Wire strippers are plier-like tools used to remove the insulating outer sheath from cables in order to attach terminals or connectors to the central core via crimping or soldering. Some strippers also allow electricians to cut right through the copper or conduit in a wire or cable.
Types of wire strippers
Multiple models and designs are available, including:
- Adjustable strippers - these combine stripping with crimping and wire-snipping abilities.
- Triple action wire strippers – these strippers are made for thicker cabling with tough insulation and can use a unique spiral cutting motion.
- Wire stripper pliers – these feature V-shaped stripping jaws for thicker, multicore cables.
- Sheath stripper – these use a rotary action and produce a neat ring cut. Pistol wire stripper – these strippers have a self-adjusting blade and use a compound stripping action with a firm grip.
- Automatic wire strippers – these use a mechanism to remove insulation and cut wire rapidly, with a single application of pressure
- Manual wire strippers – these are the standard, hand-operated model, but usually, include a spring-loaded handle and safety lock.