Cable stripper - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: akis
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 04:50:36 pm
content: Is there a tool that strips the outer flax sheathing from ordinary, 3-core, electricity cables ? It is between 6-10 mm diameter. I typically use a sharp knife to make a longitudinal cut and then rip it apart, but was wondering if one of the cable strippers can do this better.

author: Jon86
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 04:56:25 pm
content: Something like this?http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-Wire-Stripper-0-2-6MM-with-Cable-Cutter-/230855242103?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35c00b7177or this?http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Automatic-Cable-Wire-Crimper-Crimping-Tool-Stripper-Self-Adjustable-Plier-Cutter-/400423044817?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5d3b12c6d1

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 05:02:05 pm
content: This stripper works great for me with ethernet cables. May or may not work with your cable. It has a small blade that makes a small cut in the outer shell but does not get to the inner wires and does not put any stress on the cable.http://www.trapsolutions.com/shop/UTP-FTP-Cable-Stripper.html

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 05:02:57 pm
content: Quote from: akis on December 15, 2013, 04:50:36 pmThere are a bunch of tools with adjustable blades which put 360 degree cuts in (round) cable sheaths.http://uk.farnell.com/coaxial-cableFor most mains cable you can just pull the sheath off once it has been cut.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 05:19:53 pm
content: Might want to take a look at anXcelite CJS200(it's actually a TOR made by Pressmaster).Cutting range is 4.5mm - 40mm.

author: edpalmer42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 06:35:43 pm
content: Sometimes they're called slitters rather than strippers or cutters, but since they're normally professional tools, they're rather expensive.If there's a sewing basket in the house, borrow the stitch ripper (also called seam ripper) and give it a try. I've found it works well for small cables with plastic sheaths. Stick the long point inside the cable and push it away from you.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seam_ripperOf course, many small cables have a few strands of nylon line that are used to strip the sheath if you can grab onto them.Ed

author: Neverther
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 07:14:15 pm
content: Basically the same tool as nanofrog posted, but look for "jokari"ImageAlteast on ebay.co.uk they go pretty cheap.You either love them or hate them as the usefulness depends on you to use it right and with right materials.Push with thumb, insert on cable, release thumb, circle it around and pull it out of the end. The outer seath basically falls out.If it doesnt work, you've probably adjusted it wrong.All those types of tools are known as jokaris here as it blends nice with finnish language (JOKAinen = everyone/everything).

author: DL8RI
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 07:23:09 pm
content: +1 for the Jokari-Knife

author: temmi_hoo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 07:26:05 pm
content: Another type of cable stripping tool is what I as professional electrician use daily:http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/4196d1QatRL.jpgJokari type 15This is great for 8-15mm thick cable outer sheatings and has some rudimentary emergency stripping for the wires inside as well.The sheat knife tools mentioned earlier are great but require careful adjustment and can easily strip the inner wire sheath too.

author: Terabyte2007
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 07:34:49 pm
content: Here are the two I use. Between these, I can do most cables fast and efficient.http://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Industrial-Tools-2078300-Self-Adjusting/dp/B000OQ21CA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387136050&sr=8-2&keywords=automatic+wire+stripperhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032QZMWA/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 07:40:19 pm
content: I use these on heaver gage wire between 18-14 gage. They work pretty well.Irwin, model number 2078300

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 07:54:26 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on December 15, 2013, 07:40:19 pmHow well do they handle the outer jacket on a multi-conductor cable?I use a Pressmaster Embla for single wire, but it doesn't do well on say the outer jacket of an extension cord (3 conductor cable). Just too big for the blades to get hold of enough of it to strip it properly.They do make a couple of other blade cartridges (one for larger wire <upper & lower blades make a V shape>, and another for Teflon), but I've not purchased either to try out. Cheaper with the Teflon blades than say an Ideal Stripmaster for Teflon though (~half the cost, based on US pricing).

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 09:53:20 pm
content: For 75 ohm coax, I have rotary strippers from my days installing satellite TV. For Ethernet cable I use a pair of children's safety scissors. For everything else including large diameter 50 ohm coax for ham radio use, I use a very sharp X-acto knife. I do also have basic wire strippers for single wires. Since I am not doing this stuff regularly, I can't justify spending serious money on tools I will only use occasionally but UMMV.

author: Lunasix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 15, 2013, 10:07:41 pm
content: For electrical cables, this one is perfect, easy to use, can cut in 2 directions. Ref RS : 5417015. A Jokary will only cut 1 direction, and size of cuting is fixed.http://radiospares-fr.rs-online.com/web/p/pinces-a-denuder/5417015/?searchTerm=5417015&relevancy-data=636F3D3126696E3D4931384E525353746F636B4E756D6265724D504E266C753D656E266D6D3D6D61746368616C6C26706D3D5E5C647B367D247C5E5C647B377D247C5E5C647B31307D2426706F3D313426736E3D592673743D52535F53544F434B5F4E554D424552267573743D353431373031352677633D4E4F4E4526

author: abbotsmike
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 12:20:38 am
content: Quote from: Lunasix on December 15, 2013, 10:07:41 pmI've used one of these made by knipex (I think) to a reasonable amount of success. No good on very thin cable (any smaller that 3*1mm is a push from memory) But makes life very easy. If it isn't to hand however, I don't find it so good that I won't just use the knife that's invariably in a pocket.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2013, 12:53:47 am
content: Quote from: nanofrog on December 15, 2013, 07:54:26 pmJust fine up to 3x1.5mm² for round cables, 2.5mm² for flat. Not much use for some of the gigantohuge cables you're forced to use over there.