Different Types Of Wire Strippers

Getting the right tools is essential for any type of project. This is even more important for anyone doing electrical work since poor wiring can cause injury or damage to property. The first thing you might realize when working with wires is that there are a number of different wire strippers. You might think scissors or a knife might work in a pinch, but you could damage the wire, and the work will take longer than necessary. This information on the different types of wire strippers will keep the task from becoming any more challenging than it has to be.

• Adjustable Wire Stripper: this type has a simple design, with a single notch in each blade. It has a stop screw that allows the user to set the cut based on the thickness of the wire to be stripped. To work more efficiently, choose a stripper that reopens after each cut. Some people find that these strippers can be difficult to adjust to the wire thickness, so it can lead to a few mistakes. The Irwin Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper is a good example.

• Gauged Stripper: This is very popular because it is easy to use. The blades have holes matching wires of different gauges, making the stripping job simpler and quicker since no adjustment is needed. Some types can also work as cutters or crimpers, so they are suitable for different types of wiring jobs. There is a limit to the number of gauges on a single wire stripper, so it might be necessary to buy more than one. The Milwaukee 48-22-6109 is a good example.

• Self-adjusting Stripper: As the name says, this stripper automatically adjusts to wires of different thickness levels. Strippers like the Irwin-2078300 make the work go much faster since there is no need to constantly adjust. For added convenience, choose a self-adjusting stripper with a built-in crimper or cutter.

• Gauged Automatic Wire Stripper: This has the qualities of both the self-adjusting stripper and the gauged stripper. You can choose the appropriate gauge for the wire, and after making the cut, it returns to the open position. Naturally, this is one of the more expensive types, but the benefits make it a good investment. The Southwire SA C1 and Southwire SA822 are great examples of the gauged automatic wire stripper.

• Wire Stripper and Cutter: Combination tools such as the wire stripper and cutter may have a few advantages depending on the type of job. The Irwin Wire Stripper and Cutter with ProTouch Grips, for example, has notched holes for proper stripping and a sharp blade for cutting without changing tools. The Klein Tools Compact Wire Stripper and Cutter is a small tool that easily slips into a small tool pouch or pocket and allows you to do quick jobs. This particular wire stripper does not have notches, so you have to be careful not to damage the wires while cutting the rubberized casing off of the wires.

You should keep in mind that some wires, like coaxial cables, are more difficult to deal with. Your choice of wire stripper should also depend on the volume of work you will be doing. Cutting a lot of wires daily requires a high-quality, durable tool that won’t break, dull, or otherwise give out within a short period of time.