The Best Wire Strippers
When you’re working with wires, you can’t really rely on luck. You need specifics and the right tool for the job, especially when working with small circuit boards and tiny electrical components. So for those that want to take wire stripping into their own hands, we recommend choosing a wire stripper with top-notch performance and sharp precision. Here, we present our findings on the very best wire strippers on the market. Read on to discover the perfect pick for you and your budget.
Irwin Vise-Grip Wire Stripper
The Perfect Cut
Stripping wires is a very precise task, one that requires the right tool. And with this wire stripper from Irwin-Vise, you’re provided with just that. Packed with an abundance of features, such as textured grip handles for comfort, AWG selection dials, spring assisted jaw openings, built-in crimpers, quick release locks, and dual-metal construction, these wire strippers are top of the line and therefore on the top of our list.
Pros:
- The textured handle grips ease hand fatigue
- Dual-metal construction for extra durability
- Meets or exceeds all ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards
Cons:
- With so many gauges, it can be confusing to someone unfamiliar with wire strippers, so there’s a bit of a learning curve
Dowell Wire Stripper and Multi-Function Hand Tool
Much More Than Just A Wire Stripper
One of the most reliable on the market, this wire stripper from Dowell serves many a function. Ideal for copper and aluminum cables, it also has a built-in wire cutter. The handle, made of PP+TPR material is not only comfortable but provides optimal grip for wet or oily hands. The design also allows for a smooth strip and a clean cut.
Pros:
- Ideal for copper and aluminum cables
- Comes with a built-in wire cutter
- The handle provides optimal grip for wet or oily hands
- Wire jackets can be removed with a simple one-handed motion
Cons:
- May prove to be too small for cutting really large or thick wires
Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper And Cutter
Great For Copper, Cable & Aluminum Wire
Wires can be tough, and when working with them, the last thing you want to do is be over-aggressive. That’s when this heavy-duty wire stripper from Knoweasy comes into play. Made of steel strips and glass fiber nylon, it’s not only suitable for stripping wire, but it can also cut through copper, cable, and aluminum. And with self-adjusting jaws, it works especially well with fine, thick, multi-stranded conductors, PVC, and other types of insulation. Ensuring your satisfaction, Knoweasy offers a guaranteed 12-month warranty.
Pros:
- Made of steel strips and glass fiber nylon
- Aside from stripping wire, it can cut through copper, cable, and aluminum
- Self-adjusting jaws make it beneficial when working with fine, thick, multi-stranded conductors, PVC, and other types of insulation
- 12-month satisfaction guaranteed warranty
Cons:
- Tends to cut strands of wire when it should just be stripping them
- Easy to pinch your finger, as a separate stripper is in the grip
Capri Tools Precision Wire Stripper
Precise Settings Allow You To Work With Ease
Made with a cast alloy chassis, these precision wire strippers from Capri ease the tension and worry that comes with wire stripping wires. So many unprecise wire strippers will accidentally clip the wire when they’re supposed to be stripping it. But with Capri, the stripping holes are precisely designed to smoothly remove insulation without damaging the wires. Adding to the appeal is the recoiling spring design and tension-loading wire grip.
Pros:
- Made with a cast alloy chassis
- The stripping holes are precisely designed to remove insulation without damaging the wires
- Recoiling spring design
- Tension loading wire grip
Cons:
- Holes tend to run a gauge too big
- Being top-heavy, like a hammer, it can prove challenging to use at times
Horusdy Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
Ideal Tool For Multiple Jobs
Horusdy outdoes itself with this self-adjusting tool that not only strips wires, but it can also cut and crimp them, too. The jaws are ideal for copper and aluminum cables from 10-24 AWG and the thumbwheel micro-adjusting swivel knob can even strip wires smaller than 24 AWG. Also, this stripper doubles as a wire crimping tool, which crimps insulated and non-insulated automotive ignition terminals.
Pros:
- Self-adjusting, it not only strips wires but it also cuts and crimps them.
- Thumbwheel micro-adjusting swivel knob can strip wires smaller than 24 AWG
- Doubles as a wire crimping tool
Cons:
- Sometimes will flatten wires instead of cutting them
- Can sometimes have difficulty with Romex cable wires
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key things I should look out for when purchasing a wire stripper?
Although ‘wire stripper’ seems pretty straightforward, there are several key factors you want to watch out for before purchasing. Wires come in many sizes, so you’ll want to make sure your wire cutter is easily adjustable to whatever size wire you plan on stripping. And since stripping wires is such a fine-precision job, it’s advantageous to find a tool that comes equipped with a recoiling spring design and tension loading wire grip. Your hands will thank you in the long run. You’ll also find that the majority of wire strippers come with the ability to cut as well, which will make the job that much easier. And if your tool has the ability to crimp, all the better.
Does the price make a difference when purchasing a wire stripper?
It’s easy to associate a higher price with better quality. But when it comes to purchasing a wire stripper, ignore what’s next to the dollar sign and instead pay close attention to the features included with the tool. Name brands can get away with charging more but that doesn’t guarantee their worth. In fact, you’ll find that some of the lesser-known brands will add some specially designed features to elevate themselves to the level of the competition. As always, though, it’s useful to read the reviews, too. A wire stripper may look good on paper but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll get the job done according to your standards. See what users have to say and go from there.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.