However, I’m always in favor of using tools that were specifically designed to perform a particular task, and wire strippers are made with the distinct characteristics needed to safely and efficiently strip and cut wires. PM: Can you use another tool in place of a wire stripper? Why or why not?ī.D.: Old-school electricians often used heavy-duty linesman pliers to cut and strip wire. You should also use relevant protective safety gear such as goggles and insulated gloves. A non-contact voltage detector, like this one from Klein Tools that I really like, is a great tool for detecting electrical current. And obviously it is imperative that you triple-check to make sure any wiring you handle isn’t live and make sure that all connected power has been turned off. If you aren’t confident in your skills in this area, hire a professional electrician. Working around electricity is dangerous, and every step needs to be handled carefully and with extreme caution. This isn’t a situation where you can just wing it. What are the best safety practices to follow?ī.D.: It should go without saying that you shouldn’t attempt any kind of electrical work unless you are sure you know what you’re doing. PM: Electrical projects pose a particular safety hazard. We made sure to recommend a range of wire strippers-all safe for electrical use-so you can find one that fits your needs. Klein Tools is considered by many trade professionals to be the go-to gold standard for wire strippers, so I recommend several options from that brand. I also used my personal experience with construction to pay special attention to things like durability, comfort, ease of use, and compatibility with common wire gauges. We used our expertise as tool experts to ensure we only recommend high-quality wire strippers made by brands we know and trust. Must-Have Tools: The Best Electric Screwdrivers Typically, wire strippers will be VDE-certified and approved for up to 1,000 volts. The VDE Testing and Certification Institute tests and certifies electrical tools and equipment and is considered the global authority in this area. Look for VDE certification that indicates a wire stripper has met essential safety standards. Make sure to select a wire stripper that can accommodate the wire sizes you’ll need, and keep in mind that wire strippers can have different gauge ranges for stripping, cutting, and crimping. The most common gauges of wire in residential settings are between 6 and 14 AWG, but you might be working with gauges outside of that range, depending on the jobs and setting involved. Wire can be solid or stranded the stranded wires have a larger diameter. It can be confusing, because the thinner the wire, the larger the AWG number. Wire size refers to a wire’s diameter, which is often measured according to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) measurement system. The automatic stripper is only limited by the overall size range it covers. These strippers don’t require any measurements or gauges in order to function. AutomaticĪlso called a self-adjusting wire stripper, this tool automatically conforms to the needed size when you insert the wire. Adjustable strippers do rely on your adjustments, however-which, if not precise, may damage the wires beneath the jacket. Most adjustable wire strippers have a tightening mechanism to ensure that the notch doesn’t widen or grow too tight when in use. This allows for accurate, precise stripping based on each individual wire. AdjustableĪdjustable wire strippers have just one open notch to use, and can be widened or tightened based on your needs and the thickness of wire. The one downside of gauged strippers is the lack of size options. Gauged wire strippers provide set spaces on the tool for a standardized strip every single time. Sometimes called a manual wire stripper, this type has different notches that correspond to common wire gauges, so you just need to select the correct hole to fit the wire you’re working on. What to Considerīefore deciding on which electric wire stripper you plan on buying, make sure to consider a few major factors like the type of stripper, the gauge sizes, and basic safety criteria. I’ve owned and used a variety of wire strippers for a range of common wiring repair jobs. I love much about my home-a fixer-upper built in the 1800s that’s located in a rural mountain region of Pennsylvania-but it involves a lot of maintenance and upkeep, so I am always on the lookout for tools or equipment that can make DIY projects easier. I owned a maintenance and construction business with my husband for nearly 20 years. The Expert: I’ve been involved with construction, maintenance, and home renovation for more than 30 years from both a personal and professional standpoint.
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