High Quality Wire Strippers - What To Buy? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 07:53:42 am
content: Greetings EEVBees:--I want to buy a pair of high quality hand operated wire strippers. I think I would probably like one of the types shown below. I do a lot of one off projects; automotive, electronics and appliance work, for family, friends, and profit. Any advice on exactly what type, model and brand to buy would be appreciated.--Several years ago I, stupidly, bought a pair of the first kind, shown below, at Radios Hack, on about the 50th usage one of the arms, the ones you grip in your hand broke off. Can you believe it, they were plastic and not metal, sheesh. Boy did I feel like a fool, for not noticing that the weight was too light. It was not the first tool I bought at RS that broke, but it was the last."Measure twice. Cut once"Norm Abram 1950 -Best RegardsClear Ether

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 08:13:12 am
content: I've bought those kinds of strippers before and I never liked them. I use the el-cheapo ones now...

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 08:19:20 am
content: I quite like this type/style(But i've not tried the RS version of them)

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 09:17:32 am
content: Hi,I have bought the Stripax from weidmuller to do vinyl insulated wire.I have used a few cheap copies but was not really happy.After talking to an old colleague he explained that the weidmuller was the original 30 years ago.It is not cheap but worth the money.I do multiple AWG 23 in one action.If you do Teflon insulated wire look for the stripmaster series.This one has knives to cut the insulation.The holes in the knife are the AWG or metric size. It takes a bit of fiddling to target the correct hole.My 5c of advice

author: alangarf
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 10:22:21 am
content: Quote from: Psi on December 31, 2012, 08:19:20 amI love mine. I've got a pair that's over 10 years old, still works just fine. Only replaced the blades once. At work there are several pairs that regularly do 6mm Radox and also light signal wire no problem. They are the ducks guts IMHO.-A.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 10:47:52 am
content: i bought not long ago this knipex stripperhttp://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1363&groupID=1381im statisfied with it for now but its for only wires, it has problems with cable insulations 3+ conductors its too thick for the cutting depth of the blades with enough force it will strip it, i tried a few shitty insulations with it all removed, didnt try silicone yet i wont cut in half my test leads for thisthe weidmüller one has adjustable depth so it will cut anything

author: peter.mitchell
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 10:56:40 am
content: I'm not sure i get the appeal of wire strippers... can someone enlighten me why a really good pair of cutters won't do? The only thing i use strippers for specifically is coax. I'm genuinely curious.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 10:58:36 am
content: Sarge, the top pic is a knock-off of an Ideal Stripmaster, which works so long as it hasn't been abused.Currently using a Pressmaster Embla and love it (it can even strip Teflon by swapping the cartridge; cheaper than the Teflon version of the Ideal too). No sizing to figure out, just set the strip length stop, stick the wire in, and squeeze the handles (similar to RS model shown).http://www.pressmaster.com/visa_produkt2.asp?id=1367

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 11:01:30 am
content: Quote from: peter.mitchell on December 31, 2012, 10:56:40 amLess chance of nicking or cutting strands from the wire as well as convenience.

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 11:27:34 am
content: I use this one, RS catalog n. 613-044 :http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-strippers/0613044/?searchTerm=613-044&relevancy-data=636F3D3126696E3D4931384E525353746F636B4E756D6265724D504E266C753D656E266D6D3D6D61746368616C6C26706D3D5E5C647B337D5B5C732D2F255C2E2C5D5C647B332C347D2426706F3D313426736E3D592673743D52535F53544F434B5F4E554D424552267573743D3631332D3034342677633D4E4F4E4526Actually, I have the original, model PTS4, made in Italy bt Elcontrol Energy.Be careful: there are many copies from Far East that DO NOT WORK.The original, be it labeled PTS4 or RS, works really well and is cheap.Copies are cheaper, but they do not work.I've used some other, similar tools, and I've discovered that the straight ones (such as the other RS unit posted by Psi) are more fatiguing to the hand and the wrist than the curved (bent) ones.Best regards

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 11:27:46 am
content: I find there is no one best type of strippers - differenr ones work best with different wire types I think I've accumulated about 8 different ones over the years.QuoteFor the odd 1-off I usually uses cutters (flush-cut), as it's not worth the time to find the right strippers, but strippers come into their own once you have lots of wires to strip, and once "lots" becomes tens or hundreds they are a major time-saver.

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 11:57:31 am
content: Per Mike I just use a pair of side-cutters most of the time, but when stripping multi-core cables then here's what I use below.The old set have seen a lot of work over the past 25 years (do you think it's about time I threw them out!).......the new set have a pair of cutters built in......handy!Ian.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 12:42:02 pm
content: I use most of these pretty regularly.On the question of what to buy - a few different cheap ones will probably be more useful than one expensive one.

author: dcel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 02:44:56 pm
content: Ideal Grip-N-Strip™ End Stripper 45-227Best strippers for any work that I have found, highly recommend them.I bought them as an impulse buy and am not sorry, in fact, I own 3 pair and 2 pair of knock-offs of the same type. The knock-offs are cheaper, but no where as good as the Ideals. I use them for automotive work only, the Ideals stay well guarded at home lab and personal tool bag.Chris

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:05:52 pm
content: Quote from: M. András on December 31, 2012, 10:47:52 amKnipex 12 40 200 might be an alternative. It strips also silicone test leads without any problem after adjusting the depth.

author: ElektroQuark
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:07:51 pm
content: Ideal Grip-N-Strip™ End Stripper 45-227Fast search on Google:Amazon. com $22 + Free shippingNewark.com $54FARNELL Spain 80€ + 18€ shippingCrazy.

author: DL8RI
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:11:26 pm
content: I'd also recommend the KNIPEX linked above. For double-insulated wires used for electrical wiring, my recommendation is a Jokari-Knife.Maybe they are not so well known overseas (don't know...), but they are quite handy:http://www.jokari.de/index.php?id=20With this (and a little bit of experience) you can remove the outer insulation from n-Wire-Cables very easily without damaging the wires in 2-3 seconds:

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:12:48 pm
content: Quote from: IanJ on December 31, 2012, 11:57:31 amI had the left one too. It damaged the insulation with its fastening jaws. Therefore I gave it away.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:19:23 pm
content: Quote from: M. András on December 31, 2012, 10:47:52 am+2 for these. I have stripped multiple thousands of wires with these. Hard to believe how good they work.You are in the US so you wont beat Chads tool boxpricing here

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:21:07 pm
content: Quote from: dcel on December 31, 2012, 02:44:56 pmThose strippers are great for thicker wires and power wiring. But they fail on thin wires. Knipex and Jokari offer some high quality ones. Got a Yokari for 15+ years.

author: Kibi
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:28:24 pm
content: These are my favorite ones,they were an impulse buy / needed to spend more to qualify for free shipping.They are quite similar to the Ideal ones but go under the name of Weicon, model No6. They work well for general stuff, not so good on thinner instrument wire though.

author: DL8RI
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:45:50 pm
content: Theese Weicon... are (in my opinion) more "Playmobil" than a "high quality stripper".For my private work I also use one of theese, but "good" is something elseIf I would search something for (semi-)professional use, I would rather buy another...At work I use mostly a Knipex Multistrip 10 an it's far above in terms of quality and durability. Next/This () Year i'm gonna also buy one for my private use.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 04:23:27 pm
content: These are the ones I use. I've used all the fancy automatic ones and all that but I've found that these work very well. They are well made and feel really nice in the hand. You can buy them at Home Depot.There's not much that can fail on a pair like these and they are cheap so I say win win.http://www.amazon.com/Klein-11055-Klein-Kurve-Stripper-Cutter/dp/B00080DPNQ

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 07:17:16 pm
content: I got this stripper that can bend relay good (all the way!) backwards, so it can do business both ways...best one i ever had.. one side takes all sizes and the other one is just for cutting off..The other one is a regular Radioshack, good that one also but don't got the finesse as the Kronus.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 08:22:00 pm
content: Quote from: IanJ on December 31, 2012, 11:57:31 amI use the exact same combination - though I must admit that mine are a mere 15 years old or thereabouts, and haven't seen quite as much use as yours!The one on the left is what I use for thick wires: mains cable, automotive wiring and power cables. The other type I find more suitable for lighter equipment wire. I like the fact that both are self-adjusting.

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 08:48:57 pm
content: Quote from: FenderBender on December 31, 2012, 04:23:27 pmseconded, I use those for 20-30awg. Buy Klein and avoid the knockoffs. Worth the money

author: reagle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 11:05:49 pm
content: Using this set from Digikeyhttp://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/PA70058/PA70058-ND/1991924For $18 you get two :10-22AWG and 20-30AWG

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 01, 2013, 06:16:15 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on December 31, 2012, 03:19:23 pmdo you feel the end stop adjustment a bit problematic sometimes or it will worn in? mine almost pull the lower jaw back when adjusting the end stopbut as far for the body the tool itself it doesnt flex anywhere but the price.. but still cheaper then the weidmüller ones, however they have a nice new one ferrule crimping up to 2.5mm* while cable/wire stripper, partial or full stripping lever

author: billclay
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 05:02:44 am
content: Paladin makes good quality manual strippers. This set will strip from 10-30 AWG.http://www.amazon.com/Paladin-Tools-1123-Stripper-Bundle/dp/B000X4X23U

author: Skimask
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 05:15:04 am
content: I saw the thread title, and immediately thought....Well, it all depends if you're going for a weekend in Vegas or some dump town in northern Montana.Then I remember it was an electronics related forum...

author: LEECH666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 11:13:55 am
content: Quote from: qno on December 31, 2012, 09:17:32 amI own an old Stripmaster that was to be thrown away at one of the companies I worked at. Still works really well. It's equipped with a set of teflon strip blades, but these work well enough for normal wires too.

author: ceamiclover
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 12:23:16 pm
content: Can the KNIPEX MultiStrip 10 strip in the middle of a wire, rather than on the end? I do automotive work and am looking for something that can strip in the middle of up to 24 awg without cutting.thanks.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 01:52:45 pm
content: Quote from: ceamiclover on January 05, 2013, 12:23:16 pmtried it approx 30cm from the end of the wire it tears the insulation apart but its ugly.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 01:56:12 pm
content: Quote from: ceamiclover on January 05, 2013, 12:23:16 pmThat involves pushing the insulation down the entire length of wire. Not going to happen with most insulation. Back to the knife.

author: ftransform
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2013, 02:06:12 pm
content: Quote from: Skimask on January 05, 2013, 05:15:04 amthey will take the insulation off if you do not pay

author: ceamiclover
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 11:51:50 am
content: I have been using these and a pair of irwin's to strip wires in the middle, but these can't do certain 24 gage wires, and the irwin cuts them as often as it strips them.Anyone know of any tool that fairs better in the middle of a wire?https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1221813386432078095?q=gardner%20bender%20auto%20wire%20stripper&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.b2I&bpcl=40096503&biw=1241&bih=620&sa=X&ei=1GTpUO3dMKea2AXBq4DwDA&ved=0CFQQ8wIwAA

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 11:53:44 am
content: Quote from: ceamiclover on January 06, 2013, 11:51:50 amA knife. I'm sorry, but you're not going to be successful with trying to push insulation down a wire like that, you will continually run into problems.

author: ceamiclover
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 12:03:19 pm
content: are you saying on any gage wire, or just 24 awg and smaller? I have no trouble down to 22 awg with these tools. i am just looking for a more precise tool that can do the same job on smaller wires. it doesn't push it the entire length, it just compresses it or breaks some insulation.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2013, 12:07:47 pm
content: Quote from: ceamiclover on January 06, 2013, 12:03:19 pmOn any. Abusing the insulation like that is asking for trouble. Just use a knife, or IPC splices.

author: quarks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 03:06:26 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on December 31, 2012, 11:27:46 amI totally missed this. But I agree to mikeselectricstuff. You unfortunately have to have different types for different wires.These are the tools I use mostly (see picture). On the left for electronic wires and on the right for electrician use.Over the last decades I have bought quite a few of these tools and in my personal ranking, overall the best is the Weidmüller Stripax.

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 10:49:11 pm
content: Greetings EEVBees:--I bought these old Speedex strippers on eBay for $10, shipping included. Most of the time I am stripping multi-strand copper in smaller gauges, so these work very well for that purpose. The GTK strippers are really only good for stripping and cutting solid wire, but with the movable stop they are very fast at cutting and stripping to a selected length.--Thanks all for the great suggestions. Keep them coming."Marconi invented the radio but he had to wait years and years till anything decent was on."Johnny Carson 1925 - 1992Best RegardsClear Ether

author: jnd
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 24, 2013, 11:18:15 pm
content: Quote from: quarks on January 24, 2013, 03:06:26 pmI agree with the Stripax ones, I used them at work and they are great and precise down to the smallest patch wires for PCB track repairs, some cheaper imitations just don't work on the smallest diameters and it's PITA doing it by hand, such tiny wires break off easily. If you need them regularly then it's worth the investment.

author: PeterG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 08:57:33 pm
content: These strippers have the golden 0.9mm witch is ideal for most electronic signal wires.http://dx.com/p/professional-wire-stripping-tool-6618Note the Blue handles. There are several different colors each with its own set of sizes.The only downside is DX seem to be the only place that sells them so you will need to be patient. (DX are not known for rapid service)Regards

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 03, 2013, 10:21:37 pm
content: Dear PeterG:--Interesting find, I will bookmark it and research further to see what sizes are available. If they have one that will do really small wires, I will buy one. I am also interested in the Digital 150 mm calipers, as I am getting tired of measuring small capacitors with a metal ruler. Thanks"Measure twice. Cut once"Norm Abram 1950 -Best RegardsClear Ether

author: cloudscapes
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 12:22:19 am
content: I've just gotten used to using wire cutters. after a few years, I think I've got the knack down pretty well. no accidental cutting, no need for more than 1 swipe, etc..

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 04, 2013, 01:27:50 am
content: After 45 years I still use cutters for almost everything. I'm going to pick up a set of these and try them though. It says they will work down to 22 and it looks like they might work in the center of the wire as long as the insulation will slide. Check out the video.http://www.irwin.com/tools/pliers-adjustable-wrenches/self-adjusting-wire-stripperUpdate:OK, I was out today and picked up a pair. They seem to work very well. Don't need to pick a hole as they size automatically. The design allows them to easily slip over the middle of a wire. Tried them on 22 gauge, 18 gauge, and some silicone test lead wire. No problems on any. If you take a look at the red 18 gauge wire in the middle you will see they had no problem striping a bare section in the middle of the wire. I did it with the ends cut flush first and it did not push the insulation beyond the wire on either end. I then striped the ends. I think these should work just fine for striping a section of automobile wire in the middle. Gauge range looks like it will work with most rubber or plastic plastic type insulation from 10 down to 22 gauge. Have not tried it on teflon insulated wire yet.

author: Fezder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2013, 09:22:16 am
content: I use the following, too bad, i have to buy mew ones, brother butchered my exsisting ones by attempting to cut hardened nail with them....http://www.toolreviews.ca/reviews_hand_tools/Ideal_45120_wirestripper/Ideal_45120_800.JPGthe following i use for smaller stuff, they are yet so far intacthttp://gsmserver.com/nfs/product/8912/image/500/Precision-Wire-Stripper-Pro-sKit-8PK-3001D.jpg

author: ivaylo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2013, 04:30:05 am
content: Got one of these a month ago -http://www.frys.com/product/1563227.It really does 28AWG. Never used these fancy ones before. What I love the most about this one is that it can do ribbon cable as well.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2013, 08:21:47 am
content: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=121076618773#ht_5614wt_1139SLJ: those type of strippers are sold under tons of different brand namesI've got a pair from the above link, as well as some of the ones in the first post. These work well for most larger sized cable. Sometimes on the smaller stuff it can pull some of the conductors out if you don't set the tension knob correctly. Also the bit that grips the cable has serrated teeth that can damage the insulation. For really small gauge wire you need to use the "cheap" non automatic type.If I had to pick one, it would be the type in the ebay link simply because it can do such a wide variety of sizes. Best option is to get one of each type. They're dirt cheap to buy from China if you can't afford to buy nice quality stuff (as in Knipex etc that aren't just rebranded more expensive versions of the same chinese tools...).I'm quite a big fan of Engineer Japan tools. Got a set of PA-09, PA-21, and PA-01 tools that cover just about every crimping job I need.

author: dexters_lab
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2013, 09:53:47 pm
content: Have 3 pairs of these and they are awesome, the only thing they struggle with is solid core cat 5http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/cable-strippers/3822847/

author: leno
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 02:20:57 am
content: i think knipex are worth a shothttp://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=groups&parentID=1298&groupID=1363

author: vk6zgo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 02:32:04 am
content: Quote from: SLJ on February 04, 2013, 01:27:50 amI'm the same!Usually,at work,there was one good wire stripper among a bunch of Techs,so you were lucky to get your hands on it,so I learnt to just "suck it up: & use sidecutters!Now I'm retired,maybe I should get a good set of strippers,

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 02:32:33 am
content: Pressmaster Embla (sold under other names as well, such as Xcelite and Wiha).Video of how it works

author: Hardcorefs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 07:19:45 am
content: Klippon Stripax.I have a set that have been used for 25 years and they are still going strong, yep they were expensive but I cannot fault the quality

author: Fezder
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 08:27:04 am
content: i personally prefer sharp knife over sidecutters.....just personal preferring, i was/am carpenter before EE studying, so knife is like multi-tool to me...

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 08:59:21 am
content: i prefer the knipex one cos its self adjusting i even managed to strip a cat5e wire whit it without damaging the conductor

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 10:02:37 am
content: Top to bottom:Blue ratcheted insulated crimperEngineer PA-21 / Engineer PA-09 / Yellow Coax/Cat5 stripperBlue ratcheted RJ12/45 crimper / Engineer PA-01 / Yellow $1 Cat5/6 stripper & punchdown toolAltima/Excelta cutters (get a decent set of these if you buy any good tools) / One of the above automatic strippers6point Wire Ferrule Crimper / Automatic Stripper small gauges / Automatic stripper medium gaugesThe Engineer PA-01 (white) is super handy as it does insulated and non-insulated crimps, crimps with the two-part wire and sheath foldover wings, bolt cutting, wire stripping etc.Apart from the excelta cutters and engineer stuff, its all made in china spec. Blue ratcheting crimpers were <$15 delivered. Coax stripper was a few $, the punchdown/stripper for ethernet cabling are a buck a piece. I think I pretty much have all my stripping and crimping needs covered. There's a big hydraulic hex crimper somewhere that does up to 70mm^2 cable. It's very handy to have the tools to do everything even if you don't think you'll use it much. If you do find yourself using one heaps, then you can feel confident spending $50-100 on a good brand one knowing it'll be worthwhile. I just can't justify $100 on an RJ45 crimper when I'll only use it occasionally (and this one actually works really well).

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 10:23:32 am
content: its off topic but anyone have a few part number for crimping tools for molex and like connectors from the 2.54mm pitch ones(fan header) to the larger minifit and like connectors, i dislike their ratcheting tools for the price they ask for it and only do 1 type of connector you have to buy another one for the other family

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 10:33:54 am
content: I use the PA-09's above to do the KK series of Molex headers (ie 3pin and 4pin CPU fans).They do an application chart:http://www.engineer.jp/en/products/pa09_20applicatn_chart.htmlShow's which type are best served by what tool. You have to do the wire crimp and the insulation crimp in separate steps but that's the price you pay for flexibility.

author: M. András
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2013, 12:17:51 pm
content: so its basicly the same as these profiles for plug connectors?

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 06:15:36 am
content: I love those mid priced Japanese made Engineer stuff, the are very innovative and quality wise is good.

author: krivx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 10:57:30 am
content: If I were to buy one of those Engineer tools from Rakuten, which to go for? It looks like the PA-20 covers the most ground.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2013, 12:35:52 pm
content: PA-21s if you mainly crimp 2.54mm 0.1" or larger type connectors. PA-20's are very similar but have a bit wider die which might be useful. Don't think there's much difference.PA-09s do 2.54mm 0.1" and below nicely. Definitely the ones to get if you do really tiny crimps like the mini JST type on lipos etc. These are more inclined for small power electronics whereas the 20/21s are for electrical/higher power electronic.I tend to use the PA-09s the most. It's the first set I bought with the PA-21 being purchased much later.

author: Shale
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2013, 03:02:34 am
content: I have a set of klein automatic wire strippers and electrician scissors. I love them both. i work with both every day in the field, and at home for hobby stuff.

author: cwalex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2013, 04:44:59 am
content: Hi Shale,I'm curious what the scissors are used for, I have a pair of heavy duty scissors and only really used them so far for cutting things I would normally use regular scissors for like paper and card, a few rare occasions I have used them to cut ribbon cable. The klein tools look niceCheers,Alex

author: wb3fsr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2013, 05:21:27 am
content: The heavy duty scissors are excellent for trimming braid/shield wire when making RF connectors.BNC's, N's PL's etc...PeterV

author: danjenkins
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 12:32:25 am
content: Weidmuller would be my first choice. They are made in Germany with highest quality. They are a bit expensive though.http://www.clrwtr.com/PDF/Weidmuller/Weidmuller-Stripping-Tools.pdf

author: Dago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 12:28:12 pm
content: Quote from: nanofrog on April 01, 2013, 02:32:33 amI have these branded as Würth. They were quite expensive (120€ or so), thankfully I got them as a present.I'd say they are great. Only complaint I have is that they don't seem to work well on really thin wire (like for bodging PCBs) but I doubt they are even specified to do that.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 02:33:00 pm
content: Quote from: cwalex on April 05, 2013, 04:44:59 amI use a pair of round tip children's safety scissors to remove the insulation on CAT 5 cable and then use them to trim with wires evenly.

author: London Lad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 02:50:59 pm
content: I've used nearly every one of the strippers shown in this thread over the last 40 years but none work as well as these:http://www.facom.com/Facom/webcatalogue/facom/fiches-produit/sku_html/en/985761_en.html

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 03:12:15 pm
content: Wow, never saw that mechanism style, how much are they?

author: London Lad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 03:17:21 pm
content: Expensive, about £90 street price, but 100% reliable every cut / strip.I have one pair that is about 15 years old and a newer pair. Both work the same and I've never replaced blades or had to service them.

author: Vgkid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 03:39:05 pm
content: They are $170 at Allied(not in stock) or $250 at Newark( only 4 in uk stock).

author: John Coloccia
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 18, 2014, 04:24:25 pm
content: IMHO, the best strippers are thermal strippers. I have a Hakko thermal stripper. Second best, IMHO, is this style:http://www.newark.com/duratool-formerly-from-spc/3613/wire-stripper-30awg-to-10awg-127mm/dp/84N1038?MER=PPSO_N_P_Wire_NoneI have about a half dozen in my shop, labelled for different gauges. There are lots of people that don't like these because they say it cuts the wire, but that's nonsense. Setup properly, you never get anywhere near the wire. It just scores the insulation, you tug and it breaks off neatly and cleanly without touching the wire at all. They're cheap and they work very reliably.The other contraptions are interesting, but you have to buy a very high quality one, with high quality dies, and for that price you should just buy a thermal stripper IMHO.

author: HP-ILnerd
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 19, 2014, 03:07:12 am
content: Agree on the thermal strippers.I got an Ideal Thermo-Strip on ebay for $65 (!) complete with a whole bunch of spare tips. If you keep an eye peeled, and are patient, it's amazing what can show up being sold as surplus. Mine looks new too--not a mark on it. It's ace on really fine gauge wire. No nicks!

author: Electro Fan
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2014, 05:40:33 am
content: Quote from: billclay on January 05, 2013, 05:02:44 amOnly about a year late to this threadI have had good experience with Paladin.Question: this set says the strippers are good for both solid and stranded wires - other products I've seen indicate you need different strippers for solid vs. stranded? What's the story on this? Are two different types of strippers needed for solid and stranded? Thanks

author: VK3DRB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2014, 06:20:06 am
content: Tronex 7111 side cutters which are ESD safe too. The best ever for snipping component leads and cutting wire! They just never seen to go blunt. I have a pair and I have introduced them everywhere I have worked in the last decade. They also work great for cutting fingernails when no-one is looking.For Aussies, Mektronics is Melbourne sells them - sometimes on special for around $60 or so. It is a very good investment.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2014, 09:49:23 am
content: Get Behind Me Satan.... oh wait, you said wire strippers not white stripes!Whatever cuts it!