Better wire stripper?

[leecea]

Hi,

I did a quick search and didn't find anything.

I have the Ancor wire strippers: https://www.ancorproducts.com/en/p/7...-Crimper-10-26

I am not having much success, especially stripping Ancor 10 AWG primary wire, which they are supposed to handle. It mangles the insulation and I have to finish the job with careful use of tiny scissors. They do seem better with thinner wire.

Does anyone else have these and have they worked well? Is there a trick to using them to strip thicker wires?

Or, is there a better tool that can strip 10 AWG reliably?

Thanks,
Andy

[Jammer]

I use a Klein 11053 stripper for larger wire size (6-12 awg). I find that the round holes provide a cleaner cut than the self-adjusting strippers, like the Ancor one you link to, do.

They also make the 11063W which grips and pulls the wire for you which saves a few hand motions. I used to have something similar to that but moved away from them -- they're bulkier and of no real benefit unless you're doing a great deal of stripping.

[capt jgw]

Been using that same Anchor stripper for years. Since it doesn't grip the insulation all the way around sometimes it doesn't strip it cleanly. It doesn't really cut the insulation, it more tears it. Heavier wire has thicker insulation so more trouble there. If it does that I turn the wire 90 deg and hit it again, that usually tears it the rest of the way. I use my pocket knife if it needs more than that.

[Lake-Effect]

I have about 6+ sets of wire-strippers. For wire around #10 size, strippers similar to jammer's Klein 11053 set worked the best for me. I also get reasonable results from basic strippers like these:

... but it takes practice to strip a given wire size/type without nicking the wire.

[leecea]

Thanks. I like the look of those Klein strippers and I'll get a pair to try.

Andy

[flightlead404]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ie=UTF8&psc=1d

These are great from 22awg to say 8awg

[sailorboy1]

the best wire strippers are at the high end pole shops

[Chotu]

Surprised with this thread. I just use whatever they have at Home Depot and have never run into any problems stripping wires, all the way back to being a child.

I think it’s in the technique. Pick the right size hole, clamp down and pull hard at an angle. Works perfectly with the cheapest of strippers

[hjohnson]

Originally Posted by flightlead404

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ie=UTF8&psc=1d

These are great from 22awg to say 8awg

Yep, that's what I used for the rework job on my boat. Works pretty reliably.

For the 2awg, 0awg, and 2/0 in my system (did a big Lithium upgrade plus 2kva 12v victron inverter, so big wires ahoy), I just used a utility knife with a sharp blade to do those by hand. Learned the technique/feel years ago while working under a journeyman electrician. The trick is to apply just enough pressure to cut the jacket, not enough pressure to nick the wire/cut strands.

[FlyingScot]

I use these often. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

Sometimes you have to provide a little assistance. Stick the wire in a little further and when you squeeze the handle provide some pressure on the upper jaw on the right side. Push that down on the wire to help the grip.

For larger wires, buy a proper cable stripper for the job. I use these for 8 AWG and larger. I'm partial to Knipex brand tools and have many.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[ttex]

For larger wires I just use a razor knife. Around then up. Peel it off.

[GordMay]

IDEAL “Stripmaster” #45-092 or #45-292 Wire Stripper #22 ➛ #10 AWG
➥ https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2291620.pdf

I have several sets, the oldest of which [57 years] are still sharp & fully functional.

[AKA-None]

Originally Posted by GordMay

IDEAL “Stripmaster” #45-092 or #45-292 Wire Stripper #22 ➛ #10 AWG
➥ https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2291620.pdf

I have several sets, the oldest of which [57 years] are still sharp & fully functional.

This is what I use for small wires

[s/v Jedi]

This Klein tools stripper rules up to 10 AWG. I thought everyone was using this after seeing Will Prowse with it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BC39YFQ

For big cables: no, you don’t cut through the insulation. You stop short of cutting all the way through, then you finish it by bending. If you cut through you touch the strands, there’s no way you don’t damage them when you do.

If you don’t have the years of practice (muscle memory) for that precise cutting, you can get a tool to guide you. Here’s a cheap one; remember you setit to not cut through the whole way: https://www.amazon.com/Jokari-10270-.../dp/B00BMUDIGA

Edit: you finish with a cut lengthwise. After that you can tear that cut easily by using pliers to grab the insulation at the end, right next to the cut.

[betwys1]

Originally Posted by leecea

Hi,

I did a quick search and didn't find anything.

I have the Ancor wire strippers: https://www.ancorproducts.com/en/p/7...-Crimper-10-26

I am not having much success, especially stripping Ancor 10 AWG primary wire, which they are supposed to handle. It mangles the insulation and I have to finish the job with careful use of tiny scissors. They do seem better with thinner wire.

Does anyone else have these and have they worked well? Is there a trick to using them to strip thicker wires?

Or, is there a better tool that can strip 10 AWG reliably?

Thanks,
Andy

Ten gauge is at the upper limit of many automatic style wire strippers, so a manual tool may serve better: https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-K...8TQ83P2C&psc=1