How do I maintain my wire stripper?

Maintain your wire stripper by keeping it clean, lubricating moving parts as needed, and routinely checking for rust, damage, or wear-and-tear. Replace worn or damaged parts to ensure optimal performance.

11 Best Wire Strippers Right Now | Buyer’s Guide And Reviews

Time is money!

So, in case you have been on the internet for the past hour searching for the perfect wire stripper buying guide, you have landed on the right page.

Finding good wire strippers is quite a task, and apart from your needs, other factors also deem important, such as choosing between manual and automatic wire strippers, or the material you’re planning to work on.

Thus, to make your life easier, we have come up with a comprehensive list of wire strippers, and also a buyer’s guide for all those who want to know how to make your choices.

Read on and fill your workspace with the precise tools.

Best Wire Strippers

Here is the list of the 11 best wire strippers that you can use to quickly and easily strip various wires of different sizes.

1. IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper - Best for Professionals

We have reserved the numero-uno spot on this list for IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper as it incorporates all the latest innovations to meet your daily needs. The product comes with a lifetime guarantee and can be a great choice if you are looking for a premium-quality, durable, self-adjusting model.

Sale

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper, 2 inch Jaw, Cuts 10-24 AWG,...

SELF-ADJUSTING: Strip wire from 10 to 24 AWG with our...
ADJUSTABLE STOPPER: Control the length of the core strip...

Experience

As per our experience, one of the most impressive features of the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper is its swivel knob. This knob allows you to make micro-adjustments for cutting gauges even smaller than 20 AWG.

As the name suggests, the self-adjusting jaws of the stripper measure the cutting and stripping depth perfectly. It takes away only the upper sheath of the coating, never damaging the metal itself. Additionally, it has a plier nose that you can use to loop and pull the wires.

The wire stripper is equipped with induction-hardened edges for accurate and measured cuts. It cleanly removes the rubber casting of the exterior cable exposing the secondary layers of copper wires of the inner casting and requires just a slight pressure to operate.

Also, we really liked its ProTouch grip feature. When you use the product for two-three hours straight, the soft and smooth ProTouch grip ensures your hands don’t get tired while working. The user-friendly design also reduces weariness and, as a result, lets you work efficiently, for prolonged periods of time.

However, on the flip side, we found it to be unsuitable for tougher and thicker insulations, and one of the Amazon shoppers reported of a pinched finger while working on stiff wire coatings.

Pros

Has a built-in adjustable stopper to control the core strip
Smooth stripping as well as crimping
Works perfectly on non-insulated, insulated, and ignition terminals
Has a swivel knob for micro-adjusting smaller gauges
Comes with a lifetime guarantee

Cons

The tension of the measurement gauge needs to be adjusted before each use
Don’t work for tougher insulations of over 32 gauge

Dimensions: 9.84" x 3.15" x 8.66" | Weight: 6.4oz | Stripping Capacity: 10 to 24 AWG | Auto Self-Adjusting: Yes | Ergonomic: Yes

2. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool Wire Strippers 8-inch - Best Multi-Functional Tool

Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Stripper is one of the most efficient and versatile strippers of its kind. This all-in-one tool lets you perform a wide variety of wire-altering tasks like crimping, cutting, stripping, bending, and looping wires.

Sale

IRWIN VISE-GRIP 8-Inch Multi-Tool Stripper with 8-Inch...

Bundle includes: Irwin Industrial Tools 2078300 8-Inch...
Both tools feature durable nickel chromium steel...

Experience

Though upon first glance, the multi-purpose tool features a complex design but, let us tell you that it’s remarkably easy to use. The versatility of functions allows you to use the strippers in different applications.

Besides using the tool for just stripping the wires, you can also use its quick-release locks, bolt cutters, built-in crimpers, and the plier-styled nose for pulling and looping wires. This wire stripper also showcases an advanced level of construction. It is made up of high-quality materials, which ensures durability and reliability beyond expectations.

Also, like most Irwin appliances, the wire stripper consists of comfortable textured handles with an easy-grip design. Thus, the tool can be used extensively without causing strain, fatigue, or injury. Its ergonomic design will help you complete work faster and with more precision. It has fantastic maneuverability and strips and cuts 10-22 AWG with great efficiency.

However, some users reported that they faced problems while using the tool on larger wires.

Pros

The wire cutter comes with induction-hardened cutting edges
It is extremely durable, and the blades stay sharp for many years
You can strip and cut 10-22 AWG wires with precision
You will be able to pull and loop the wires using the plier-style nose
Bolt cutter cuts bolts to precise size and leaves perfect lead thread

Cons

The stripper isn’t much effective with large wires.
You need to pull the levers open after every use.

Dimensions: N/A | Weight: N/A | Stripping Capacity: 10 to 24 AWG | Auto Self-Adjusting: Yes | Ergonomic: Yes

3. Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter - Best for Small Wires

The next recommendation we have for you is the Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter. If you want to buy a wire stripper that focuses on accuracy and precision, this tool can be your best choice. It is specially made for working on thin and small wires and is smaller and more compact than most of the wire strippers out there.

Klein Tools 11057 Wire Cutter / Wire Stripper, Heavy Duty...

Cuts, strips and loops 20-30 AWG Solid and 22-32 AWG...
Precision ground stripping holes

Experience

This compactly designed tool can be an ideal choice for beginners and professionals alike when it comes to stripping small, thin wires that demand extra care and precision. Also, Klien provides no less than nine separate type and size options, so there will be no problem in finding a model that meets your exact requirements.

Unlike large wire strippers that produce much more force than required to strip small wires, Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper provides smooth, accurate cuts. It removes 20-30 AWG Solid and 22-32 AWG Stranded wires accurately without damaging the cable, which in turn reduces the chances of mistakes.

It features a rubber handle and grooved grips for ease of use and can be used by people with all hand sizes. Also, the product is made of high-quality, durable materials that deliver smooth and reliable functioning for years.

Besides its improved quality materials, what really impressed us was its top-notch design and construction style. We also liked the coil spring that provides a reliable and swift self-opening action.

The tool consists of an adjustable head that you can scale down to any size according to the wire you are working on. There’s a small wheel on the unit that allows you to manually adjust the tension, making smaller strip jobs possible.

However, it doesn’t work that well with heavier gauges. So, in case you mostly work with a heavier gauge, you should look for other alternatives.

But, the positive side over here is that the product does work on certain heavier Romex wires. We tested it with Romex wires of sizes 14/2 and 12/2 and saw it produce impressive results.

This versatile tool also includes a built-in wire cutter and a built-in looper, which features clear markings to help you operate it with ease.

Pros

Strong-gripping nose for shaping, bending, & pulling the wire
Precise and accurate cutting holes
Can be used for shearing 6-32/ 8-32 screws
Coil spring for fast self-opening action
Easy-to-read markings for accurate results

Cons

In some models, the gauge holes are not entirely accurate

Dimensions: 12" x 4.5" x 4.5" | Weight: 5.1oz | Stripping Capacity: 20 to 30 AWG (Solid Wires), 22 to 32 (Stranded Wires) | Auto Self-Adjusting: No | Ergonomic: Yes

4. Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter - Best Budget Option

This colorful and attractive wire stripper is apt for automotive and electrical repairs. It works perfectly on a single-conductor wire and comes with an adjustable stop, which helps you adjust the consistency of the length of the wire strip. You will be able to strip all sizes of wires using the Knoweasy automatic wire stripper.

Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter,Heavy Duty Wire...

✅【Stripping Size Range:】Awesome stripping wire tool...
✅【High Quality Material:】Made of steel strips and...

Experience

If you are looking for a handy wire cutter at an affordable price range, we highly recommend you buy the Knoweasy Automatic stripper and cutter.

The unique combination of glass fiber nylon and steel strips makes the product extremely lightweight and compact as compared to most of its competitors. Apart from portraying an innovative combination of durable materials, the product also features an advanced level of construction.

This cleverly designed tool can deal with cables of all types and sizes without any complicated adjustment. When being used, the tool provides enough power and maneuverability to strip extensive lengths of wire quickly and efficiently.

However, we noticed that it doesn’t deliver desired results if you use it on slippery Teflon surfaces.

Pros

Adjustable stop for consistent stripping diameter
Replaceable blade system
Adjustment dial for maintaining blade pressure as per insulation thickness
Comes with a 12-month warranty

Cons

Isn’t that great for working on harder slippery Teflon insulations

Dimensions: 19" x 9" x 4.2" | Weight: 7.2oz | Stripping Capacity: 14 to 24 AWG | Auto Self-Adjusting: No | Ergonomic: Yes

5. Neiko 01924A 3-in-1 Automatic Wire Stripper - Best 3-in-1 Tool

This 3 in 1 automatic wire stripper from Neiko surely deserves a special mention in this list due to its gripping teeth that are specifically engineered for precise and accurate cuts. It also consists of an in-built thumb wheel that micro-adjusts the jaw tension and makes room for more accurate stripping.

Sale

NEIKO 01924A 3-in-1 Automatic Wire Stripper, Cutter, and...

WIRE STRIPPER: This wire cutter and crimper tool is the...
WIRE CUTTING & CRIMPING: This electrical tool has...

Experience

It surely does become challenging to live up to the buyer’s expectations once you put the tag “three-in-one” in the very name of your product. Fortunately, we have no qualms saying, Neiko certainly delivers what it promises.

It takes out the guesswork of adjusting the blades according to the thickness of the insulation every time. It automatically selects the correct tension for holding the wire, without damaging the fine wires, while pulling the insulation away.

One just needs to place the wire between its two jaws and use the flip-up stopper to select the required wire length, then gently squeeze to get the work done.

We were especially impressed by the spring-loaded handle of this device, which helps you conveniently strip the wires without straining your hand. It has heat-treated, sharp blades, measuring half an inch, that cleanly cut through 10-24 gauge wires. And, it also includes a micro-adjustment wheel for stripping smaller gauge wires beyond 20 AWG.

What’s also impressive is that it gives you the opportunity to crimp wires like a pro! The handle-integrated crimping teeth are capable of crimping 4-22 AWG wire, 7-8 mm auto-ignited terminals, and 4-22 non-insulated wire smoothly.

It also includes a color-coded guide for insulated wires to guide you through the overall process.

Pros

Crimps insulated, non-insulated as well as auto ignited terminals
Has sharp spring-loaded jaws
The heat-treated cutting blades enable precise cutting
Has a comfortable handle design

Cons

Does not come with a warranty

Dimensions: 10" x 1" x 4" | Weight: 12.8oz | Stripping Capacity: 10 to 24 AWG (Copper & Aluminum Cables) | Auto Self-Adjusting: Yes | Ergonomic: Yes

6. Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter Wire Strippers

This easy-to-use wire stripper is completely padded with soft cushioned handles that are curved in a “dolphin style” for the best grip. It comes with a top-notch internal spring system coupled with precision blades that provide a smooth cut every time, while the springs play their part to reduce operator fatigue.

Sale

Hakko-CHP-170 Micro Cutter - Red

Flush-cut micro soft-wire cutter has 8mm long jaw with...
21-degree

Experience

While testing the product, we were particularly pleased to see that Hakko has not compromised on the quality of its products over the years. This wire stripper has a sturdy body made up of 2.5mm heat-treated carbon steel that ensures durability and lasts for a long time. Also, it has a “parkerized surface” that strongly resists corrosion and also prevents glare.

Hakko offers CHP 170 micro soft-wire cutter that effortlessly handles terminal wires up to 16 gauge (1.3mm). It also has non-slip grips that provide control and comfort, whereas the dolphin-style handles protect the hand from its cutting surfaces.

We loved the internal spring system that facilitates easy functioning as it returns the tool to its original default position after each cut, eliminating the need to apply much manual effort. This allows you to work for prolonged hours without tiring your hand.

The wire stripper features 8mm long jaws, and as an added advantage, the jaws are set at a 21-degree angle that makes way for fast cutting. Another excellent feature of precision-ground holes and surfaces provides smooth movement.

Pros

Angled head for smooth-cutting of 16 gauge copper wire
Has a 2.5mm heat-treated carbon steel construction
Hassle-free spring system provides smooth movement
Dolphin-style non-slip hand grips for comfort and control

Cons

Prolonged use on steel wires tends to dull the blades sometimes

Dimensions: 5.9" x 3.6" x 0.8" | Weight: 0.64oz | Stripping Capacity: Up to 16 Gauge (Copper & Soft Wires) | Auto Self-Adjusting: No | Ergonomic: Yes

7. WGGE WG-015 Professional Multi-Tool Wire Stripper

WGGE wire strippers are not only effective and durable but are elegantly designed in a bright mix of red and black that adds an extra note of elegance to your toolbox. Also, if you are looking for a cheap yet sturdy wire stripper that will last a few years, this can be an excellent option to consider.

Sale

WGGE WG-015 Professional 8-inch Wire Stripper/wire crimping...

✅ 8 inch Professional Wire Stripper: Cuts, strips wire and...
✅ Easy To Use: Strong-gripping serrated nose for easy...

Experience

Many a time, we end up paying hundreds of dollars for just a 10-minute job like mending a fuse or replacing a wire or two of the family heirloom lamp. But with the WGGE professional wire stripper in your toolbox, you will be able to save your hard-earned money and fix those cables yourself, like a true professional.

Let us tell you that the one aspect of this wire stripper that caught our attention was the precision of its cutting holes. The blades are made of durable carbon alloy steel that accurately cuts, loops, and strips 10-22AWG solid copper wire as well as 0.6MM-2.0MM aluminum cables.

And needless to say, we tested the handle for two hours straight to determine its ease of use, and we can assure you it lived up to all our expectations. We found the product to be ergonomically designed with a PP+TPR material for optimal force transmission. It also felt comfortable in the hand even after extensive use.

Also, it’s just 8 inches in size and weighs 8.2 ounces, which makes it lightweight. So, it’s an apt tool for older people with arthritis or bone-generating diseases.

Pros

The serrated nose is easy for bending, shaping, and pulling wires
Great appearance with an easy-to-handle design for a lesser effort
Accurate stripping with lifetime durability
Crimps both insulated and non-insulated terminals accurately
Pros

Cons

None that caught our attention

Dimensions: 9.84" x 5.91" x 1.97" | Weight: 7.8oz | Stripping Capacity: 10 to 22 AWG (Solid Copper Wires & Aluminum Cables) | Auto Self-Adjusting: No | Ergonomic: Yes

8. Capri Tools 20011 Wire Stripper and Cutter

After reviewing multiple wire strippers, we have come to the conclusion that the Capri 20011 automatic is the best one for working on strong and tight wires. Its user-friendly stripping blades self adjusts to different gauges automatically, and the pistol-shaped design makes this tool remarkably comfortable to work with.

Sale

Capri Tools 20011 Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter

This automatic wire stripper has a narrow profile, allowing...
The stripping blades automatically self-adjust to different...

Experience

The automatic gripping mechanism of the tool is genuinely appreciable. The very shape of the handle ensures that one can exert pressure without much effort, which reduces the strain you would normally feel from this type of work.

Though it doesn’t have a rubber handle like the other ones on the list, the pistol-shaped design, and automated grip allow you to work quickly and precisely on various types of cables. You can strip wires from 24-10 AWG with just a single pulling motion, and the built-in wire cutter will completely remove the section of the cable smoothly.

The tool is also convenient to hold and is made of plastic and steel, which makes it lightweight (it weighs just 4 ounces) and is easy to use. This stripper-cum-cutter is a highly versatile product and comes with a stylish and user-friendly design that makes it easy to maneuver.

In short, this one is a must-have for any electrician who wants to finish their job quickly and effortlessly.

Pros

The stripper self-adjusts to different gauges
Strips 24-10 AWG wires effortlessly and consistently
The ergonomic design is effective for stripping tight wires

Cons

Does not have a crimper
Does not have rubber-coated handles

Dimensions: 10.25" x 5" x 1" | Weight: 5.6oz | Stripping Capacity: 10 to 24 AWG (Solid & Stranded Wires) | Auto Self-Adjusting: Yes | Ergonomic: Yes

9. CHANNELLOCK 957 7" Ergonomic Handle Wire Stripping Tool

You can rest assured that your wire strippers will deliver top-notch performance for many years to come when you buy them from Channellock. This cable cutter is made up of long-lasting, hardened steel, and is capable of withstanding a fair amount of wear and tear.

Sale

CHANNELLOCK 957 7" Ergonomic Handle Wire Stripping Tool

Strips 10-20 AWG wire
Precision ground cutter

Experience

We felt that the most admirable aspect of this wire cutter is its scissor-type blades, which are precision-ground and specially heat-treated to hold their edge. This ensures the blades stay sharp even after rough use and helps you to strip wires with absolute precision and accuracy every time.

Also, to make it user-intuitive, the handles are adorned with laser markings embossed in the metal. It’s equipped with a comfortable rubber grip that is suitable for all hand sizes and strengths and almost doesn’t fatigue your hand at all.

Additionally, it consists of a lean plier nose that makes it easy for the users to pull and loop wires whenever necessary.

Pros

Has an ergonomic rubber grip handle for comfortable handling
The product is reasonably priced
It is capable of cutting, stripping, as well as crimping
Has a lean plier nose for pulling and looping wires

Cons

Some users reported faulty latches
Can only be used for mid-level gauges

Dimensions: 10.2" x 3" x 0.8" | Weight: 2.4oz | Stripping Capacity: 10 to 18 AWG (Solid Wires), 12 to 20 AWG (Stranded Wires) | Auto Self-Adjusting: No | Ergonomic: Yes

10. Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter and Stripper

Like all Klein tools, this wire stripper is made up of premium-quality materials that deliver significant performance, ensuring precision and durability. It also lasts for a long time due to its heavy-duty design that also includes an Ecoat corrosion-resistant finish.

Sale

Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter / Wire Stripper, Heavy Duty...

Wire Stripper and Cutter cuts and strips 8-20 AWG solid and...
Compound action stripping: grip and strip via single-action...

Experience

Klein manufactures high-quality tools that live up to the expectations and demands of the professionals and, as always, has not failed to impress us this time as well. You will be able to cut and strip stranded wires between 10 and 22 AWG and 8 to 20 AWG-sized solid wires smoothly. It doesn't damage the inner layers of the copper wire in any way.

Adding to the convenience of the users, it has an automatic spring system that is capable of removing an entire inch of insulation with just a single motion.

Also, the tension loader makes it easy to operate, and you won’t require to clamp the wires with excessive force, which in turn, helps to avoid breakage of the wires. The precision mechanized stripper blades of this tool help you to strip smaller gauge wires as well, ensuring just a minimal amount of damage.

Pros

Cuts and strips 8-20 AWG solid and 10-22 AWG stranded wire
Enables compound action stripping with a single-action squeezing motion
Easily removes insulation without damaging the wire
Tension loaded wire grip gently holds the cable and retains cable geometry
Cast alloy chassis and heavy-duty Ecoat resist corrosion

Cons

A little expensive
Doesn’t come with a warranty

Dimensions: 6.63" x 4" x 1.2" | Weight: 12oz | Stripping Capacity: 8 to 20 AWG (Solid Wires), 10 to 22 AWG (Stranded Wires) | Auto Self-Adjusting: Yes | Ergonomic: Yes

11. Milwaukee 48-22-3079 6-In-One Combination

Finally, we have arrived at the last recommendation of our list of the ‘best wire strippers’. We have decided to conclude it with this elegant and versatile 6-in-1 multi-functional wire stripping tool. There’s no point wasting your hard-earned money in buying six different tools when you can just opt for the one that alone does the job of six, and does it even better. Right?

Milwaukee 48-22-3079 6-In-One Combination Wire Stripping and...

WIRE STRIPPING: Strip 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 gauge bare...
LOOP MAKING: Two holes in the center of the unit will accept...

Experience

Milwaukee is an electrician’s multi-tool. It has provisions for bolt and screw cutting, allows you to strip wires, helps you to make loops, aids reaming, and has a curved cutting blade for stripping much larger wires than the template allows.

It has accurate markings embossed in steel which makes it super handy for wire stripping that requires precise and close-in work. It covers a wide range of wire sizes and allows you to strip 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18-gauge bare wire and 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20-gauge stranded wires.

Another feature that deserves special mention is its ability to cut through #6 and #8 bolts to whichever length you prefer. Also, the head design helps you to smooth Metal Pipe edges from 1/2 inch to 1 inch.

If you are on the lookout for a small tool that does a handful of things but doesn’t want to spend a lot of money, this one is an excellent option.

Pros

A 6-in-one tool at an affordable price range
Locking mechanism keeps the tool locked when not in use
Spring-loaded for easy opening
Rust protection layer reduces corrosion

Cons

The stripping is not exactly accurate but mediocre
Is not rubber coated which results in loose grips

Dimensions: 9.84" x 3.54" x 0.39" | Weight: 10.2oz | Stripping Capacity: 8 to 18 Gauge (Bare Wires), 10 to 20 Gauge (Stranded Wires) | Auto Self-Adjusting: No | Ergonomic: Yes

Best Wire Stripper Comparison Table

Product	Dimensions	Weight	Stripping Capacity	Auto Self-Adjusting	Ergonomic
IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300	‎9.84" x 3.15" x 8.66"	‎6.4oz	10 to 24 AWG	Yes	Yes
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool Wire Strippers	N/A	N/A	10 to 24 AWG	Yes	Yes
Klein Tools 11057	‎12" x 4.5" x 4.5"	‎5.1oz	20 to 30 AWG (Solid Wires), 22 to 32 (Stranded Wires)	No	Yes
Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper & Cutter	‎19" x 9" x 4.2"	‎7.2oz	14 to 24 AWG	No	Yes
Neiko 01924A	‎10" x 1" x 4"	‎12.8oz	10 to 24 AWG (Copper & Aluminum Cables)	Yes	Yes
Hakko CHP-170	5.9" x 3.6" x 0.8"	0.64oz	Up to 16 Gauge (Copper & Soft Wires)	No	Yes
WGGE WG-015	‎9.84" x 5.91" x 1.97"	‎7.8oz	10 to 22 AWG (Solid Copper Wires & Aluminum Cables)	No	Yes
Capri Tools 20011	‎10.25" x 5" x 1"	‎5.6oz	10 to 24 AWG (Solid & Stranded Wires)	Yes	Yes
CHANNELLOCK 957	‎10.2" x 3" x 0.8"	‎2.4oz	10 to 18 AWG (Solid Wires), 12 to 20 AWG (Stranded Wires)	No	Yes
Klein Tools 11063W	‎6.63" x 4" x 1.2"	‎12oz	8 to 20 AWG (Solid Wires), 10 to 22 AWG (Stranded Wires)	Yes	Yes
Milwaukee 48-22-3079	‎9.84" x 3.54" x 0.39"	‎10.2oz	8 to 18 Gauge (Bare Wires), 10 to 20 Gauge (Stranded Wires)	No	Yes

Buying Guide For The Best Wire Stripper

Just knowing the 11 best wire strippers is only half the game won! You must have noticed that there are various kinds of wire strippers available in the market, and each has its own unique specification. And more often than not, it becomes extremely challenging to pick the right kind of tool given the gamut of choices.

This handy guide will provide some valuable insight to help you determine what you should be looking for while you shop for your wire stripper.

Here are some of the factors you should be looking at while choosing the best one for your job:

Wire gauge

The first and foremost criterion of buying a wire stripper is having a fair idea of the type of gauge you’re going to strip. The term ‘gauge’ is generally used to determine the diameter of the wire. This means the lower the gauge size, the bigger its diameter and thus the bigger the wire. And, on the contrary, the larger gauge size means a smaller wire diameter, and therefore the smaller the wire.

So, if you are buying the tool for a specific project, carefully analyze the specific size of gauge you’ll be working with to pick the best one for your job.

Type of cable

Besides the gauge, you must also have a clear understanding of the insulation type of the cable you’ll be cutting i.e., whether they are stranded, solid, sheathed, or unsheathed. Often, thick cables are comprised of different types of materials that can be hard to strip if you do not use the right tool.

For example, a Coaxial has a very thin wire at its core, but the wire is surrounded by three layers made of different types of materials, each of which has its own thickness and strengths. It is advisable to buy one that covers a range of 12 to 26 AWG to efficiently and easily work with thicker as well as thin wires.

Safety and comfort of the grip

You must keep in mind that the best grip is not just about preventing slippage while handling the tool. You will be ultimately stripping wires to conduct live electricity. So, you must check whether the handles are insulated with rubber properly, and if the stripper is made of non-conductive materials.

Even if these non-conductive models cost a little more, a protective pair could literally be a lifesaver in case something goes wrong while working. Also, we have observed that most electricians tend to overlook the aspect of comfort while choosing their strippers.

But, if you do not buy one that provides comfort to your hands, you are likely to get fatigued, which will result in mistakes during the operation. So, in case the project demands you to work for long hours, you’ll want to buy a wire stripper with contoured handles for comfortable use.

Construction

You must check the build quality carefully. While some wire strippers are made up of materials that are more prone to rust and corrosion, there are plenty of options that are anti-corrosive and rust-proof.

Also, the strong and elastic cables or wires put a strain on any wire stripper, and it suffers wear and tear, no matter how great the quality. So, you must take note of factors like the adjustability of the cutting surfaces and whether or not the blades can be sharpened from time to time.

Durability and cost-efficiency

Lastly, considering everything we’ve suggested till now, it might make sense to just go for the most expensive one available on the market to get the quality right. Though it’s a good rule of thumb, we believe it’s even better and smarter to know the specifications you should be looking for before you settle on how much you need to spend.

Basic models are a lot cheaper and more affordable than the ones built for specialized needs. They also do the job equally well and survive your pocket pinch. So, a DIY enthusiast can opt for a cheaper pair of wire strippers while a person who works with electronics professionally should focus more on buying one with better specifications even if it costs a little more. Once you know where you fit in, you’ll be able to determine how much you legitimately need to spend.

Also, make sure that you aren’t overpaying for a short lifespan. Some of the specialized tools are very expensive but last only a few uses before they need a significant amount of maintenance charge or even replacement.

Wire Strippers FAQs

Manual wire strippers require manual adjustment and operation, whereas automatic wire strippers adjust and strip the insulation off wires with a single motion, making them faster and more efficient.

While primarily used for electrical projects, wire strippers can be employed in various industries such as automotive, telecommunications, and electronics, wherever wires need to be stripped, cut, or crimped.

Yes, some specialized wire strippers are designed specifically for stripping fiber optic cables without causing damage to the fragile fibers.

Yes, many wire stripper models incorporate cutting and crimping functions, providing additional versatility for various tasks.

If not used correctly, wire strippers can damage the conductor or compromise the wire’s integrity. Always use the appropriate tool for the specific gauge and type of wire to avoid causing damage.

The gauge of a wire refers to its diameter. You can determine the appropriate gauge by referring to a wire gauge chart or checking the labeling on the wire or its packaging.

Yes, some wire strippers allow for the simultaneous stripping of multiple wires to save time and increase efficiency.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wire stripper can greatly enhance your work efficiency while maintaining the quality and safety of your electrical projects. With the variety of options available in the market, it's essential to select a wire stripper that best matches your specific needs, be it accuracy, multi-functionality, or professional use.

From the above 11 best wire strippers, here are the top three expert recommendations:

For professionals, the IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper is an ideal option, providing a lifetime guarantee and a wide range of premium features.

The IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool Wire Strippers 8-inch is a good option for those looking for a multi-functional tool that can handle various wire-altering tasks such as crimping, cutting, and bending.

For working with small wires, the Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter is the right choice, delivering precise and accurate cuts while being easy to use.

Ultimately, no matter which wire stripper you choose, always remember to prioritize your safety and thoroughly read the manufacturer's instructions for optimal results.

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