Comfortable living in the house and sustainable manufacturing process they are similar in one thing: they require a stable power supply. For this there is various systems for delivery to the consumer electrical energy. For successful functioning, each connection needs reliable contact, which is achieved by high-quality stripping and pulling of the cores. For large volumes of work, a tool is used to strip the insulation from the wires.

Dielectric Removal Methods

In electrical installation, work with radio equipment and electronics, such a process as exposing a cable core cannot be avoided. It is produced automatically, without focusing on the technique, in the following ways:

• Warming up the stripping area to the melting temperature of the vinyl sheath. This is done with the tip of a heated soldering iron, a lighter, a specially made device with a thread made of refractory metal, such as nichrome. Not the most pleasant method due to the pungent odor. And on the fingertips there is a plaque that reminds of this process for weeks. It is better to use this method not on wires of small thickness and quantity.
• The mechanical method relies on the contact of pointed planes and an insulating coating. The easiest option would be to use a knife. Use a regular one, or purchase a special cutter.

Due to the fact that cable products are produced with two types of cores, each has its own type of wire stripping tool:

• A mounting knife with a round blade is used for cutting round wires. A sharpened round piece cuts into the shell and cuts through it with a light glide without damaging the metal.
• The flat cable cutter has a hook-shaped notch at the tip. She pry off the insulation layer, and due to sharp sharpening, leaning with a blunt end on the core, she rips the tube without touching the current-carrying part.

The use of these devices requires only skill when working with piercing objects and must be performed on a rigid base, but not on the knee. Breaking off by accident, the tip can leave a deep cut.

Many people make their own knives from a hacksaw blade. The correct angle of the sharpened part and a reliable handle are important here.

Professional cleaning methods

For such tools, two methods of removing insulation are characteristic. In a discontinuous action, the force is directed horizontally between two fixed points.

Reception with cutting consists in cutting the shell in a circle and pulling it off the core. Both of these methods are combined in professional cable stripping tools.

They are divided into three groups:

• manual;
• automatic;
• semi-automatic.

In addition to this division, there is a classification by type of instrument:

Stripper Features

This is the most common tool for stripping cable insulation, which comes in various modifications.

With its help, without extra effort, they clean:

• Separate vein.
• Twisted pair network cable.
• coaxial cords.
• Fiber optic wire.

Handmade tool

To use such a device, a number of manipulations are performed. Hence the second name - a mechanical stripper for stripping wires. It has an external resemblance to pliers: the same two handles with a dielectric and sponges. Only these planes have special pointed recesses calibrated for a standard cable section of different sizes.

The pressing power is limited by the strength of the user's hands, so the maximum area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe core is limited, as a rule, to six square millimeters. The tool is quite versatile. Many varieties are a whole combine. Here and crimping tips, cutting wire, as well as small fasteners, making ring contacts.

The algorithm for using a stripper for stripping wires is simple:

• Insert the core in accordance with the section and the desired length of the bare part.
• Press the grips to bite.
• Scroll around.
• Remove the instrument along with the vinyl tube.

The main requirement is right choice holes. Otherwise, the core will be damaged or the dielectric layer will not be cut through.

Device - semi-automatic

For a large amount of work, it is more convenient to use this device. By appearance such a stripper resembles a mechanical modification, only a little more complicated. Removing the insulation requires nothing more than placing the core in the desired socket and pressing the handles.

A feature of semi-automatic equipment is to fix the length of the stripped segment. This is convenient for a large number of the same type of connections, for example, in control cabinets or relay protection.

Automatic device

Like the entire family of similar equipment, this stripper has the same shape as other modifications. But here the user is freed from the need to select the right socket for the wire. The tool itself determines the force of impact on the insulation. This device is able to remove not only the protection from the cable core, but also the primary sheath of both round and flat sections.

Like most of these devices, the automatic stripper performs many actions related to the manipulation of cable products.

In order to avoid additional problems when performing this type of electrical installation operations, there are some helpful tips:

• When working with a coaxial cable, you must first remove the top protection with a soldering iron. Then remove the copper screen until a second dielectric layer appears. This step is best done with a knife.
• Small wire (0, 2 square millimeter and less) it is more efficient to clean with a soldering iron or a knife. You also need to do with a paper dielectric.
• The enamel coating is removed with sandpaper.
• If the cable is not stripped from the edge, then the use of strippers is not possible. It remains to resort again to the help of a knife.

What equipment to choose

Nowadays it is difficult to surprise someone with a technical novelty. At every step, equipment of all kinds of directions, prices and qualities is sold. Same with electrical tools. The range is huge. If you need a stripper for several operations, there is no point in looking at expensive models. A simple tool for 200-400 rubles is suitable. For a better and more equipped device, you will have to pay from a thousand to one and a half thousand rubles.

It is unlikely that you can buy a professional model with knives made of good steel, excellent sharpening and proven insulation for less than 2,500 rubles. In this case, there is no need to rush, it is necessary to weigh the pros and cons, consult with experts. Only in this case, you can buy such a rather expensive instrument without compromising quality and wallet.

Method one. With a knife: step back from the edge of the wire to the length necessary to expose it, cut the insulation with a circular motion of the knife, then pull it off the wire.

In this case, the wire itself is usually damaged. If it is stranded, then some veins are cut with a knife. This may not be so scary, although the wire cross section will thereby be reduced, which means that the quality of the contact will become worse. If the wire is single-core, then you may not even notice its damage with a knife. A barely visible and perceptible circular groove will remain. It will not be visible, since it coincides in position with the edge of the cut off insulation. And this is even worse - it is enough to bend such a wire a couple of times, as it will break off exactly along this groove. Especially it concerns aluminum wires. But copper, which has a high viscosity, also breaks in this place, although, perhaps, not immediately.

Method two. With a planing movement of the knife, remove the strip of insulation from the place where the stripping begins to the end of the wire. Then tear off or cut off the striped tail of the insulation.

It is also possible to damage the wire conductor in this case. And in the place when the knife cuts into the insulation for the first time. A force is applied that can also damage the conductor - put a groove on it (single-core wire) or cut off several veins (multi-core). The results are the same as in the first method.

Method three. With sharp wire cutters or side cutters with incomplete reduction at the place where the wire was removed, break through the insulation, then use wire cutters and scrape it off the wire.

The disadvantages are the same, plus the risk of cutting the wire altogether, slightly squeezing the wire cutters. If you don’t have a bite, the metal of the wire is easily damaged, which worsens the contact or ultimately breaks off the wire exactly at the place where the removal of the insulation began.

Method four. It consists in a thermal violation - with a soldering iron, a match, a lighter - of the integrity of the insulation, after which it is removed or cut off.

Disadvantages - insulation is now fireproof, but fusible and in case of fire (difficult, yes) pretty smelly. Poisonous black smoke is emitted, which is not comme il faut to inhale. And to the conductor, which I wanted to “clean”, a layer of this very insulation can stick, which still then needs to be scraped off. With the risk of damage to the metal of the wire that has not gone away. Drops of insulator will also be applied to the tip of the soldering iron, which are then scraped and burned out and scraped again.

Work with professional methods and tools consists in techniques similar to those listed, but, if possible, with overcoming these shortcomings.

Professional cutting of cables and wires

The easiest way was to slightly improve the stripping knife, so that it does not damage the metal strands when stripping the wires.

Carving knives for electricians

In contrast to the wrong methods, when the insulation is cut from the place where the bare part of the wire ends, now the knife is asked to cut in the opposite direction. The removal of insulation from the wires is done from the end of the wire - they simply draw a knife along the wire for a length of "as much as necessary". Such a knife is made with a special blade shape and with a special sharpening to reduce the likelihood of damage to the cable conductor.

Another notion is that a special heel is made at the tip of the knife, which is necessary for longitudinal cutting of the insulation, before removing the insulation from the wire, put it directly on the core, and it will slide along it, cutting the insulation, but not spoiling the metal. However, how long will it last, this heel.

With such knives, when cutting, it is necessary to lead exactly along the wire. There are designs with a special "holder" for the cable. The insulation is cut in them by a special small blade produced for a short length.

There is such a tool for cutting - a knife with a lot of additional holes of different diameters, which are not so, so commercially suitable for stripping wires.

However, there are tools that can be used to strip the insulation accurately, and even to a given length of wire.

Stripper - stripping pliers

AT English language the word strip means something like "sand", "remove the top layer", "splinter off", "peel off". The British came up with a separate tool with the following name: stripper, "stripper".

This is a completely professional tool that guarantees industrial quality work and is available in the arsenal of any cableman's tools.

Cutting the cable with a stripper is done in much the same way as we would do it with wire cutters or side cutters. Only in these tongs all cutting parameters are precisely set: the diameter of the hole, the thickness of the insulation or the diameter of the metal core of the wire. The tool has a blade for cutting the insulation, it can be equipped with devices for grasping the gear wire on one side (from the side of the wire coil) and for grasping the insulation from the end, there may be a measuring gap for which the wire is exposed. There may be a spring-lever mechanism for abruptly tearing off the insulation, measured and notched on the wire.

There are very simple ones, and there are also multi-purpose complex ones.

The simplest wire stripper (tweezers or cable cleaning pliers) has one screw with which you can set the thickness of the wire, then compress and tear off the insulation.

The screw rests against the lower jaw and allows the jaws to converge strictly at a certain distance. First, the wire is slightly clamped with a screw in a rhombic hole at the ends of the two jaws, then you can slightly increase the pressure, the insulation is torn by this. Then a sharp jerk - and the insulation is removed from the wire.

These tools seem to have good insulated handles. Manufacturers claim to work safely with them in networks up to 1000 V. Does this mean that you can work with wires without turning off the current? However, such receivers with high-voltage live wires clearly look risky. You pull the wire, the insulation breaks, and then what? The wire must be held somehow, in such tongs there are no means for this.

But there are tongs that fix the wire - the place where the insulation was removed - entirely.

It is necessary to fill the wire into a hole of a given size and rest it against a plate, the position of which is adjustable. After squeezing the handles of the pliers, the insulation will be cut through and removed. Moreover, the wire is held in a fixed position.

There are a lot of strippers. And manufacturers continuously replenish tools for electricians with newer and newer, more functional and completely automatic tools. With which you can evenly cut off the wire, remove the insulation, and any, and one that can be removed with a knife - you will be tortured. Everything is configured automatically. The insulation is removed in a second, after which you can put a contact tip on the wire and crimp it securely in the next second completely in accordance with all electrical standards.

Insulation is removed with micro-adjustment. That is, you can put a multi-wire cable in which several insulated wires- tongs will remove the upper shell. After that, straighten all the wires of the cable and give them to the stripper. The stripper will remove the insulation from everyone at once. Very accurate and without damaging the conductor strands.

Right below the axis of the tongs we see a cutter that cuts very straight and flat.

Then there are crimps for sleeves. Sleeves are crimped different forms, with insulating cap, lug for automotive wiring and others.

Strippers and pliers for special purposes

In an area adjacent to electricians - communications - special pliers are used for stripping cables, supplemented by a device for standard termination of cable ends.

Everything is determined by the type of cable and its size.

To cut off the sheath of a coax or twisted pair, they use such a simple stripper.

Pliers for stripping and terminating the end of a twisted pair have enough tools for this. To use them, you do not need to adjust anything, everything is already determined by the standard dimensions of the cable and connector. It is not necessary to strip the insulation, it is only necessary to cut off the shell. There is no doubt about how to use these forceps - the device speaks for itself.

After removing the insulation from the cable, the pairs are disassembled, laid out and evenly cut with one of the cleaning knives. After that, they are carefully tucked into the connector, according to the wiring diagram for the RJ-45 TP wire (twisted pare wire).

It remains to perform one operation: the connector is tucked into the socket - if narrower, then for a telephone, wider - for a cable local networks. The handles are compressed, the device makes a powerful pressure, the knife-contacts of the connector punch holes in the insulation of the wires, the cable is fixed in the connector with a special bar and ... you're done. So many actions in one move.

Hello, dear readers and guests of the Electrician's Notes website.

First I would like to clarify the terminology.

Pliers for removing insulation, abbreviated as KSI. But now it is customary to refer to "bourgeois" names, so these same ticks are called strippers, i.e. from English word"strip", which translates as to undress, expose or remove, which characterizes the purpose of this tool, i.e. strip or remove insulation from wires.

I became the owner of these ticks not so long ago, though I had already thoroughly tested them in my work.

At work, I have to cut and strip power and control cables with a core cross section of 0.5 to 4 sq. mm.

Until now, I have used simpler KSIs: fairly reliable MB-1M tongs, a good Chinese stripper (no name) and even ordinary Metallist-type mounting knives, etc.

I was once given a gift in the form of Sparta pliers, although I don’t use them at all, because. they just simply don't work - don't buy them for anything. Read my detailed article about what is so bad.

I will return to the listed tools for removing isolation in my next articles - subscribe to the site's newsletter so as not to miss the most interesting.

So, back to Knipex 12 40 200.

Packaging and appearance.

Their cost (at the time of this writing) is about 6500 rubles. I would say that this is not exactly a cheap tool. Naturally, for home craftsmen, the acquisition of this tool will be redundant and inappropriate, but for professionals who have to clean more than one hundred veins per day, this will be a good acquisition.

Why Knipex?

I read a lot of reviews and recommendations on the Internet about strippers for stripping insulation from different manufacturers, and yet I chose Knipex 12 40 200. Basically, all the reviews about them are only positive: the tool has been tested for long-term operation, there is a clear and trouble-free operation, convenience and ease. Well, what do you want - it's Germany.

I also have a positive opinion about the products of the company KBT, tk. I purchased PKVk-6 press pliers from them for NShVI-type sleeve lugs, PK-16u press pliers for copper lugs and sleeves, and NS-32 sector shears (Nuks) for cutting cables and insulated lugs for my own. Their prices are quite reasonable.

Appointment and arrangement of ticks

Knipex pliers 12 40 200 are multifunctional tool and are intended:

• for stripping insulation from single-core and stranded wires section from 0.03 to 10 sq. mm (or AWG 32-7 according to the American "caliber")
• for removing the outer sheath from flat cables and wires with a width of not more than 10 (mm)
• for cutting solid wires up to 6 sq. mm and stranded wires up to 10 sq. mm

Ticks consist of:

• stripping knives
• notched plastic sponges
• limit stop
• adjusting screw
• knife for cutting cores of wires and cables (cutter)
• handles

The body of the pliers is made of plastic reinforced with fiberglass. Accordingly, they are lightweight - only 200 grams.

The length of the pliers is 200 (mm).

When worn, the stripping blades can be replaced.

Plastic sponges, as they wear out, can also be replaced. They are quite easy to remove with a small screwdriver, and you can install new ones in their place.

Spare parts can be found and ordered in online stores of official Knipex representatives.

Knife for cutting conductors of wires and cables (cutter) is made of special hardened tool steel.

How to use a Knipex stripper

1. Removal of insulation from cores of wires and cables

As I said just above, using the Knipex 12 40 200 stripper, you can remove PVC or rubber insulation from solid and stranded wires with a cross section of 0.03 to 10 sq. mm.

These pliers are not intended for stripping multi-layer and reinforced insulation, as well as highly flexible insulation.

A distinctive feature of these pliers is that they themselves adjust to different sections of the stripped wires. This is very convenient - you do not need to get into the precision holes of the pliers each time, as, for example, in the same MB-1M pliers.

So, how does isolation work?

First you need to select the length of the insulation to be stripped using the limit stop. To adjust the length, you need to squeeze and move the stop to the required distance on the scale. The length adjustment range is from 3 to 18 (mm).

With the help of the adjusting screw, you can adjust the cutting depth of the knives depending on the insulation (PVC, rubber) of the stripped wire.

After adjusting the stripping length and cutting depth of the knives, insert the wire into the pliers until it stops.

We press the handles - the sponges clamp the wire.

The knives cut through the wire insulation and pull it together.

Done - the insulation is removed.

Another feature of these pliers is that the principle of their operation is not based on breaking the core insulation, as in many KSI models, but on a neat and even cut. The insulation is cut with knives in the places marked in red.

Thus, violation and damage to the current-carrying core is completely excluded. It is very important!

When removing insulation with knives, side cutters, etc. tools, there is a high probability of damaging the current-carrying core, especially for wires of small cross sections. As a result of inaccurate actions, a notch can be made on the core and, literally, after a few minor bends, the wire in this place can easily break off.

In addition, the work with such a tool takes much more time.

For this reason, the wire connections to each other (read the article about everything) or to electrical installation products (, etc.) are of poor quality.

Also, when using the listed tools (knives, side cutters, etc.), the length of the stripped wires is not respected, so to speak - everything is done by eye. And if you carelessly work with a knife, you can completely injure your hand.

So, when using the Knipex 12 40 200 stripper, this will never happen to you.

2. Removing the outer sheath from flat cables

Everything is similar, only instead of core insulation, you can remove the outer sheath of a cable or wire, though with a width of not more than 10 (mm). For this, common cables are just suitable, for example, VVG-Png (3x2.5) or VVG-Png (3x1.5).

Everything is the same here, we adjust the cutting depth of the knives and the length of the stripping. Then we insert the VVG-Png cable to the limit stop.

We press the handles of the pliers - the sponges clamp the cable.

The knives cut through the outer sheath of the cable and tighten it.

The outer sheath of the cable has been removed.

Personally, I do not use this function, because. the shell is removed to a length of only 18 (mm), and this is very small. For such purposes, I use a fitter's knife or other special tools.

3. Wire cutting

This stripper can cut solid wires up to 6 sq. mm and stranded wires up to 10 sq. mm.

So far, I have tried cutting wires up to 4 sq. mm - it cuts perfectly.

Regularly lubricating the hinges, linkage, sliding surfaces, and using the pliers only according to the manufacturer's instructions will only increase the life of the tool.

I want to draw your attention to the fact that the manufacturer slightly overestimated the capabilities of these pliers. The fact is that the removal of isolation from copper wire with a cross section of more than 4 sq. mm, it is not so easy for ticks - it is felt that they “crunch” in the truest sense of the word, though they clean it anyway. Therefore, to increase the service life of the pliers, I still recommend that you use them with sections up to 4 sq. mm inclusive.

In conclusion of my review, I would like to note that the mechanics of the Knipex 12 40 200 stripper for stripping insulation has an unusually “easy” and smooth running. With the help of pincers, high labor productivity is achieved. They are very convenient and fast to work with.

If you already use these ticks, then I would like to hear your opinion and impressions about them.

P.S. In addition to the above, watch the video where I show how to remove the insulation and outer sheath from different brands of cables.

In the arsenal of a professional electrician, there is always a tool for stripping wires, which is necessary for stripping cores when connecting sockets, switches, wiring, etc. Such a device would be useful home master who started repairs in an apartment or house.

Let's figure out what tools exist for removing the sheath from wires, what are the specifics of their use, and we will indicate what you should pay attention to when buying such devices.

To connect one outlet or switch in an apartment, it is not necessary to buy professional equipment. It will turn out to strip a piece of wire with an ordinary kitchen knife. However, if a large-scale repair is to be carried out with a complete renovation of the electrical wiring system, then specialized devices cannot be dispensed with.

The number of contacts to be cleaned when renovating a 100 sq. m can reach a thousand. To perform such work without specialized devices is an unreasonable waste of time and effort.

In a modern room, installation of many sockets, switches, installation of shields, junction boxes and lighting fixtures

In addition, stripping without professional wire stripping tools is fraught with negative consequences:

• the risk of damage to the cable is high, which reduces the safety of the operation of the wiring;
• an incision in the conductive core leads to a decrease in the cross section of the wire, as a result - a break or burning at the junction;
• if the wire is cut carelessly, the damaged wire may break when bent.

In high frequency systems with alternating current the situation is complicated by the appearance of the skin effect - the current is distributed unevenly, but mainly in the surface layer of the conductor. In such wires, any most insignificant defect in the core can disable the equipment.

With a knife, you can gently peel off the insulation, but the work will take a long time. And if you need to prepare a lot of cables, then mistakes are inevitable - it will not work to quickly make a large number of high-precision cuts

When it comes to significant amounts of work, it is better not to take risks and use special devices. Damage to the conductor may cause a fire, cause damage to equipment, or cause electric shock.

Types of electrical accessories

The variety of tools can be classified according to the following criteria:

• the volume of work performed;
• process automation.

The insulating sheath can be removed in two ways: thermal and mechanical.

The first option is valid only for thin, low-power conductors used in communication devices, audio equipment and electronics operating on a voltage of about 5 volts.

Thermal exposure is suitable for one-time stripping of a small batch of conductors. To heat the insulating shell, use: a lighter, a soldering iron, a heated chromium thread

Professional methods are exclusively mechanical removal of insulation. The operation of the tools is based on one of the principles for removing the protective coating:

1. Cutting. The tip cuts through the insulating layer in a circle, leaving current-carrying conductors without damage. After - part of the cut coating is removed from the wire.
2. Gap. The insulation is clamped and, with a force, is literally torn off the conductor.

Based on the estimated volume of work performed, all tools can be conditionally divided into two groups:

• household;
• professional.

In the first category, some include an electrician's knife. However, such a tool is invariably present in the arsenal of a professional. The knife is often used in everyday life due to its affordability and ease of use.

Professional tools: pliers, tongs, pullers and strippers. To perform a small amount of work, pliers and side cutters are suitable

The most in demand among electricians are strippers. There are three types of professional cable stripping tool: manual, semi-automatic and automatic.

In addition to the general classification, devices may differ in purpose. If universal tools or devices used exclusively for or. The diameter of the stripped wire may also differ, the range of values ​​​​of the order is 4-40 mm.

Nippers or pliers: application nuances

A proven tool that acts on the gap. The principle of operation of the nippers is simple. Using a screw, select the desired wire diameter, then clasp the cable, scroll a little in a circle and tighten the insulating coating.

When adjusting the clamps, choose a grip width slightly larger than the cable section. This will protect the conductor from scratches during the removal of the protective layer.

Expensive tongs are made with insulated stainless steel handles. Some pliers clean the thinnest wires without breaking.

Additional advantages of nippers include:

• reliability;
• durability;
• the ability to work in hard-to-reach areas;
• stripping live wires.

Disadvantages of wire cutters: the inability to choose the length of the removal of the insulating layer, the need to constantly reconfigure the screw when stripping wires of different diameters.

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 insulation thickness 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.

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.

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.

The beak-shaped point is suitable for a circular cut of the shell. A longitudinal incision must be made with extreme caution, since there is no cut depth limiter

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 cable being processed 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.

Stripper - ease of use

The best and most popular wire stripper that makes your job as easy as possible. Tools are represented by a wide range of models.

The principle of operation of different models

The mechanism of action is based on the processing of the cable with two movable knives that have a semicircular shape. The cut gauge is adjusted to the wire section, ensuring the accuracy of the notch and the absence of damage to the metal core.

Three types of strippers are distinguished depending on the automation of the process:

• mechanical;
• semi-automatic;
• auto.

The insulation stripper has a simple design and is used to strip individual wires.

Outwardly, a mechanical stripper is similar to pliers. On the inner surface of the clamps there are several holes with blades designed to cut the sheaths of wires of different sizes.

Working with a manual stripper is not difficult. General scheme stripping:

1. Determine the diameter of the wire.
2. Choose the appropriate hole on the lips of the device.
3. Bite the cable by pressing the handles.
4. Remove the braid from the wire by moving the stripper in a circle.

If you choose a socket with a smaller diameter than the wire section, then there is a risk of damage to the core. If you use a larger hole, the braid will not be removed.

Pros of a manual stripper:

• compact size and light weight;
• the ability to crimp the tip;
• the presence of several gaps for wires - usually up to seven with a range of values ​​​​0.25-2.5 mm.

This option is more convenient for large volumes of work. The semi-automatic unit is equipped with a mechanism that does not require the stripper to scroll around the wire.

It is enough to choose a cell for the diameter of the wire, adjust the length of the stripping and bite the cable. The stripper will cut the sheath and strip it off without damaging the conductor

Auto. The tool makes the job as easy as possible. The user does not need to select the diameter of the wire section. The device has one socket, the size of which automatically adjusts to the installed cable.

The stripper is suitable for stripping wires with a cross section of 0.2-6 mm.

Some models are equipped with an adjusting screw to adjust the size of the gripper for smaller diameter wires.

Most automatic strippers have advanced functionality. In addition to the direct task, they are able to perform:

• crimping tips;
• cutting the ends of the wire;
• twisting multi-core cables.

The automatic stripper is capable of stripping single and double insulated wires. In one pass, the tool will remove only the upper shell. To remove the lower braid, the manipulations must be repeated.

Stripper selection options

It is necessary to buy a tool based on the specifics of the activity. Before going to the store, you must compare the following criteria:

• scope of application - professional or household;
• scope of work - regular or occasional application;
• tool skills;
• purchase budget.

For professional electricians, it is definitely better to choose semi-automatic or automatic devices designed for stripping a large number of cables. The high price of devices is justified by the speed and convenience of work.

A special stripper is provided for cleaning the television, Internet cable. It differs from the usual one by the presence of additional knives for the subsequent installation of the F-connector

The home master can "enrich" his arsenal of tools with a manual stripper. If there are no skills in working with electrical wiring, then it is better to choose a semi-automatic device - the risk of notching the wires is minimized.

Preference should be given to trusted manufacturers that guarantee the safety of materials and the durability of the tool. It is better to refuse cheap models from low-quality alloys and with a plastic case.

For more information on how to choose a stripper, see

Alternative options: side cutters and pliers

Using some tools other than their intended purpose, it is quite possible to remove the insulating wrap. Popular alternatives to professional tools: side cutters and pliers.

Side cutters. The device is designed for cutting wires of small diameter, as well as for trimming plastic and metal elements when performing installation and repair work.

When using side cutters to clean the insulation, it is necessary to control the clamping force so as not to damage the core.

The cutting edges should be directed in the opposite direction to the movement of the tool. The sheath is carefully removed with a tube without damaging the conductor

Pliers with precision holes of various diameters are suitable for processing wires. A universal tool is in demand when installing wiring.

These pliers allow you to:

• capture and bend the wire;
• cut the wire of medium hardness;
• carry out pressure testing of contact sleeves;
• remove insulation.

The number of holes determines the functionality of the tool, usually pliers are designed to process wires of 3-6 sizes.

Permissible wire section parameters are indicated on the handle, the standard range of values ​​​​is 0.5-3 square meters. mm

Pliers must be handled carefully. If you do not calculate the clamping force, then you can easily damage the core.

Choice of stripping method for different wires

The complexity of removing insulation is largely determined by the type of wire. When choosing a tool, you should consider the features of the cable:

1. coaxial wire. When removing double insulation, work is carried out in two stages. The top layer can be removed thermally, and the bottom layer can be removed with a stripper. The cores of such a cable are very fragile and thin, so they are easy to damage.
2. PTFE coated cable. Heat-resistant insulation that can only be removed mechanically. An electrician's knife or stripper will do.
3. enamelled wire. If the cross section is less than 0.2 sq. mm, then it is necessary to resort to the thermochemical method using a soldering iron and vinyl chloride tape. The wire is placed on a tape, carried out along the cable with a soldering iron - the chlorine released contributes to the "departure" of the enameled sheath from the wire.

When choosing a tool, it is necessary to take into account what diameter of the wire the device is designed for, as well as the material used to make the handle.

The cable knife is universal in terms of dimensions. But pliers, pincers, manual and semi-automatic strippers are limited by the grip range

If it is necessary to process electrical cables, it is necessary to select strippers with a handle made of dielectric material.

The coating protects against voltage up to 1000 watts.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Variety of wire and cable stripping tools, stripper comparison:

The choice of a tool should be based on the upcoming conditions for its use, the need for additional functionality. The main thing is that the device ensures compliance with two main requirements: it removes the insulation without damaging the conductive cores and meets the declared dielectric characteristics.

If there is any doubt about the second, then all work is carried out exclusively with the voltage removed.

What wire stripper do you use? Please share your own experience with our site visitors. Leave your comments in the box below. There you can also ask questions about the topic of the article.

In electrical activities, accuracy and accuracy in the processing of materials are especially important. The quality of the current-carrying element is determined by the reliability of the connections and the absence of defects on the line. As practice shows, a considerable part of the malfunctions in the operation of network communications of this type arise precisely because of errors in installation. The key to quality work is the use of the right tools. For example, in the question of how to strip a wire, you should not resort to improvised means that are not intended for such operations. Cleanly and evenly, without damaging the working elements, special tools will allow you to remove the insulation.

stripping

The traditional device for such tasks is a special kind of pliers with precision holes with different diameters. Also, the tool provides corrugated sponges and straight blades. It can be said to be a versatile wire stripper as it also allows you to grab and cut cables of various gauges. If it is not functionality that is important, but high speed and ease of use, then you should turn to the family of wire cutters and pliers. Just a few manipulations are required to adjust the device to the size of a particular wire, after which it is just as easy to remove the insulation.

It has already been noted that improvised tools should not be used in such work. First of all, this rule applies to ordinary knives, but this does not mean that, in principle, this category of household utensils cannot be used in electrical work. For example, there is a cable cutter for wires, the characteristics of which are just focused on removing outer coatings. The tool is characterized by a sickle-shaped blade, as well as the use of high-strength tool steels in the base.

Features and benefits of stippers

Separate attention deserves the category of stippers, which are designed for spot removal of insulating layers from cables. different type. The design of the device is represented by two handles and jaws that form wells of various sizes. In the process of work, the master places the wire in one of the free openings, clamps the jaws and pulls the cable away from the capture point. Sharp blades are inserted into the insulating coating, cutting it off from the main part and leaving the metal core bare. In order to increase the functionality of the stripper for stripping wires, it can be equipped with holes not only in the working area of ​​the main jaws, but also on the handles. From an operational point of view, the use of stippers is justified for two reasons. Firstly, a high quality cut of the insulation is ensured without harming the inside of the cable. Secondly, the user is dealing with ready-made holes, oriented to work with specific wire sizes - this saves him from the troublesome preparation of the tool for working with a certain material format.

What is a crimper for?

The stripping of the cable is carried out as part of the general installation activity, the result of which should be the formed connection. That is, removing the terminal is a preparatory operation before further bringing together either two wires or connecting a cable to the device. To perform this procedure, the bare core must be in the form of a solid rod, in which individual antennae will be included. In such work, a crimper is useful, which will allow you to fit and correctly clamp the electrical sleeve onto the end of the cable. Typically, a wire stripper is supplied in the same kit as a crimper, as they complement each other's function, saving the technician time.

Wire Stripper Manufacturers

Specialized devices for working with wires are widely represented on the market. In particular, under the KNIPEX brand, wire cutters, tongs and repair knives are produced, designed specifically for removing insulating layers. Many manufacturers successfully combine several functions in such devices. Thus, the stripper WS 04B "КВТ", in addition to stripping the wire, also allows you to crimp end sleeves. Models from the manufacturers SHTOK and KRAFTOOL can also handle cutting thick wires by default - in this respect, these products can also be called universal. For the most part, new models are reliable and highly ergonomic, but there are other nuances that should be considered when buying a tool.

How to choose a wire stripper?

Experienced electricians note that it is best not to rely on the advantages of multifunction devices with wide ranges of diameters available for cutting, but to give preference to specific narrow ranges. For example, for basic needs, models that work with cables with a cross section of 0.05 to 10 mm 2 are suitable. If you need a professional device that can work in a wider range, then it makes sense to choose a wire stripping tool among universal models. At the same time, it is worth considering not only the dimensions of the available products, but also the type of material of manufacture - it can be twisted pair, etc.

Conclusion

A feature of electrical work is the high risk of electric shock. Of course, it is not present in every workflow, but for those who need a special tool for stripping wires, it is worth considering this aspect. Work in conditions high voltage in the cable should only be performed by devices with a dielectric coating. Typically, 1000 V rated stippers are produced with this sheath. The same safety requirements should apply to pliers, cable cutters, and crimpers. Also, do not forget about the rules for operating electrical tools, which, among other things, are aimed at ensuring a high-quality result in installation.