Stripper for stripping wires: rules for selecting a tool for stripping cables and wires

Important points regarding the operation of the stripper

It is quite clear that the stripper, like any other tool, must be kept clean. The second important point is the correct choice of the position of the micro-adjustment button.

The micro-adjustment screw must be fully tightened when working with cables with a maximum allowable cross section of 10 mm2. And it must be completely loosened when processing small diameter wires.

In addition, it should be remembered that the cables processed by the stripper may have some features. For example, let's take the VVG PNG 3 × 2.5 cable, which is often used when laying wiring in residential premises. It has two different manufacturing methods: with and without internal filling.

The wire on the right is very easy to strip. The wire on the left cannot be stripped with a stripper. The described nuance must be taken into account in the course of practical work and never apply excessive efforts in the course of working with it. This can cause serious damage.

So, I told you how to disassemble and properly service the stripper. I hope this information was useful for you and you will use it in the course of your practical work.

Which stripper is better to choose

When choosing a stripper, consider the following criteria:

• Frequency of use of stripping - if the stripper is used extremely rarely, then preference is given to manual and semi-automatic models. For large volumes of work, use the professional automatic view of this tool.
• The cross section of stripped conductive wires - for household wiring, stripping is used that can remove the protective layer from conductors with a cross section of 0.08 to 5-6 mm square.To perform electrical installation work on power lines, the installation of electrical panels in production, tools are used that can strip conductive conductors with a cross section of 5-6 to 8 mm square.
• Financial opportunities - when buying a budget tool for domestic needs, experts advise giving preference to inexpensive manual models, the cost of which does not exceed 1,100 rubles. If stripping is necessary to perform various highly paid contract work, then they acquire expensive and reliable automatic models worth 3000-5000 rubles.

Also, when choosing this tool, you should consider its manufacturer. Preference should be given to reliable and proven brands among professionals: KBT, Weidmuller, Knipex.

Electrician's knife - a traditional fixture

A knife with a curved blade simplifies the work and speeds up the stripping process. There are several varieties of such a device.

Features of using the device

An electrician's knife is more suitable for stripping flat cables. Experienced craftsmen will easily remove the insulation from round wires, but there will be less ease of use.

Removal of the protective sheath with a knife must be carried out with gloves to avoid injury. This is especially true when stripping a cable made in accordance with GOST. The thickness of the insulation of such a conductor is much greater than that of the wire according to specifications, and it fits more closely to the cores, which complicates the work.

When stripping, the tool must be held at an acute angle relative to the cable. If this rule is neglected, then the risk of damage to the soft metal conductor is high.

The braid is removed with light movements, cutting off the insulation from itself.

The main advantages of using knives:

• affordable cost;
• availability of models with an insulated handle;
• practicality - the knife is suitable for wires of different diameters.

The main disadvantage is the duration of work. Stripping cables of large cross-section is quite laborious. In addition, with little experience, there is a risk of damage to the cores.

Variety of electrician's knives

There are three types of electric knives. They differ from each other in the shape of the blade and the type of tip.

Heeled knife. Device with a short, concave wedge. A “heel” is soldered perpendicular to the blade, which limits the depth of the cut.

Such a knife is excellent for preparing double-insulated wires, when the upper protective layer must be removed, and the lower one must be left intact.

It is better to use a plow tool for wires with hard cores; a knife removes a soft encircling sheath worse.

Knife with a beak. A tool with a rounded blade. In such a knife, the bend is very smooth, unlike the “heel”. The specific shape of the wedge complicates the work; the device is more often used by experienced craftsmen.

Beak-shaped point suitable for a circular cut of the shell

A longitudinal cut must be made with extreme caution, since there is no cut depth limiter. Hook knife

Such a tool is capable of transverse cutting and longitudinal cutting of the cable. The wire is fixed on top with a bracket, and a sharp fang cuts through the insulation

Knife with a hook. Such a tool is capable of transverse cutting and longitudinal cutting of the cable. The wire is fixed on top with a bracket, and a sharp fang cuts through the insulation.

On the knife, you can set the depth of the cut of the protective sheath - an adjusting wheel is provided for this

This model is universal and suitable for processing most types of cables. The device is popular with professional electricians.

Assessment of the quality parameters of the tool

When choosing a knife for stripping the insulating layer, a number of rules must be followed.

Primary requirements:

1. It is better to use a knife with a small blade. The tool will be convenient to use in a limited space (cabinet, shield).
2. The blade should be made of durable steel - such metal retains its sharpness longer.
3. It is better to choose a straight edge - this will simplify the cutting of double-insulated wires.

It is necessary to pay attention to the sharpening of the blade. It should not be too sharp, otherwise it is easy to get hurt when working.

In addition, a sharpened tip can inadvertently damage the cores of the processed cable or adjacent wires.

Some tools have an insulated handle. The indicator of the maximum voltage that the knife can withstand is indicated on the device itself.

Which stripper is better to choose

Among the cleaners of wires and cables from the sheath, they usually try to choose the most functional

This is the first thing they pay attention to. The second factor, usually limiting, is the price of the device.

A stripper for stripping wires is chosen based on what work and how much time per day you need to perform with such a tool. To work with cable products in the performance of basic professional duties, it is best to purchase a semi-automatic or automatic stripper model. The price of the issue is from 900 rubles and more, but the productivity of work increases several times.

For a rare need to remove the sheath or cut the cable at home, a hand tool is suitable, which costs between 400-500 rubles.

Pros and cons

The main advantages of strippers (compared to knives):

• there is the possibility of using in order to eliminate insulation from conductors of extremely thin diameter (section 0.05 sq. mm);
• in addition to cleaning, it is used in the form of wire cutters or press tongs to crimp the end of the conductor;
• it is allowed to use in the process of removing the insulating layer from cables with any electrical insulation (silicone, PVC, rubber, etc.);
• thanks to such a device, the electrical insulating layer is easily removed even from stranded wires, cable, twisted pair;
• do not damage the current-carrying area even for aluminum and copper conductors;
• are easy to work with;
• have a reasonable price.

Key disadvantages:

• with the help of manual strippers, it is possible to process only one wire;
• the quality of cleaning for manual devices will directly depend on the degree of sharpening of the knives and the correct choice of cables for the section;
• In some devices, fragments of the insulating layer can get stuck inside the stripper itself, and therefore they will need to be removed.

difference between wire and cable

When describing electrical wiring, the term "wire" or "cable" is often used as a current conductor. To an uninitiated person in the subtleties of electrics, it may seem that this is one product. In fact, they are different.

A wire in the traditional sense is a cord with a small cross section. Such a conductor can be single or stranded.He may not have insulation at all, and if there is, then it is light in the form of a tube. Taking it off is really easy.

The cable consists of a certain number of current carriers. They are connected in one piece, but do not touch each other and are enclosed in a shell of a special material.

For a wire with one core, the cross section is set by one core, for a multi-core wire, the cross-sectional area is formed by the sum of the sections of all cores. To improve the performance properties of the cable, a nylon thread is introduced into the middle.

Any conductor should be handled with care, especially aluminum conductors. Compared to copper, they are more brittle. Bending loads reduce the already small margin of safety of aluminum conductors.

Some specs for comparison:

• aluminum density - 2.7, copper - 8.9 t / mᶾ;
• stranded version for aluminum is excluded, for copper it is possible;
• specific resistance of aluminum 0.0294, copper - 0.0175 Ohm x mm² / m.

Damage during stripping aluminum conductors further reduce their performance.

You can read more about the types of cables and wires in this material.

Tips for safe stripping

Electrical work is not easy. Therefore, even with certain knowledge, one must not forget that a damaged core will fail over time.

For safety reasons, when removing insulation for a slightly longer length than required, the excess must be cut off. Bare veins are too dangerous.

It is not advisable for a home master to purchase expensive tools in order to use them several times, removing the insulation. In most cases, simple improvised means will do.

When working with a tool, you need to be extremely careful and attentive.The insulation must be pressed slowly to avoid damaging the strands.

Microscopic damage to the conductors is invisible, so it is better to do everything slowly, but correctly, so as not to have big problems later.

To ensure reliable and safe contact, you need to use special terminal blocks.

It is not always advisable to remove the insulation if the cable consists of thin strands. It is possible, without removing the insulating layer, to disconnect the cores, and to create a contact, use a special clamp with teeth

Contact in case of installation of a piercing clamp will provide a puncture of the insulation. Sometimes this is enough.

Cable stripper

When the owner suddenly faces the task of stripping the wire from insulation, many home craftsmen resort to this particular tool, with which you can quite efficiently perform the necessary work with wires. But the question arises: why can't you use an ordinary, well-sharpened knife for the same purposes? You may be able to strip the cable from the sheath with it, but you cannot be sure that during this operation you will not damage the core of the wire.

Working with a special knife for stripping insulation, you can avoid such an unpleasant consequence, because it differs from devices not intended for work with electrical installation products by the presence of a rubberized handle and an unusual blade shape.

Which stripper to choose for professional use

For a large number of works on removing the insulating layer from wires, automatic and semi-automatic models are recommended. The improved mechanism of strippers will allow you to quickly and efficiently perform these types of work.Strippers will help to make connections in accordance with the requirements.

These types can perform several functions:

• remove insulation from wires with a diameter of 0.2-0.6 sq. mm.;
• crimp tips with a size of 0.5-6 sq. mm .;
• cut wires with a diameter of up to 6 sq. mm.

They are also capable of crimping automotive terminals, insulated and non-insulated sections.

These models of strippers are subject to any kind of materials: silicone, rubber, polyvinyl chloride, fluoroplastic shell.

Variety of insulation strippers

There are several types of strippers, which differ from each other in the principle of operation: manual, semi-automatic and automatic.

Manual strippers are the simplest device. It resembles a side cutter, it has a matrix for different cable sections. The maximum wire diameter that can be processed on such a stripper is 6 sq. mm. By installing the cable in the socket, and then scrolling it, a finished cleaned core appears for further work. The adjustable stop at the same time helps to determine the exact length of the strands to be stripped. Some models have ferrule crimping functions.

Semi-automatic types have a simple principle of operation. When working with it, you no longer need to make scrolling movements. It is enough just to insert the wire into the appropriate socket and press on the handles. Also, manufacturers have developed semi-automatic models that perform the functions of cutting the cable and crimping the lugs.

The automatic stripper is professional. With its help, there is no longer a need to select the desired wire diameter, this process is reduced to automatism. During installation, the wire is simply inserted, and the handles are pressed.

Additional functions have been added to the automatic stripper function: the ability to remove the insulating layer from the middle section of the wire, strip the protective layer from several wires, and also free flat types of conductors from insulation. Some types of automatic strippers are capable of simultaneously performing several operations: cutting, stripping and twisting the cores of a multi-core cable.

Which company is better to buy a manual stripper

Such a device belongs to the category of the simplest. It is a tongs that are equipped with small notches with pointed edges. Removal of the old layer of insulation will be carried out due to the ongoing circular movements. The cutting element will pass through the edge as the handle is compressed. In order not to breed ticks manually, a spring is provided. The handle lock will protect children from accidental contact with cutting elements. The weight and dimensions of strippers from the world's best manufacturers will be negligible.

WS-01D

Rating opens the model for an advanced user. The function of protecting conductors of a certain range is provided. The device can be used for crimping ferrules and cutting wires. Used for crimping coaxial connectors. Externally, the device differs from similar devices, which makes it so popular. It is characterized by the presence of a handle of normal volume. However, there is no return spring. In the absence of a crimper, you can use pliers or a stripper tip. In extreme cases, multi-tool undercompressions will come to the rescue.

The average price of a novelty is 1300 rubles.

WS-01D
Advantages:

• tip crimping function;
• advanced model;
• protection of conductors with a cross section of 4 mm or less;
• comfortable handles;
• build quality;
• light weight;
• Blades are sharpened by hand.

Flaws:

• no return spring
• the latch is also not provided.

Sc-28 cable stripper, 8 - 28 mm, stayer

An accessory that is preferred by beginners who have not yet determined the final scope of its application. Used to remove old insulation from a 2-28 mm cord. Manufacturer brand - STAYER. The multifunction type puller is made of high quality materials. Experts note the presence of an amazing resource that will allow you to perform any electrical work. Protective cap available. It is also possible to adjust the cutting depth.

Sc-28 cable stripper, 8 - 28 mm, stayer
Advantages:

• weight 103 g;
• comfortable sizes;
• possibility to order online;
• manufacturer's warranty (one year from the date of purchase);
• multifunctionality;
• budget model.

Flaws:

not identified.

WS-01C

Multifunctional device, for the manufacture of which stainless steel is used. It can cut M3 and M4 screws. It is also possible to form loops. One part of the jaws has a relief surface, so it can be easily used as pliers. The handles are large, so they lie comfortably in the male hand. One of them is slightly curved. At the same time, it remains small and relatively light. Length - 18 cm. The return spring is rounded, comfortable to use. The section size is offered in two variations, specified according to American standards (AWG).There are also six cutting edge sizes to choose from. High-strength steel is used as raw material. It is considered one of the most practical models on the market.

Price - 1200 rubles.

WS-01C
Advantages:

• multifunctionality;
• working range 0.5-4 mm;
• comfortable handles;
• compact dimensions;
• return spring.

Flaws:

the handles are flat, so there can be no talk of ergonomics

WS-01A

Of the presented line of manual strippers, perhaps this model is considered the simplest. It can be used to work with wires with a thickness of 0.25-4 mm. The handles are two-component, however, outwardly the tool looks more like a cable cutter. The value regulator is located on the handle and has markings. The mechanism will not allow the lips to close more than necessary. Therefore, there is no question of damage to the insulation. The return spring is located on the back side. There is a blocker that will come in handy when transporting equipment.

Cost - 600 rubles.

WS-01A
Advantages:

• the weight;
• ease of use;
• two-component handles;
• rotary regulator;
• handles are not slippery;
• return spring;
• blocker;
• compactness.

Flaws:

not identified.

Methods for removing insulation

Stripping wires with a knife

Find out what a stripper is and why you need it. By appointment, this device is for stripping the ends of conductors during the installation of lighting, assembling electrical cabinets, consumer electronics, etc. It would seem that this work is easy to do with a knife. However, those who have experienced this work know that this is not at all the case. First, without sufficient skill, the most likely result will be damage to the veins.If stranded products are stripped, thin wires are cut and broken off, contact with the terminal becomes worse. The same happens with aluminum conductors. At the slightest bend of the cut section, they break off and the operation must be started again.

Using side cutters

Professionals manage to cut and tighten the coating with side cutters. However, it does not take long to completely cut off the cleaned area.

Some manufacturers, Knipex, for example, are engaged in the production of special side cutters, with special grooves on the blades. True, such an operation can only be done with veins of a maximum of two diameters.

Removal of insulation by open fire

Sometimes they resort to the help of a lighter. It is enough to hold a section of wire over the fire to slightly melt the polymer coating and then pull it off with your fingers. In this case, you can get a slight burn of your fingers, and part of the molten shell will be smeared along the veins.

Electrician knife with heel

A special knife with a curved blade and a plate (heel) at the end of the curve. They can remove the veils faster than cutting it with a normal blade. True, and here you need to fill your hand. Popular with professionals.

Fang

Special knife for cutting the outer shell in the longitudinal direction. With some dexterity, the fang can be used to remove the coating in a circular motion. The fang handle ends with a special wheel. By turning the wheel, you can adjust the cutting depth of the outer shell.

Multifunctional knife

An interesting device capable of removing the insulating coating in many ways. With it, you can perform the following operations:

• cut the outer shell;
• make a transverse or circular incision;
• remove the coating using ready-made holes;
• use the retractable universal blade to perform the operation in the "old-fashioned" way.

An example of such a device is Jokari 30155 or Knipex 18 85 125.

Cable stripper

When the owner suddenly faces the task of stripping the wire from insulation, many home craftsmen resort to this particular tool, with which you can quite efficiently perform the necessary work with wires. But the question arises: why can't you use an ordinary, well-sharpened knife for the same purposes? You may be able to strip the cable from the sheath with it, but you cannot be sure that during this operation you will not damage the core of the wire.

Working with a special knife for stripping insulation, you can avoid such an unpleasant consequence, because it differs from devices not intended for work with electrical installation products by the presence of a rubberized handle and an unusual blade shape.

Categories of strippers for cable format

There are several types of isolation. Each implies its own specific properties and dimensions. Based on the characteristics of the cable, it is necessary to choose only the tool that suits it.

For twisted pair

It resembles a clamping mechanism with an integrated knife. With the help of this device, the most accurate cleaning of insulating material is performed.

In the people, this device is called a twisted-pair stripper. The cost of the tool is in the region of 100 rubles.

For coaxial cable

In many respects it is similar to the previous subtype, but has the only difference in the ability to work with different brands of wires using a nozzle.

The stripper in this category is rotatable and comes with a grip adjustment key

The knives cut through the outer and inner layers of the insulating material at the same time.

For optical fiber

This device is designed to remove varnish from the surface of the optical fiber. The device is high-precision, the adjustment of the mechanical part protects the fiber glass coating from deformation, so the cost of such a tool is high.

Instances of the advanced order are found up to 7 thousand rubles, and amateur options are available for 2 thousand

Under the removal of external insulating material

It resembles a solid clamping mechanism with a knife in the central part. At the other end of the handle is the adjustment part, which is responsible for controlling the diameter.

The cable is fixed inside the hole, after which the knife is adjusted on the handle

The cut is made both horizontally and vertically. Cleaning takes place along the entire length of the wire.

For cleaning power cables

A similar gauge is designed for thick layers of insulating material up to 1.5 cm. It copes well with sewn polyethylene coating.

The shapes of the blades in this tool are straight and cone-shaped.

Flexible cutting depth adjustment. This category also includes professional machines that are able not only to dismantle the insulating material, but also to compress cables.

Rules for using the tool

Strippers are quite simple devices in terms of operation, however, there are some nuances here that a person who picks up this tool should know about.

stripping veins

This is the main function of strippers and that is why it should take a small amount of time, effort and not cause unnecessary questions.In fact, the way it is, removing the wire insulation using this tool comes down to inserting the wire into the work area and squeezing the handle, then the tool will do everything by itself, but this only applies to semi-automatic and automatic models, if you use a manual stripper, you will need make an effort to pull the insulation off the core.

A very important point in using a stripper is the correct choice of recesses in the blades, because if you choose the wrong diameter, then there is a possibility of damaging the conductor, which can lead to unpleasant consequences. Also, do not immediately remove a large length of insulation, it is better to divide the procedure into several smaller parts.

Ferrule crimping

Strippers, usually only automatic models, also have a ferrule crimping feature. Actually, you should use another tool for this - a crimper, but it may not be at hand, and a stripper is quite suitable for this and this task is quite simple. First of all, it is necessary to strip the wire insulation to the required length, then install the tip on the core and place it in a suitable connector in the stripper handle. After firmly squeezing the handles and the output will be a crimped tip. There may be an extra part of the core that will need to be cut. However, crimping thick-walled lugs can be inconvenient and should only be done as a last resort.

Useful video

You can visually familiarize yourself with the main functions of automatic strippers in the video below:

Today, every person in the toolbox has a stripper and you need to be able to use it, because with sufficient skill, removing the wire insulation takes less than a second, and the process itself ceases to be tedious and routine. Using a stripper saves time, money and effort, and a professional electrician should consider purchasing an automatic stripper, as it pays off with interest and allows you to work faster, better and with pleasure.

How to choose the right tool

Before buying pliers and in general any tool, you need to remember that each of them provides for its own characteristics of working with it. If we talk about cable knives, they have wide functionality and allow you to strip insulation from conductors of any size and cross section. However, this tool requires careful handling, otherwise you can easily break the structure of the metal base of the cable. It is best to use pliers and pliers to remove the sheath from the conductor, but they are not as versatile as they are designed to work only with conductors of a certain diameter.

For example, most of these devices are suitable for stripping conductors with a diameter of 0.4 to 4 cm. Usually this range of values ​​\u200b\u200bis sufficient to process most electrical wires.

But if you have to deal with specialized cables, you will need an alternative stripping device.

In addition, you should pay attention to the characteristics of the handle, as they can affect the quality and accuracy of the stripping.On the handles of pliers for stripping wires, there must be a dielectric coating that will protect hands from electric shock

Specifications

When choosing the right tool for working with certain conductor products, you need to remember that manufacturers produce them in a large number of options, each of which has its own technical characteristics. Let us dwell in more detail on the operating parameters that a semi-automatic stripper, most commonly used in domestic conditions, has.

When getting to know him, first of all, you need to pay attention to such a characteristic as the wire cross section, which for most models has an indicator of 0.2-6 mm2. If the model is equipped with the crimping option, then the description should contain information about the size of the sleeves and tips

For the considered version of the tool, the maximum value of the section of the sleeves will also be 6 mm2. The situation is similar with the wire cutters that are provided in this tool. They are also designed to work with a conductor of the same size.

What is the difference between a stripper and a crimper

According to its device, the crimper is not much different from pliers. Its main difference is related to its functional purpose - it is designed to perform exactly the opposite work than the tool used to strip the cable. The crimper is used when it is necessary to crimp the wires for their subsequent connection and installation.

The use of this wire stripper is not recommended, but in combination with a wire stripper, it can help with the following tasks - stripping and crimping wires.In other words, thanks to the stripper and crimper, you can perform the main types of work that most often occur when installing electrical products, namely, remove the sheath from the conductors and fasten them together. These devices are equipped with two functional zones, on which the crimping grooves and jaws are located.

Operating principle

Removal of insulation with the simplest stripper for wires with a cross section of 0.5 up to 6 mm square. happens as follows:

1. The handles of the instrument are bred in such a way that the round recesses on its jaws are each divided into two parts. At the same time, the space between them must be such that a cable or conductor of the appropriate section can be inserted into it without effort;
2. The end of the wire or cable is placed in a recess corresponding to their cross section on one of the jaws;
3. When the sponge is compressed with the help of handles, a circular trimming of the insulating layer occurs;
4. The removal of the undercut layer is carried out carefully, without jerks and sudden movements, by tightening the conductor fixed between the stripping jaws.

This real-time process takes a few seconds and allows you to quickly, most importantly, qualitatively strip the wire, obtaining an even and neat bare tip with minimal damage to the insulating transparent varnish covering it.

On a note. Stripping stranded (stranded) conductors with a knife is undesirable - when trimming, a significant part of the outer thin copper conductors is damaged. This leads to the fact that when the insulation is removed, these cores come off, which reduces the cross section of the wire relative to the original one. This is especially noticeable when stripping conductive wires with a small cross section.

What it is

The most popular tool for stripping wires is a stripper. Thanks to him, the removal of insulation is greatly simplified, in particular from wiring, which has a large number of cores. The cutting depth can be adjusted, which will make it possible to use the device in question for various cable diameters.

Cable stripper

Sometimes it seems that such a tool is irrelevant for an amateur electrician. However, if you count the number of sockets, switches, transfer boxes, etc. in a typical home and multiply by at least 4 (the number of contacts required to be stripped for installation), the numbers will be large. For example, in an ordinary 3-room apartment, the indicator can be 2,000.

What does a stripper look like

Summing up

In the process of installing various electrical installation devices and connecting household appliances, it is necessary to pre-treat electrical conductors

It is very important that this work is carried out properly without damaging the cores of the cables. This can only be done using a specialized stripping tool.

Most often, a stripper is used, with which you can carefully remove the insulation, while maintaining the protective sheath of the conductor intact.

However, for the qualitative performance of this operation, it is necessary to choose the right stripper, since not all of them are universal. First of all, it is necessary to take into account the type of cable with which you have to work, as well as its diameter. We should not forget about safety. The selected tool for removing the insulating sheath must be equipped with handles with a dielectric coating, which will protect the master during work from electric shock.

Conclusion

The stripper is a popular type of tool that is used in the process of electrical work. Used to remove old insulating material from wires of any section. There are several types of devices:

1. Stripping the twisted pair.
2. Working with conventional electrical cable.

When connecting household tools, appliances, cables, telephone lines and other electrically conductive paths, pre-treatment of the conductors is required. Such manipulations should be performed in the best possible way. Damage must be avoided. To do this, you need a special tool that is used to strip the insulation. We are talking about strippers that will allow you to remove the old material neatly, without damage and in a matter of seconds.

In order for the work to be done with high quality, it is necessary to choose the right tool, which may not belong to the category of universal (multifunctional)

First of all, you need to pay attention to the type of cable used and its diameter. Safety first

It will not be superfluous to pay attention to models whose handles have a dielectric coating. This will eliminate the possibility of electric shock in the process of working with live wires.