wiring tasks with gauges like 8-18 AWG solid wire and 10-20 AWG stranded wire.
Automatic / Self-Adjusting Strippers
Automatic strippers streamline the stripping process. The KNIPEX EvoStrip, for example, automatically adjusts to different conductor cross-sections, from 0.03 to 10 mm² (AWG 32-8). The user simply inserts the wire and squeezes the handles. The tool grips the insulation, cuts it, and pulls the slug off in one motion. This design is fast, consistent, and reduces the risk of nicking the conductor. Models like the Ideal Twin & Earth Stripper are specifically designed for flat cables, stripping the outer sheath and inner cores in sequential operations.
Specialty and Heavy-Duty Strippers
For larger cables and industrial applications, specialized strippers are required.

• Round Cable Strippers: Tools like the WEICON S 4-28 Spiral are used for cables with a diameter between 4 and 28 mm. They can perform circular cuts (around the cable), longitudinal cuts (along the cable), and spiral cuts to remove complex or tough insulation layers. The cutting depth is adjustable to protect the inner conductors. The Jokari No. 27 is another example, offering a stripping range of 8 to 28 mm and a self-rotating blade for fast, damage-free stripping.

• Rotary & Linear Strippers: Professional models like the Greenlee 1903 are designed for very large cables (up to 1250 kcmil) and offer triple-action stripping (rotary, linear, and spiral) with interchangeable guides to match the cable diameter.

  

  Cable stripper

  Multi-Function Strippers
  Many strippers combine multiple functions into one tool. A single tool may offer wire stripping, wire cutting, and terminal crimping. The Klein-Kurve™ series, for instance, includes models that strip, cut, and crimp. The KRAUSMANN® diagonal pliers also integrate stripping and crimping functions, making them a versatile choice for technicians who need a compact tool.
  Choosing the Right Stripper
  Selecting the right cable stripper depends on the type of work you do.

• General electrical and home projects: A standard manual or automatic wire stripper (like the Klein or Knipex models) is perfect for 10-20 AWG solid and stranded wires.

• Working with flat, twin-and-earth cable: A dedicated flat cable stripper like the Ideal Twin & Earth Stripper is the best choice.

• Stripping thick or round cables: For cables larger than 6mm in diameter, a specialty round cable stripper like the WEICON S 4-28 or Jokari No. 27 is recommended.

• Multi-function needs: If you need a single tool for stripping, cutting, and crimping, consider a multi-function tool from Klein Tools or KRAUSMANN.
  Safety and Maintenance
  Always follow safety guidelines when using cable strippers.

• Wear eye protection when cutting wires.

• Never use on live electrical circuits. These tools are not insulated for protection against electric shock.

• Check blade condition regularly. Dull blades can damage conductors. Many models have replaceable blades.

• Store tools clean and dry. This extends the life of the blades and the tool’s mechanism.