I need a pair of wire strippers, which should I buy?
Instead of a simple answer, how about I just show you the wire strippers I’ve bought.
This is a showcase of the wire strippers and combination electrical tools that I have purchased for personal use over the years, along with brief notes about why I bought them and how I like them. I’m not an electrician or tech, and mainly use these tools for small electronics projects.
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Stanley Wire Stripper 84-199
I bought this stripper a while back after being frustrated with my father’s no-name stamped-steel multi-tool. One could say that I didn’t know any better at the time, but to be honest it’s never given me anything to complain about.
This stripper is simply designed and inexpensive, but reliable.
The one I have was made in the USA, but newer ones might not be.
Available via Amazon (<$15)
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Klein Wire Strippers 11045 and 11046
I bought the yellow-handled general-use wire stripper (11045) as part of a 3-piece electrician’s tool set. In hindsight, although the set was a good bargain, it was ultimately a waste as I ended up with tools that haven’t seen much use over the years.
The red-handled stripper (11046) works with finer wires -16-26 gauge stranded vs 10-18 for the other one – and is a bit handier for electronics work where you work with hookup wire.
When I bought these, I had not had much personal experience with Klein pliers or strippers, but I had always good things about them. I was on a budget and looking to upgrade to something better than what I’ve been using, so I gave them a try. The finer-sized model was purchased shortly after the kit that included the general purpose stripper.
Both of these strippers are a great bargain, but they could be improved with a handle/spring lock and colored markings.
The finer-size stripper is available via Amazon ($14) and Home Depot ($11). The general purpose version is available via Home Depot ($11).
Gardner Bender Automatic Wire Strippers
I bought this bad boy about 5 years ago, and it works great with stranded speaker cable and thin solid wires. This model, SE-94, can be hard to find, but there’s a new thicker-gripped model available (GS-394) for $14 via Amazon.
The automatic stripper can be cumbersome to use at times, and I’m not in love with it, but I’m not ready to give it up yet.
If I had to replace this, I would instead try Irwin’s version ($18 via Amazon) since it has an adjustable depth stop feature.
Craftsman Professional Wire Strippers
I lusted after Klein’s Kurve strippers for a while, but I didn’t really need them. I eventually splurged on these nearly identical Stride/Imperial-made Craftsman ones when they went on sale at Sears. The handles are very comfortably cushioned, the markings easy to read (opposite side markings are not colored in), and they cut and strip wires effortlessly.
You can buy the general-purpose stripper, model 73573, via Sears for $16, but the finer-size model 73574 is no longer available. Klein Kurve strippers are available via Amazon and Home Depot.
If all of my wire strippers mysteriously disappeared and I could only buy two replacements, these, or rather the Klein versions, are what I’d get. In hindsight, I do wish I purchased these before the above Klein 11045 and 11046 strippers.
Beta Wire Stripper
I ordered these because Amazon was clearing them out for $8. In the 9 month since, I haven’t used them at all except to test them out. This type of stripper works well when you need to dial-in the cutter width very precisely to avoid damaging fragile wires, and they offer great repeatability. But they’re a pain to use on smaller wires.
Maybe the similarly styled Knipex strippers ($30 via Amazon) would perform better.
Craftsman Wire Strippers
I don’t quite remember where the Craftsman 82544 stripper places in my acquisition timeline, but I believe I picked them up before the red-handled Kleins. It’s a basic model, but it served me well.
This stripper can handle fine-sized wires 16-26 gauge, and the opposite side has high-visibility markings. The stripper left my tool box a couple of months ago, not because I didn’t like it, but because it was destined for a new home in my brother-in-law’s tool bag.
Craftsman Stripper, via Sears ($13)
Larger Wire-Size Stripper, via Sears ($10.49)
Questions?
I avoided going into too much detail about the individual tools, but there’s always more to say. If you have any questions about any of the tools or their other features, just let me know.
What’s in Your Tool Box?
I showed you mine, now tell me (and everyone else) about your wire strippers!
(Prices are noted for reference purposes and are subject to change.)
fred
from my inventory list:
CABLE PRO SS596 SIAMESE CABLE STRIPPER
CABLEMATIC 42311 DDT-596/MINI-1 DROP TRIMMER
CABLEMATIC SDT SINGLE DROP TRIMMER
CABLEMATIC UDT UNIVERSAL DROP TRIMMER
GB ELECTRICAL GS-65 WIRE STRIPPER 6-18 GAUGE
GB ELECTRICAL SE-98 COAXIAL CABLE CUTTER/STRIPPER
GREENLEE 45109 KWIK SLITTER – CABLE STRIPPER
IDEAL 45-025 NM CABLE RIPPER/STRIPPER
KLEIN TOOLS 1014 NM CABLE CUTTER/STRIPPER 14/2
KLEIN TOOLS 74501 CABLE PREP TOOL – 4 TO 4/0
KLEIN TOOLS 74504 CABLE PREP TOOL – 1/0 TO 2/0
KLEIN TOOLS 11046-SEN STRANDED WIRE CUTTER/STRIPPER
KLEIN TOOLS 1412-SEN NM CABLE CUTTER/STRIPPER 12-14
KLEIN TOOLS K90-10/2 NM CABLE CUTTER/STRIPPER 10/2
KNIPEX 12 12 06 WIRE STRIPPER 10-26 GAUGE
SARGENT 8500S STUBBY CABLE STRIPPER RG6/59
SEATEK RS-828-KB ROUND CABLE STRIPPER
SEATEK SA-200L STRIP-ALL CABLE STRIPPER
SEATEK SA-200SKA STRIP-ALL CABLE STRIPPER
VACO 70160 WIRE STRIPPER 8-22 GAUGE
WEIDMULLER AM1 CABLE STRIPPER/SLITTER
Stuart
Wow, that’s a lot. Do you or your guys have any favorites?
fred
I sub out electrical work – to folks who are licensed. What we are sometimes asked to do – is to lay some short wire runs in among our carpentry remodel work – to facilitate the electricians job of making up commections. Doing this on 110/208 runs involvesw us cutting cable but not stripping – so our opinion about strippers for this work would be meaningless.
What wiring work we do take on is mostly for homeowner/buidling owner low-voltage landscape lighting, media / communication wiring and wiring for HVAC – hence some of the Ripley/Cablematic tools.
Norm
As an electrician, I’ve gone through various ones and have settled on what I use now as my core tools. If they break or dull or get lost, I just replace them, I don’t normally look at other brands. This is to say I am not keen to others….
I too have the Craftsman model listed above and it’s my go-to for smaller control type wiring.
My main everyday use ones are Ideal 45-918 Kinetic Reflex Super T-Stripper. They fit very comfortably in my hand.
I have a Kobalt 4-1/2″ Wire Stripper (Item #: 284156 | Model #: 53037) that I really can’t say good things about. The handles slide off. The strippers don’t work too well with stranded wire (which I use the most). I also don’t use the crimpers because my Knipex Cobra pliers or vise, do a lot better job. I suppose their only redeeming use is the bolt cutters.
I have a GB Gardner Bender SSD-1 Wire Stripper Screw Driver, which actually works surprisingly well. I don’t use it that often, but when I’m in the shop and need one out of my tool box and I don’t have any others near (still at the job site or whatever). The screw driving part isn’t even that cumbersome.
SOG Kilowatt Electrician’s Knife works really well too. It again isn’t a main tool, but when it’s all you got, it isn’t like trying to use something years old and worn. It is actually well designed.
The Leatherman Squirt E4 is a great tool that I unfortunately lost and have yet to replace. I did use it almost daily; more so than I ever would with the SOG Knife. It was just always there on my keychain and if I didn’t have my usual Ideals on me, they worked as a good substitute. The Philips screw driver was very strong and had a good head on it. I can say, do not use the file as a screwdriver, or you could bust it off…. just like I did. Again, I really need to get another one.
I also have an IDEAL 45-128 Wire Stripper. This is more for taking the outer sheath of a multi-conductor cable. I really don’t use it as often as I should, but I also feel there are probably better ones out there. The tool just doesn’t click with me sometimes and I still over strip and nick the inner wires. Most of the time I just use a razor knife instead.
I also have, but don’t use too often is a Westward 6ATV1 Wire Stripper Multitool. Basically a larger Squirt E4 in a sense. While the Squirt E4 I use because I have nothing else around, this “could” be used as a main tool. I just don’t like the fact that handle (which is also true of the Squirt E4) isn’t insulated. I rarely have use of the other tools on there, compared to the smaller ones on the E4.
t1r2u3s4t
Any feedback on this Craftsman (made in USA by Channellock I believe)
Link
Stuart
I haven’t tried that one, but I can’t imagine it being bad. The handles probably won’t be as comfortable the double-dipped ones.
Kevin
I have that same stripper/crimper, it’s okay, meaning it will get the job done but it has too much flex because of the length (also not the best control) for wire stripping and they aren’t the best crimpers. You’re better off getting a stripper and a crimper. The Craftsman Professional’s pictured above work great as do the similar Klein and Ideal. The Gardner Bender automatic wire strippers are junk and nick wires.
Michael
Stuart, while this is news to me as well, sometime last year Klein Tools actually produced a “improved” version of that spring and I think I found that on Amazon. Not sure if it’s still sold on Amazon, but I can vouch for Klein Tools 11045 being an exceptional, made in the United States of America wire cutter/stripper.
I’ve had my Klein 11045 for several years now and even today, this is the only wire cutter/stripper I’ve kept through out the years and really have had no issues either. I’ve used the Ideal Industries Inc Side Entry Cable Ripper 45-118SRS which is sold at Amazon as of the time of this post.
http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Industries-Ripper-45-118SRS-Electricians/dp/B000NBA8J4/ref=cm_cr-mr-title
This product is even reviewed and is also made in USA as well. I’ve used Ideal Lil Ripper/Stripper Romax NM Cable Ripper Stripper 45-025 and likewise at the time of this post is available at Amazon as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Ripper-Stripper-Romax-45-025/dp/B00529WLGK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340744307&sr=8-1&keywords=45-025
I’ve returned both items because neither one really worked that well. The Lil ripper was much more of a challenge though. Even found a person on Youtube that even did a video using that Ideal Lil Ripper. Here is the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EV1xv_DxK8&feature=plcp
However, the Klein Tools wire cutter/stripper I own has seen all kinds of work over the years. Re-wiring in houses, corded tools and has even dealt with solid AWG wire as well. The teeth are still as sharp as they were when I first purchased this years ago and finish hasn’t dulled or chipped away.
I think that same person I mentioned earlier even has a video that shows the Klein Tools 11045 in real life use as well. I only paid $9 for this Klein Tools wire cutter/stripper and bought this at Home Depot. Mine is made in USA, but I still think the yellow version (as known as the 11045) is still USA made as well.
I’ve tried out the Craftsman “Professional line” and non professional line and while the product is good enough, the price is a bit for just an average product. Can’t say I really had anymore luck with Greenlee as well.
Although I do own a older style brand Midwest Snips MW-P657-N Snips Knifti-Cut that can also cut/strip 20-26 AWG and are also made in USA as well.
This item can be found at Amazon and there is even a very solid review of this product as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Snips-P657-N-Knifti-Cut/dp/B003IWAIL8/ref=cm_cr-mr-title
All in all, my favorite brand is Klein Tools, 11045. If anyone really wants more precise information, here is the link to the product information via Klein Tools official website.
http://www.service.kleintools.com/Tools/PRD/Category/Wire%20Stripper/Cutter%20STRIPPERS-WIRESTRIP-WIRSTRPCUT/Product/11045
Stuart
The Midwest Knifti-Cut shears are awesome – I picked one up at a local Sears and then something similar by Proto from Harry Epstein.
Speaking of updates, I just learned that Klein also updated their Kurve strippers maybe 2 years ago, switching from Stride as the OEM to in-house manufacturing. Had an insightful conversation about that early this morning.
Michael
Stuart, you and I both bought the Midwest Knifi-Cut from Sears, that is really neat. Although I was on Harry Epstein’s website this morning and similar item wasn’t sold by Proto, but rather Rigid Industrial. Still made in USA though.
I bought my Klein Tools 11045 about 2 years ago, so now that makes that Klein switched over to in house production. Personally those Kurve series from Klein would be more than I would need, but I also thought of buying them as well.
I think as of 2012, Home Depot still sells the Klein 11045 wire cutter/strippers, but I am going to guess that they probably have the in-house manufactured versions now.
How old are you Klein wire cutters/strippers Stuart?
Stuart
It’s hard to say how old they are, possibly at least 2 years old. I believe I have seen new handle grip styles, but didn’t think too much of it at the time.
Proto Knifi-Cut Snips (spring-action too!)
Michael
Stuart, interesting, but I agree with you with the new handle grips, they are okay, but aren’t anything that exciting. They are replaceable though.
So that is the Proto Knifi-Cut Snips you were talking about. What is your opinion on them being that they have spring action? Obviously our Mid West snips don’t have springs, so I am wondering what your thoughts are with spring powered actions tools and non spring powered tools?
I once owned a wire cutter that didn’t have a spring and needless to say, I gave that item away quickly and was happy to do so as well. I’ve noticed though, no two springs are alike. My Channellock Iron worker’s spring is much different than my Knipex’s Bolt cutter spring. Probably could do an entire article on this if you wanted to I suppose.
I know this off topic Stuart, but do you know the standard shipping charges associated with Harry Epstein?
Stuart
To be honest, the spring action isn’t love-or-hate on this tool. I never really miss it on the Midwest version.
HE’s shipping is usually fair. A bit high since they don’t ship out anywhere near the volume as large retailers, but it doesn’t seem like they’re trying to profit off of shipping fees.
On a $165 order shipping was about $16, and on a $161 order USPS Priority was $11.35. Instead of making several small orders I buy a lot of wishlist items at once.
Noah
My favorite Combo style tool of all time is the long discontinued Vaco 1900, my current favorite combo tool is the Greenlee 1923.
I really like Klein’s red handled 11049 strippers for stranded wire, as I use a lot of that.
It should be noted that in the past year Klein redesigned the 1000 and 1001 and discontinued the 1002.
I also believe that Channellock either makes their own strippers, or has their own design made for them, as I’ve never seen their 959 or 908 under someone else’s name. At the same time, in the past I have also seem Channellock pliers labeled 959 or 908 that were actually rebrands of the Greenlee 1923 or Klein 1010.
The Ideal Reflex Super T-Stripper line is wonderful, and in general I prefer Ideal over Klein for strippers.
What I find most interesting, however, is most of the old timers swear by the Klein 1003.
Noah
Oh, and the one I am really pining for right now, is a SnapOn PWCS7
Rawhead
http://www.tnb.com/ps/fulltilt/index.cgi?part=WT2000
jeff_williams
I use the SE-92 Strip Easy 8 Gauge to 22 Gauge Automatic Wire Stripper for home use (8-14 ga solid typically). My wrists get really tired after using the pliers style strippers for awhile (old injury – too many hammer vibrations). The automatic strippers relieve that pain for me. Just have to be careful to get the wire into the right strip grove or it can nick the wire.
zdiggler
I have that Klein one with big handles. I cut everything with it. Wires, branches etc.
Fred
I have one set of the Klein version of your Craftsman Pro favourites. Not sure which model, I’ll have to look around for it. HF also makes a clone that is probably just as good long term, worked identical to the Klein for the brief time I used it. I have a few other misc strippers also around the shop but that Klein is the only one I use.
The Stanley ones you have are the closest thing to generic out there; they’re everywhere. I got a set of those as part of a kit of terminals and misc car electrical stuff. They are AWFUL at crimping connectors, I ruined 4 coax connectors with those things before tossing them and doing it with a pair of needle nose that happened to have a notch in the inside hinge.
I don’t have any right now and don’t use them often but I have used the Klein (‘katapult’ I think is their name, yep amazon confirmed) style to the GB ones you have. Have you used that style and if so, do you have a preference between the two? I was thinking of getting one like it. Are your Craftys made in USA? My Klein says it is.
Matthew Sumner
I have the Klein version of the craftsman professional wire strippers. I love them. Would recommend them to anyone. My only problem is I cut a live wire once and melted a hole in the cutting section.
avi
my first pair was the yellow kleins and i was happy with them.
then i bought a pair like your stanleys at a flea market, because i thought that was what the pros used, but they were too big/long and i only used them to cut down machine screws.
but now i am in love with milwaukee’s 6in1 combination pliers. half the time i use the as wire strippers/cutters and the rest as needle nose pliers and i try not to wreck them and use them as regular pliers
Wilson
Is your Klein 74504 for sale by any chance?
AKAN
Gardner Bender does not sell replacement blades for its GS-394 wire strippers.