Wire Stripper Tool, I’m Tired of Bleedin

try t taps

Get a pair like the ones below. Basically just use the correct gauge, cut the shielding in the two spots, then use the tip to pull the shielding away. I am sure someone will mention the kind that strips from the middle but they don't fit in have the places they need to.


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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

I use a wire stripper made by MAC tools.  It has two handles that you squeeze together and it strips the wire automatically, up to 10 gauge I think.  Radioshack also makes the same set for about half the price.  Sorry, I don't have a picture though, but it might be called an automatic wire stripper.

yay pictures.  Here's the ones I use $5 from home depot.

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Cause I'm So white and nerdy...
First Class Certi-fried installer

These are the ones that I DON'T like. But some do.



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Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

I have a Paladin wire stripper similar to this one, it's self adjusting, which is handy. It can separate the insulation by pushing it apart after cutting it, without having to remove a notch section.

I've used a Klein of the type that auex showed above, and it's good for heavy gauge wires, but it is kinda clumsy under the dash in a nest of wires, because you have to make sure you place it in the right notch for it to work properly, and it has to have enough side clearance from all the other wires in the bundle.

By the way, there's a huge difference in quality in those automatic strippers; don't bother with the cheap imitations if you want to try one. The name brand one is much more precise and reliable. The cheap ones usually end up nicking the wires or just pulling it apart. If I had a choice between using the cheap one or a knife, I'd probably go for the knife-

Yea.. the cheap ones break wires... and its a pain in the *** to put them back together again. Dont cheap out... go with the ones in the post by chungo. I have them and they work wonders.

Kenny

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Kenny
Owner / Technician
KKD Garage LLC
Albany, NY 12205

Thanks for all the replies.

For those that posted ones where it looks like you feed the wire into the stripper (like the stripper is eating the wire) those won't work for what I'm doing right? Like for the method of the picture I posted?

I have that exact pair posted by auex but never even thought to try and use it. I use it to strip wires that I have to hook up but never tried doing it the way I posted for the picture.

So for those who replied.. Are you using them to do it the method of the picture I posted?

If you use one of the automatic strippers, you don't really need to remove the section of insulation from the midpoint of the run like you're doing.
There's generally enough flexibility in the insulation that it can be just opened up by pulling the cut ends outward, and they'll stay separated to allow you to make the connection.
The automatic strippers make it easier because they can do the pulling one handed, since they grip the wire insulation on both sides when you squeeze.
Like auex said, because they tend to need more room to work with, they can be unwieldy if you're trying to work in a cramped area with tightly bundled cables. Then you might have to revert back to finesse it with a razor or the regular type strippers.

seconded. i use these all the time.

So these work to cut wires as shown in image?

pretty much.

One set of jaws holds the insulation while the other set pull the insulation apart. You end up with something pretty close to what is in the picture

Don't ever use t-taps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I like to use regular wire strippers, make 2 cuts using the right gauge for the wire, about an inch apart and then use a blade and make a cut between the 2 and then remove insulation. 

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Gary Kline
MECP Master Technician

No, I would NEVER t-taps!! I've had bad experiences with them (not getting good connections and what not).