Are you looking for one of the 5 best wire strippers to save you time while stripping wires or cables? Then, this buying guide is for you.
Wire strippers are used by people other than trained electricians.
Therefore, you should include this helpful gadget in your toolbox if you want to take on any do-it-yourself wiring job or home repair.
Wire strippers are used to “strip” the plastic jacket or coating from underneath copper or aluminum wire, as the name implies.
Many believe that using a decent wire stripping tool is merely an extravagance because stripping wires is a routine task.
However, having the finest wire remover available can save your life if you’re a professional electrician who deals with miles and miles of wiring.
When wiring a complete house, a cable stripping tool may save you time and work.
I previously ran an experiment contrasting installing outlets using a pair of pliers against electrician wire strippers.
I discovered that a skilled worker could save at least six minutes for each outlet or one minute per cable.
There are about seventy outlets in each household.
So I could install this little gadget in each home and save myself at least seven hours.
Significantly, the other chores, where I have saved even more time, are not even included.
For example, you’ll undoubtedly save time and labor if you have an electrician wire stripping tool.
I will thus discuss the top 5 wire stripping pliers I have seen or used in this article.
These are my top selection evaluations.
They’re here to assist you in selecting the product that will enable you to achieve more in less time and boost your professional performance.
Important Factors To Note When Buying A Wire Stripper – 5 Best Wire Strippers
Comfort
When picking a wire stripper, comfort may not be a major consideration if you are wiring just one or two outlets.
However, a comfortable pair of strippers with well-coated handles is preferred by individuals with a full day of wiring.
To provide a pleasant, nonslip grip for all-day usage without injuring or irritating users, the handles of most wire strippers are covered in rubber.
But the rubber used for these handles improves tool quality.
Since silicone is gentle to the touch and less likely to come off the end of the handles, manufacturers frequently utilize it.
Additionally, there are double-layered grips that provide even more padding.
These strippers include a softer outermost part for comfort and an inside rubber layer for gripping the instrument.
Spring-Loaded
Another element that enhances the convenience of using wire strippers for extended work periods is a spring-loaded handle.
This is extremely helpful if you wish to operate the instrument with just one hand.
Multi-Purpose
Some wire strippers go beyond merely stripping wire.
In most cases, multi-purpose wire strippers may also be used to crimp wire, cut nuts, or remove screws.
Material
The quality and durability that consumers may anticipate from a pair of wire strippers can be determined by the materials used in the teeth, handles, and any mechanisms.
Most wires are made of copper, a weak metal easily cut by most other metals.
However, a robust material is required when employing a wire stripper to punch through knockouts or trim screws to length.
Steel is great for wire strippers since it is strong and reasonably priced.
To ensure the longevity of the strippers, just make sure they have sharpened cutting teeth.
Remember that not all grip coatings are the same.
A high-quality rubber or silicone grip will be cozy to hold while remaining strong enough to handle labor-intensive chores.
AWG Scale
Fortunately, users don’t need to carry a different set of wire strippers for each wire gauge designated by the American Wire Gauge wire-standardizing system (AWG).
Instead, a wide variety of wire diameters may be handled by a single pair of wire strippers.
However, tiny 22-gauge wires cannot be stripped with wire strippers designed for thick 2- and 4-gauge wires.
Users may never meet cables on either end of this range unless they are skilled electricians, computer experts, or tech enthusiasts.
Therefore a good all-purpose set of strippers that can handle the wires that are frequently found during house repairs or installations should be enough.
This would typically range from 10 to 18 gauge.
A stripper that functions with thinner gauge numbers may be required by computer technicians and electronics enthusiasts, who prefer a gauge range of 20 to 30.
These wire strippers may be used to remove the tiny wires from electronics control boards, drones, trains, and other small applications.
Accuracy And Precision
Gauged wire strippers need to be exact to prevent unpleasant errors. Low-quality strippers’ teeth may be significantly off or decay soon.
These errors might lead a user wiring a light fixture, for instance, to accidentally cut the wire when stripping, then break it off while twisting.
Low-quality strippers may also struggle to pass the jacket, which forces users to select a smaller set of teeth that may unintentionally cut the wire.
For instance, a poor wire stripper’s 10-gauge teeth notch may only scrape the jacket of a wire that is 10 gauge in diameter rather than adequately cutting it to remove it.
In such a case, the user could decide to use a lower gauge notch, like a 12-gauge notch, which could accidentally cut too deeply and harm the wire within the jacket.
While there aren’t any tests or certificates for precision and accuracy, buying a tool from a reputable supplier who supplies high-quality equipment will assist in guaranteeing that strippers will do their duties correctly.
When used properly, a stripper may last forever, and a drop of oil every so often helps keep the opening and closing motions smooth.
Cutting Edge
You need a tool with sharp cutting edges if you want to strip a wire.
If wire stripping is a regular component of your activity, this will be a crucial feature.
Design
There are typically two types of wire strippers: self-adjusting and manual (automatic wire strippers).
Since all that is needed to use self-adjusting/automatic wire strippers is to enter the wire, clamp the tool, and draw the wire out, they are often simpler to operate.
They’re perfect for jobs that require a lot of wire stripping, but occasionally they may not be precise, particularly if the blades get worn down.
In contrast, a manual wire stripper’s fixed cutting holes mean that it can only be used with a certain wire gauge.
My Recommendations And Specification Table – 5 Best Wire Strippers
| Products | Weight | Product’s Dimension | Material | Manufacturer |
| Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter | ‎12 Ounces | 6.63 x 4 x 1.2 inches | Cast Alloy Chassis with Heavy-Duty Ecoat Finish | ‎Klein Tools |
| WGGE WG-015 Professional 8-inch Wire Stripper | ‎7.8 Ounces | 9.84 x 5.91 x 1.97 inches | high-carbon alloy steel | ‎WGGE |
| DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper | ‎4.2 ounces | 8.78 x 3.35 x 0.59 inches | ‎Stainless Steel | ‎DOWELL |
| IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper | ‎6.4 ounces | 9.84 x 3.15 x 8.66 inches | N/A | ‎IRWIN |
| IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool | ‎3.04 ounces | 10.1 x 3.9 x 0.8 inches | N/A | ‎IRWIN |
Products Review – 5 Best Wire Strippers
5Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter
Making it to the 5th spot in this list of the 5 best wire strippers is the Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter.
One of the pieces of equipment I advise for professionals is a pair of Klein wire strippers.
This model features compound-action stripping, which enables you to grasp the wire and then strip it in one squeezing motion, which is why I enjoy it.
This enables you to do wire stripping by yourself and increases the productivity of your business.
The Katapult Solid and Stranded Wire Stripper/Cutter from Klein Tools includes an integrated cutting hole that allows it to cut solid wire up to 8 AWG and stranded wire up to 10 AWG neatly.
The stripping head also makes it simple to grab and strip wire by just squeezing the handle.
Made of cast metal with a robust Ecoat finish for longevity and corrosion resistance.
For more than 16 decades, Klein Tools has produced high-end, professional-grade hand tools with the performance, longevity, and precision required to do tasks correctly.
By utilizing only the best components, exceptional craftsmanship, and as much domestic production as they can, our family of engineers, artisans, and craftsmen continues to incorporate six generations of experience into every instrument they produce.
Not only is Klein the name of their business, but it is also their family’s name.
So you can rely on them to be here tomorrow since they are a family-owned and run business in the United States.
Klein Tools creates excellent goods and products that meet the needs of the experts who use them daily.
Pros
- Compounding-action stripping makes wire stripping possible, requiring only one hand.
- Also, it can support stranded wires from 10 to 22 AWG and solid gauge wires from 8 to 20.
- Furthermore, this device quickly and cleanly removes wire insulation up to an inch thick.
- Precisely cut stripping holes ensure accurate and exact wire fitting.
- Lastly, the cable won’t misalign during stripping thanks to tension-loaded grips.
Con
- Klein Tools’ customer service is lacking.
4WGGE WG-015 Professional 8-inch Wire Stripper
The 4th on this list of the 5 best wire strippers is the WGGE WG-015 Professional 8-inch Wire Stripper.
Even though wire strippers aren’t often particularly costly, this multifunctional tool from WGGE is still a great deal.
You get a lot of value for your money for under $10.
For example, this one is one of the tools I’ve used in the past for electrical wire stripping.
Solid copper and aluminum wires between 10 and 22 AWG may be cut and stripped using it.
I don’t need to use and carry an extra set of pliers since I can grab, pull, shape, and bend wires with the help of my serrated nose.
I also value it when tool manufacturers consider the customer when designing their products, and WGGE is one such manufacturer.
Their tool’s ergonomically built curved handle makes it simple for me to grasp and operate.
I particularly appreciate how they covered the grips with premium PP+TPR material to optimize force transmission and reduce slippage.
The business offers a top-notch quality assurance program, which is the best part.
In addition, they will send you a new tool or even a refund if you are ever dissatisfied with your wire remover.
I will always respect a business that stands behind the quality of its work and offerings.
The only problem I had with this tool was that I couldn’t fully close it at first since some of the size gauges’ teeth were a little rough.
I eventually used the stripper without any issues after slightly filing down the sharp edges.
Other than that, I’m content with my versatile instrument.
Pros
- Copper and aluminum wires can be cut and stripped between 10 and 22 AWG.
- Also, wires may be pulled, shaped, and bent using a serrated nose.
- The curved handle’s ergonomic shape makes it simple to grasp and use.
- Also, the force transfer is optimized, and the premium PP+TPR handle decreases slippage.
- Excellent replacement and refund policies for quality assurance.
Con
- The size gauges’ teeth needed to be filed on various occasions.
3DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper
Making it to the 3rd spot on this list of the 5 best wire strippers is the DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper.
Consider the Dowell Wire Stripper/Cutter Tool if you only need a gauged wire stripper.
This incredibly affordable wire stripper works with solid or stranded copper and aluminum wires that range in size from 10 to 22 AWG.
Additionally, it avoids leaving any jagged edges while cutting across cables.
You can easily strip wires with one hand with this little wire-stripping tool.
It will cleanly grasp hold of outer jackets, rip them off, and do so while preventing harm to the conductor.
With this device, you can speed up your work process and complete more jobs.
The Dowell wire stripper has a built-in wire cutter that allows you to cut copper and aluminum wires ranging in AWG size from 10 to 22.
High-quality springs are also used, which minimizes the effort needed to use the tool.
With the help of this function, you can do more with just one hand.
This wire stripper’s grip design, which guards against accidental finger squeezes while in operation, is also fantastic.
Pros
- It is simple to use and operates with only one hand.
- Also, it avoids harming the conductor.
- Copper and aluminum wires with a gauge of 10 to 22 AWG may be cut using the built-in wire cutter.
- Even more, the tool’s operation requires fewer efforts thanks to a good spring.
- By eliminating finger squeezes, a safe handle design contributes to accident prevention.
- The tool won’t slip thanks to its surface-coate soft rubber grips.
Con
- The tool’s markings are difficult to see.
2IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper
Making it to this list of the 5 best wire strippers is the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper.
The maker’s warranty is one factor I look for in the finest self-adjusting wire stripping tool.
Because it has a lifetime warranty, I suggest the Irwin Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Stripper.
I can use this instrument with confidence, knowing that it will serve me a lifetime and won’t break while I’m using it.
The Irwin Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper can handle wire diameters ranging from 10 to 24 AWG while stripping wires.
Additionally, it features a micro-adjustment knob that enables me to precisely change the cut for gauges less than 20 AWG.
I can also crimp ignition terminals that are between 7 and 9 mm in diameter and 10 to 22 AWG insulated and non-insulated wires with this tool.
However, the Irwin stripper’s self-adjusting mechanism is my favorite feature.
I don’t need to manually verify the gauge of every wire I’m dealing with anymore.
With its built-in stopper, the strip’s length may also be altered.
These features greatly increase my efficiency, enabling me to increase productivity and complete more tasks.
It’s easy to strip wire using the Irwin Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper.
Simply place your wire between the jaws, squeeze, and presto. Without any effort on your part, perfectly stripped wire.
You can cut, crimp, or strip insulated or non-insulated wires that range in size from 10 to 24 AWG.
There is also a stop setting to regulate the length of your strips.
It should be noted that a micro-adjust knob is present for 22- or 24-AWG wires to provide the most accurate performance while stripping these extremely thin wires.
Pros
- This device includes a lifetime warranty.
- Even more, any wire ranging from 10 to 24 AWG is stripped.
- Also, it accommodates wires less than 20 AWG with an adjustable knob.
- Insulated and non-insulated wires 10 to 22 AWG and ignition terminals 7-9mm are crimped.
- A self-adjusting mechanism automatically accommodates different-gauge cables.
- The built-in stopper may be adjusted to get the required stripping length.
Con
- You must carry a separate tool in the field because there are no built-in wire cutters.
1IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool
Making it to this list of the 5 best wire strippers as the overall best is the IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool.
I consider this to be the best wire stripper since it includes pliers, a wire cutter, a wire crimper, and a wire stripper all in one.
This is because it has been made to function with a variety of wire diameters, from 10 to 22 AWG, and it is sufficiently adaptable.
Additionally, you may pull and loop wire using the pliers at the tip.
Additionally, to guarantee secure connections, the Irwin stripper contains built-in wire crimps that may be used on both insulated and non-insulated materials.
Finally, your toolbox will be lighter because you only need one tool to finish an entire outlet installation.
The wire cutter’s edges have also undergone induction hardening to ensure that they will endure as long as you need them.
The ProTouch grips, which are comfortable to handle and lessen arm and hand strain even while I’m wearing insulating gloves, are what I appreciate most about it.
The Irwin Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Item is a solid choice for a multi-use tool in your electrician’s toolbox.
Use it to cut, crimp, or strip 10- to 22-AWG solid or stranded wires.
Pros
- One instrument performs the tasks of a wire remover, cutter, crimper, and pair of pliers.
- Also, it can handle wire diameters ranging from 10 to 22 AWG.
- Wires may be pulled and looped with the use of pliers.
- Even more, it can be used for both insulated and non-insulated materials.
- Induction-hardened wire-cutting blades assure longevity.
- ProTouch grips make it comfortable to handle, easing the strain on the hands and arms.
Con
- The device opens a little too wide, making it hard to operate with one hand.
Frequently Asked Questions And Answers – 5 Best Wire Strippers
Every professional electrician uses a wire stripper regularly, and most of them have many distinct models of this equipment in their toolbox.
With power strippers, the extra-large commercial-grade wire may be stripped. The ability to handle different wire sizes and the extra tool functions are the main ways that wire strippers vary.
Wire-cutting pliers with diagonal cutters are employed. By bending and wedging a cable apart, they cut wire. The term is derived from how the jaws’ cutting blades are angled.
The additional wire serves as a “traveler” wire to link the two switches together. It is typical to connect wires from one switch to the light before running them to the second switch when wiring a three-way switch.
The three fundamental varieties are locking, adjustable, and non-adjustable, and they can have a variety of sizes of pincers and joints.
My Final Thoughts – 5 Best Wire Strippers
If you work on several wiring jobs, wire strippers are necessary pieces of equipment.
This is because you can precisely strip more wires with them more quickly.
In addition, by preventing you from accidentally damaging the wire core when stripping, they will help save waste.
In addition, utilizing a tool like this instead of a knife or cutters to strip wire may assist in preventing injury.
The greatest wire remover has to be in your toolbox if you want to improve the efficiency of your workflow.
And even if you just save a little time with each cable installation, if you multiply that by the number of wires in your project, you can save more than a full workday.
Furthermore, my overall best, the IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool, is the best and is very efficient in carrying out its operation.
However, the other products are still effective nevertheless.
I hope my purchasing tips for the top 5 Best Wire Strippers were helpful.
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