What are the Different Types of Wire Stripper?
In the electrical wiring industry, it is essential to get the right tools. A wire stripper is one of the most essential tools any electrician or DIYer must own. It is a helpful tool for stripping electrical wires of their insulation, ready to be connected without damaging the conductor. There are different types of wire strippers, each with different needs and wire gauges. This article will discuss various types of wire strippers, their operation, and the applications for which they are best suited.
The Importance of Wire Strippers
A wire-stripping tool makes a clean, precise cut and does not damage the conductor, which is paramount for safe, sound electrical applications.
Types of Wire Strippers
1- Manual Wire Strippers
The simplest, most basic ones are manual wire strippers, such as the AWG18-3 Wire Stripper, consisting of pliers-like handles with notched holes corresponding to various wire gauges. The operator has to insert the wire in the appropriate hole, just like shoving it in, and press the levers to remove the insulation.
Uses:
- Minor home repair works
- Occasional strip wire users
- Collaborating with the solid and stranded wires
Pros:
- Low cost and widely accessible
- Easy and straightforward to work with
- Positioned well in control
Cons:
- Deals with the manual strength and precision
- Slower in repeated activities
2- Automatic Strippers
An automatic wire stripper, such as the HS-700B Automatic Wire Stripper, makes the stripping process easier by automatically adjusting to the wire. To use it, you feed the wire, squeeze the handles, and cut and pull the insulation off in one continuous stroke.
Uses:
- Professionals
- Stripping of many wires
- Fastness and productivity
Pros:
- Quick and convenient
- Reduces fatigue in the hands
- Consistent results
Cons:
- More costly than manual strippers
- Might not work so well when working with either very thin or very thick wires
3- Adjustable Wire Strippers
These tools, such as the IWS-D10 Wire Stripper, lie in a middle ground between manual and automatic strippers, offering greater flexibility. A dial or adjustment knob built into the user sets the gauge of the wire. It can strip various cables of various sizes once correctly adjusted.
Uses:
- Technicians who deal with different wire sizes
- The projects that have varied insulation thicknesses
Pros:
- Versatile
- Adjustable to special jobs
- They have cut and crimp capabilities
Cons:
- Needs time to install properly
- Is experience dependent on applying
4- Precision Wire Strippers
Precision wire strippers, such as the ICP-065 Multi-functional Wire Stripper, are typically designed for delicate work and used in electronics, telecommunications, and circuit boards. Most have super-fine tips and small stripping notches for micro wires.
Uses:
- Electronic repair
- Sub-cable and precision elements
Pros:
- Highly accurate
- Eliminates the breakage of small wires
- Suitable for crowded areas
Cons:
- Restricted to small-sized wire
- In most cases, it is more costly
5- Rotary Wire Strippers
Rotary strippers are usually deployed on coaxial or larger-gauge industrial cables. It is used for television cables or network installation; these rotary blades cut the insulation without damaging the wire. The FSA-0626B Wire Stripper is an excellent example.
Uses:
- Coaxial, fiber optic, and multi-layered cables
- Telecom or industrial usage
Pros:
- Professional clean results
- Height adjustments
- Suitable for round cables
Cons:
- Restricted to specific applications
- It requires skills to operate
Read More: What do Electricians Use to Strip Wire?
Selecting the Best Wire Stripping Tool
Before stripping the wire, ensure your tool is suitable for the wire's type and gauge to prevent damage and make the job easier. The choice of the best wire stripper is based on your requirement:
- A manual stripper might be enough to use at home.
- An automatic stripper is recommended when you are a professional who has to work with large quantities.
- When performing a more intricate job, you choose a precision stripper or a rotary tool to work on a particular cable.
Final Thoughts
High-quality Wire stripping tools are essential for electricians. Different varieties are available; knowing what distinguishes each type may help you select the proper tool for the job. It is safe, and the work is done professionally. Check out iCrimps' selection of the best wire strippers to find the right tool for our project.
References
lenovo.com
hausoftools.com
fibconet.com
