What is the Best Wire Strippers in September, 2020

If you work with electronics, you have a need to pull insulation off of different electric wirings. Doing this with your hands, teeth, or a pocket knife will almost certainly result in cuts, scrapes, and injuries. What you need is a tool that’s specifically designed to help do the work for you. The tool you’re looking for is a wire stripper.

Wire strippers are designed to cleanly and accurately strip the insulation off of electric wires. These tools are equipped to handle a number of different sizes of wire, stripping them without any injury to yourself, or destruction to the wires themselves.



1. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper – Best Self-adjusting Wire Stripper

If you are looking for a high-quality wire stripper with self-adjusting capabilities, the Irwin Tools Vise-Grip 2078300 may be the perfect choice for you. In fact, this is one of the best tools of its kind in terms of effectivity, reliability and durability. After all, this product was produced by Irwin, a company that has been at the forefront of the tool manufacturing industry since 1885.

Cable Compatibility

Having a self-adjusting mechanism, the Irwin Tools Vise-Grip 2078300 can adapt itself to strip wire ranging from 10 to 24 AWG. With a width of two inches, this tool’s jaw can comfortably and easily wrap itself around the thickest wires out there. Then, with a simple motion, you can adjust the tightness of its grip, ensuring maximum effectivity when dealing with cables of all thicknesses up to 24 AWG.

By tightening against each individual wire, the Irwin Tools Vise-Grip 2078300 produces maximum friction, allowing it to strip the outer cover without damaging the wire itself. This is further helped by the tool’s built-in swivel knob, a useful feature that allows you to tighten the tool as much as needed without creating too much pressure. Then, you can use the built-in adjustable stopper to control the length of the core strip.

Features and Material Quality

Apart from its core elements, the Irwin Tools Vise-Grip 2078300 features a crimper and a cutter. Both these features will help you perform a large number of wire alteration tasks. Due to this fact, the tool can be used as an all-in-one solution for all your wiring needs.

In terms of material quality, the Irwin Tools Vise-Grip 2078300 is up there with the best. Made out of hardened stainless steel, this tool is incredibly tough, resistant and durable. What’s more, it’s expertly constructed, ensuring complete reliability at all times. The manufacturers are so confident that it will last you forever, in fact, that they included a lifetime guarantee with your purchase.

Pros Very tough and durable.

Very tough and durable. Ergonomic grip.

Ergonomic grip. Features built-in crimper and cutter. Cons Somewhat expensive

Somewhat expensive

Overall Everything considered it can be said with complete confidence that the Irwin Tools Vise-Grip 2078300 is one of the best wire strippers out there. Featuring high-quality materials and expert construction, the tool is incredibly tough and durable, allowing you to use it extraneously without risking damage or breakage. Furthermore, the 2078300 features an ergonomic design that allows you to effectively strip wires without strain. All in all, this is a great tool that is well-worth its somewhat elevated price.

2. Klein Tools 11063W – Best Multi-Purpose Wire Stripper

If you are looking for a wire stripper with an innovative design, this product by Klein Tools may be the right fit. Despite its complex look, this wire stripper features a clever mechanism that clamps and strips insulation at the same time. As a result of this feature, the Klein Tools Wire Cutter and Stripper is ridiculously easy to operate. As a matter of fact, it only requires a simple squeezing motion to perform its wire stripping function.

Performance

As was just mentioned, the Klein Tools Wire Cutter and Stripper feature an innovative mechanism that is capable of gripping the cable and stripping its cover in a single motion. Even better than that, this mechanism is remarkably powerful, allowing you to strip the thickest cable without much effort at all.

Apart from a clever design that streamlines and facilitates the process of gripping and stripping a cable, this tool feature precision-machined stripping holes that can easily adapt to the width of any cable, allowing you to easily remove insulation without damaging the wire. The result is a wire stripper tool that is incredibly user-friendly and quick.

Applications

Without a doubt, the Klein Tools Wire Cutter and Stripper is very effective when it comes to removing the insulation cover of most cables. Unfortunately, however, this tool does not include a built-in cutter or a built-in crimper, reducing its potential applications to only the main one.

Despite not being the most versatile tool available, it should be noted that the Klein Tools Wire Cutter and Stripper is very effective when performing its main function. Featuring a tension-loaded wire-grip, it can gently but firmly hold the cable, providing stability without damaging the integrity of the actual wire. This, in combination with its length reach, allows the Klein Tools Wire Cutter to remove up to 1-Inch (25 mm) of a cable’s jacket layer in a single step.

Pros Innovative design grips and strips in a single motion.

Innovative design grips and strips in a single motion. Capable of stripping 1 inch of jacket layer in a single motion.

Capable of stripping 1 inch of jacket layer in a single motion. Very precise. Cons Does not feature a wire crimper.

Does not feature a wire crimper. Does not feature a wire cutter.

Overall Taking everything into consideration, it is easy to see why the Klein Tools Wire Cutter and Stripper is such a popular product. Its innovative design makes it very user-friendly, allowing you to work faster and with less strain. For that reason, despite not featuring important accessories such as a crimper or a cutter, this is a tool that is very much worth looking into.

3. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool – Best Easy-Use Wire Stripper

If the comments made by customers and reviewers are anything to go by, this wire stripper by Irwin Tools is one of the most versatile and efficient of its kind. As a matter of fact, this tool can strip, crimp, cut, bend and loop wires with ease. Having these capabilities, it can be used to perform a variety of wire-altering tasks without using additional accessories or tools. Ergonomic, tough and effective, this is an all-in-one tool worth checking out.

Capabilities and Functions

Despite featuring a complex design that is meant to provide functionality and versatility, this multi-purpose tool is remarkably easy to use. Apart from being able to strip wires of different sizes, this tool features built-in crimpers, quick-release locks, bolt cutters and a plier-styled nose that’s capable of easily pulling and looping wire.

Having a variety of functions, this multi-purpose tool can be used in many different applications. So much so, in fact, that it can be used to perform tasks other than wire modification, including bolt cutting and others. For that reason, this is a great tool to have at hand at all times.

Construction and Ergonomics

In addition to being a remarkably effective tool, the Irwin Tools Multi-Tool Wire Stripper is very easy to use. Without a doubt, this is partly due to its ergonomic design. Providing fantastic maneuverability and a secure grip, the tool can be used with great efficiency no matter what the task is.

Featuring comfortable textured handles with an easy-grip design, the tool can be used extensively without causing fatigue, strain or injury. Even better, this design allows you to work faster and with more precision. As if all that wasn’t enough, the Irwin Tools Multi-Tool Wire Stripper meets or exceeds all ANSI standards, ensuring safety and reliability at all times.

Pros Ergnomic and comfortable grip.

Ergnomic and comfortable grip. Can be used for cutting, stripping, crimping and more.

Can be used for cutting, stripping, crimping and more. Fairly priced. Cons Not too effective with large wires.

Not too effective with large wires. Requires you to pull the levers open after each use.

Overall Without a doubt, the Irwin Tools Multi-Tool Wire Stripper is one of the best wire-strippers out there. More than that, it can be used in a variety of applications with tremendous effectivity. In addition, this wire stripper is made of high-quality materials and features an advanced level of construction, resulting in durability and reliability beyond expectations. Taking all this into consideration, it can be said that the Irwin Tools Multi-Tool Wire Stripper is a great multi-purpose wire stripper.

3. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool – Best Easy-Use Wire Stripper

Those who are used to working with small and thin wires know that precision is incredibly important. Unfortunately, large wire strippers tend to be too broad and powerful, making it hard to be as precise and gentle as you would want when working with small wires. Even worse, these large wire strippers tend to produce more force than it’s needed to strip small wires. For that reason, products like the Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter focus on accuracy and precision rather than power.

Design and Applications

The first thing you will notice about the Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter is that it’s smaller and more compact than most wire strippers out there. Despite this fact, it can be used by people with all hand sizes. However, this compact design comes as a great advantage when the time comes to strip small, thin wires that require care and precision.

Without a doubt, the Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter is very effective when it’s used on cables that range from 20 to 30 AWG. Featuring a strong-gripping serrated nose, it can also help you bend, shape and pull wire with great efficiency. As if all that wasn’t enough, this versatile tool features both a built-in looper and a built-in wire cutter. With all these features, you will be able to get most jobs done using only this tool.

Materials and Construction

Made of high-quality metal, the Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter is tough, resistant and durable. Its spring is also made of this material, ensuring a smooth and reliable functioning for years upon years. Additionally, this tool features a tacky rubber grip that is both ergonomic and easy to grip. The result is a wire stripper tool that will last you for a long time despite being relentlessly used.

Apart from featuring high-quality materials, the Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter features a top-notch construction. Its mechanism features a coil spring that provides a fast and reliable self-opening action. Better yet, this mechanism is smooth and precise, allowing you to work quickly and without blunders. Additionally, all its built-in accessories are efficient and easy to use, even featuring clear markings that will help you operate this tool perfectly.

Pros Precision ground stripping holes.

Precision ground stripping holes. Easy-to-read markings.

Easy-to-read markings. Designed for wires of all sizes.

Designed for wires of all sizes. Includes looper and cutter. Cons Gauge holes are not entirely accurate.

Overall With everything on the table, it can be surmised that this is a fantastic wire stripper. What is more, its various additional built-in tools make it a great wiring tool in general. Due to its compact size and detailed construction, it can be used to strip the smallest wire with total precision. All in all, this is a great tool that’s worth checking out.

5. Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper – Cheapes Automatic Wire Stripper

If you are looking for a wire stripper tool that allows you to work quickly and efficiently for extended periods of time, check out the Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter. This professional-grade tool may not feature as many bells and whistles as many other wire strippers. However, it’s incredibly efficient and versatile, allowing you to work on cables of all sizes quickly and with great precision.

Simplicity and Effectivity

Featuring a streamlined and simple design, the Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter can be used quickly and easily. That does not mean, however, that it is not as effective as other strippers that feature a more complex design. On the contrary, this wire stripper can be used with cables ranging from 10 to 24 AWG. Additionally, it is effective with stranded or solid wire.

Without manually adjusting anything, you can strip wires of all sizes using the Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper. To do this, you are only required to insert the cable in the gauge hole and squeeze. The automatic stripping pliers will automatically adjust to the diameter of the cable you are working on. Using the adjustable length stop, you can determine the length of cable you want to strip. Then, it’s just a matter of making a swift move to quickly and effectively get rid of the covering jacket.

Materials and Construction

Unlike most wire strippers out there, the Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper is not entirely made of stainless steel or any other metal. Instead, it’s made of a combination of steel strips and glass fiber nylon. As a result, it’s more lightweight and compact than most of its competitors. At the same time, however, it’s incredibly durable and resistant to external elements.

Apart from featuring an innovative combination of materials, the Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper boasts an advanced level of construction. Cleverly designed, this tool is capable of dealing with cables of most types and sizes without the need to make complicated adjustments. When being used, the tool will provide enough power and maneuverability to strip extensive lengths of wire quickly and efficiently.

Pros Very easy to use.

Very easy to use. Lightweight.

Lightweight. Includes wire cutter and looper. Cons Does not have a crimper.

Does not have a crimper. The grip is somewhat slippery.

Overall Taking into account its simplicity, it can be said that the Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper is a fantastic tool. Despite featuring an automatic adjustment mechanism that’s basically instantaneous, this wire stripper is very precise. Even better, it’s compatible with wires of most diameters and types. Without a doubt, the Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper is worth a try.

6. Capri Tools 20011 – Best Pistol-Grip Wire Stripper

If you are looking for a convenient wire stripper that is easy to use, this product may be a good choice. Compact and easy to handle, the Capri Tools 20011 is very user-friendly. Its automatic gripping mechanism is precise and effective, allowing you to work quickly and precisely on a variety of cable types. Additionally, its design is remarkably ergonomic and comfortable.

Design and Automated Capabilities

Featuring a pistol-like design, the Capri Tools 20011 Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter is remarkably ergonomic. Apart from allowing you to exert pressure and force without much effort, this characteristic reduces the strain and fatigue you would normally have from this type of work. Unfortunately, however, this item does not have a rubber handle, making its grip slightly slippery.

Apart from featuring an ergonomic design, the Capri Tools 20011 Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter has an automated grip that makes your wire stripping tasks easier and quicker. With a single motion, you can cause the stripping blades to automatically self-adjust to different cable gauges. After that, all you need to do is perform a single pulling motion in order to completely strip a section of cable.

Pros Ergonomic design.

Ergonomic design. Automatic action makes it easy to use. Cons Does not feature a crimper.

Overall All in all, the Capri Tools 20011 Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter is an efficient tool that’s simple and easy to use. Its ergonomic pistol-like design helps you work for extended periods of time without strain, fatigue or injury. Additionally, this design makes the Capri Tools 20011 very easy to maneuver.

7. Klein Tools 11054 – Best Manual Wire Stripper for Large Wires

Maybe you have a job in which you run into a lot of large wires. Maybe a typical 10-24 AWG wire stripper isn’t going to get the job done. If so, you might consider purchasing the Klein Tools 11054 Wire Stripper.

Cable size

Capable of accommodating wire gauges between 8 and 16 AWG, it strips wires seamlessly, leaving no frays or tears, and also possesses a cutter which can shear 6-32 and 8-32 screws.

Made out of hardened steel, it’s designed to withstand years and years of use. Its spring locks wires into place, ensuring that they are stripped with absolute precision and accuracy. Equipped with a rubber grip, they’re ridiculously easy to handle regardless of your hand size and strength.

Pros Made out of tough, durable steel

Made out of tough, durable steel Can strip, cut, and loop wire

Can strip, cut, and loop wire Capable of stripping small gauges

Capable of stripping small gauges Equipped with a tacky, rubber grip

Equipped with a tacky, rubber grip Reduces hand fatigue Cons Doesn’t always strip on the first try

Doesn’t always strip on the first try Can cause some fraying

Overall If you’re looking to strip wires that are on the larger side, this Klein wire stripper is the one for you. Available for a mid-level price, they offer quite a bit of value without forcing you to break the bank.

8. Neiko 01924A – Best Budget Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

Maybe you’re looking for a self-adjusting wire stripper but don’t want to spend a lot of money? If so, the Neiko 01924A Ultimate Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper is just what you’re looking for. Equipped with high-quality stripping, cutting, and crimping abilities, it can easily cover all of your wire alteration needs.

Cable size

Capable of stripping wires between 10 and 24 AWG, it will handle just about every wire you find in computers or similar electronics. Spring-loaded, this tool automatically grasps wires at their specific widths, allowing for clean stripping. Its crimper can handle wire gauges between 10 and 22 AWG.

Feature

Made out of heat-treated steel, this wire stripper is built to last. Equipped with a tacky, rubber grip, it’s easy to handle regardless of your hand size or strength. Marked with bold, descriptive text, it shows you exactly what each terminal is used for. You simply place the wire in the terminal you need, clamp it closed, pull, and let it do all the work for you.

Pros Very affordable

Very affordable Made out of tough, durable steel

Made out of tough, durable steel Equipped with tacky, rubber grip

Equipped with tacky, rubber grip Self-adjusting

Self-adjusting Possesses a crimper and cutter as well Cons Doesn’t always strip on the first try

Doesn’t always strip on the first try Isn’t precise with small wires

Overall If you’re looking for an inexpensive self-adjusting wire stripper that simply gets the job done, the Neiko 01924A Ultimate is the wire stripper for you. It’s not quite on the level of high-end strippers, but serves its purposes just fine. While it can be used by users of all experience levels, it’s ideally used by people who only need to strip wire every once in awhile.

9. OYISIYI – Best Wire Stripper Overall

While there are a lot of great wire strippers on the market today, we’re going to go with the OYISIYI Wire Stripper as the best one around. A self-adjusting stripper, it grasps wires firmly, stripping them clean of insulation with just a simple pull.

Cable size

This wire stripper is equipped to accommodate wire gauges between 10 and 22 AWG, making it great for most wire altering purposes. Also equipped with a cutter and a crimper, it’s adorned with bold, white letters to tell you exactly which terminal is appropriate for your specific purpose.

Made out of hardened stainless steel, this wire stripper is built to last and is covered by a 3-year replacement warranty. Equipped with an oversized rubber grip, it’s ridiculously easy to handle regardless of your hand size or overall coordination. To help it clamp firmly against your wire, it possesses a spring that stretches to meet the wire’s specific gauge size.

Overall While it’s a bit more expensive than other wire cutters on our list, the OYISIYI Wire Stripper is well worth the price. No other wire stripper combines durability, grip, and functionality in the way that this one does. Whether you’re a professional electrician, or a hobbyist working on a project, it will accommodate you.

Pros Very durable construction

Very durable construction Strips wires impeccably

Strips wires impeccably Possesses a stripper, cutter, and crimper

Possesses a stripper, cutter, and crimper Equipped with a soft, rubber grip

Equipped with a soft, rubber grip Very easy to use

Very easy to use Capable of stripping multiple wires at once Cons On the expensive side

Overall While it’s a bit more expensive than other wire cutters on our list, the OYISIYI Wire Stripper is well worth the price. No other wire stripper combines durability, grip, and functionality in the way that this one does. Whether you’re a professional electrician, or a hobbyist working on a project, it will accommodate you.

10. Channellock 957 7-Inch – Most Comfortable Wire Stripper

Some have a need to use a wire stripper for long periods of time. If this is you, you need something that provides superb comfort and handle. For this purpose, we suggest the Channellock 957 7-inch Ergonomic Handle Wire Stripping Tool.

Cable size

This wire stripper is designed to strip wires between 10 and 20 AWG. It’s also capable of crimping and cutting wire. To make it user-intuitive, it’s adorned with bold, white descriptive letters.

Made out of durable, hardened steel, this wire cutter is capable of withstanding quite a bit of wear and tear. Equipped with a tacky, rubber grip, and designed with an ergonomic handle, it’s ridiculously easy to handle for users of all strengths and hand sizes. It fatigues your hand as little as any wire cutter you’re going to find.

Pros Tough and durable construction

Tough and durable construction Rubber grip and ergonomic handle make for spectacular handling

Rubber grip and ergonomic handle make for spectacular handling Reasonably priced

Reasonably priced Capable of stripping, cutting, and crimping

Capable of stripping, cutting, and crimping Easy to use Cons Latches can be faulty

Latches can be faulty Can only handle mid-level gauges

Overall If you’re susceptible to hand fatigue, or if you have a need to use a wire stripper for long periods of time, this Channellock stripper is the stripper for you. Available for a relatively low price, it offers a great deal of value.

Buyer’s Guide. Things to consider when purchasing a wire stripper.

Construction

While all wire strippers look the same from a distance, they are all actually quite different once you begin using them. There are a number of things which separate each individual wire stripper. In order to choose the right wire stripper for you, you must take these things into consideration. They include overall construction, grip, number and size of cutting terminals, and its overall ease of use.

As with any product you purchase, you must consider a wire stripper’s overall quality and construction. Most wire strippers are made out of hardened metals such as steel or titanium. They typically possess rubber grips which allow for maximum handle and control.

Grip

In order to use a wire stripper, you need to be able to hold it with great stability. This requires that you can give it a nice firm grip. Some wire strippers possess rubber grips which allow for ultimate traction and handle, while others don’t possess tacky grips at all. Read online reviews to get an understanding of the grip your desired wire stripper provides.

Cutting terminals

A good wire stripper possesses a number of different AWG cutting terminals. AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. Each different wire you could possibly strip possesses an AWG of somewhere between 0 and 40. Wire strippers are equipped with cutting terminals which are specifically equipped to pull wires of different AWGs. Ensure that the stripper you purchase is equipped to handle the specific wire you wish to pull.

Ease of use

Some wire strippers can seamlessly secure themselves around wires, allowing them to strip these wires both quickly and without much effort. Other wire strippers are less functional and accurate, making them more difficult to use. In order to get an idea as to the functionality of a wire stripper, make sure to read some online user reviews before purchase.

What is a wire stripper?

Wire strippers are aptly named in that they’re tools used to strip the insulation off of electrical wires. While there are other ways to remove insulation from wiring, a wire stripper is specifically designed to do so. These tools are a lot like pliers in that they’re squeezed together with your hand in order to grasp wires. However, they’re different in that they’re equipped with cutting terminals which are sized to accommodate specific wire gauges.

Possessing specific wiring gauges allows wire strippers to strip insulation from electrical wires as precisely and as accurately as possible. This prevents you from accidentally cutting into the wire, damaging it, and rendering it useless.

A benefit of owning a wire stripper

Insulation can be scraped away from electrical wiring in a number of ways. Each and every method that is used possesses its drawbacks and benefits. Using a wire stripper possesses several benefits over the other methods. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of using a wire stripper is that it’s convenient. Many of the other methods involve using electricity, heat, or chemicals to burn the insulation away. This can not only be costly, but time-consuming as well.

A handheld wire stripper allows you to shave off insulation in a rapid and cost-effective manner. This makes it especially useful for those who need to strip wire rather frequently. You can simply place the wire in your wire stripper’s appropriate cutting terminal, and get the job done without much worry.

How to use wire strippers

Conclusion Working with electronics requires precision, accuracy, and a steady hand. There are a number of different wires which much be perfectly placed in order for an electrical object to operate properly. In order to place these wires with precision and accuracy, they must be cut and trimmed to size. Perhaps the most tedious part of working with electrical wiring is stripping it of its insulation. Fortunately, with a wire stripper, this problem is eradicated. A wire stripper will strip a wire’s insulation with complete accuracy and precision, allowing it to be used the way it’s supposed to be used. There’s no need to strip wires with knives and teeth. A wire stripper will perform the job as quickly and as effortlessly as possible.