Best Wire Stripper Reviews 2018

A wire stripper is a compact, hand-held device that is used to cut and strip the electrical insulation of wires. Especially if you are an electrician, a wire stripper will do the job much easier as it quickly cuts and removes any wire coating. Take a look at our top five picks from some of the best wire stripper brands out there!

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Size/Weight

Material

Cable Type

Good For

Our Top Choice

Klein Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter

Klein Tools was founded in 1857, and its product line includes every major type of tool necessary for construction and protective gear.

Precise ground stripping holes and double-dipped comfort grips. Coil spring allows it to self-open rapidly. Shear-type blades easily cut copper wires.

The plastic-dipped handles aren’t insulated.

Manual

7.1 x 4.6 x 0.7 in / 0.13 pounds

Steel

Solid and stranded

Wire stripping and cutting

Best Value

Capri Tools Automatic Wire Stripper

Capri Tools is a company with experience that builds its tools around the needs of its customers. Its products focus on usability and on the user.

Strips 10-24 AWG wires and cuts 10 AWG wires with its built-in wire cutter. Lightweight and has an ergonomic handle which is easy to use.

Better for occasional use.

Automatic

10.2 x 5 x 1 in / 0.25 pounds

Steel and plastic

Solid and stranded

Wire stripping and cutting

Ideal Industries Stripmaster Wire Stripper

Ideal Industries has been on the market for more than 100 years and it’s best known for its wire connectors that are used around the world.

Penetrates wire insulation like a knife. Replaceable blades that cut to the correct sizes. It’s effective and practical.

Some customers consider it a bit heavy.

Automatic

8.7 x 3.9 x 3.9 in / 1.1 pounds

Steel

Solid and stranded

Wire stripping

Neiko Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

Neiko manufactures professional-level quality products at reasonable prices. It creates well-made and dependable tools, having its customers’ needs in mind.

Self-adjusting mechanism and removes the insolation of wires with one-hand use. Adjustable gauge controls the length of core wire from ¼” to ¾”.

It doesn’t come with warranty.

Automatic

10 x 1 x 4 in / 0.8 pounds

Steel and rubber

Solid

Wire stripping

IRWIN Multi-Tool Wire Stripper and Crimper

Irwin Tools was founded more than 100 years ago and manufactures professional-grade hand tools and power tool accessories for trade professionals.

Available in 3 sizes and has induction hardened cutting edges. Self-adjustable and has 6 stripping stations which strip wires of different gauges.

It doesn’t feature a quick-release lock.

Manual

10.6 x 8.9 x 0.3 in / 0.43 pounds

Dual metal

Solid and stranded

Wire stripping, cutting, crimping

(Updated September 6, 2017)

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How Do I Choose the Best Wire Stripper?

Do you ever use your teeth or your knife to strip wires? We certainly hope not! Luckily, there’s a special tool that will strip and cut wires for you in a matter of seconds, available in either an automatic or a manual model. If you’re doing electrical work or DIY projects, a wire stripper will make your job easier and will strip any wire without fraying it or pulling it apart. It will also save you a lot of time, effort and reduce potential work accidents.

You will be able to find two types of wire strippers on the market: home or industrial use. Industrial wire strippers look like big pieces of machinery and are used on large cables that are usually used on construction sites. Though, we’re quite confident that you’re here to find out more about home use wire strippers for your DIY or simple home repair projects.

Homeowners need to have a couple of essential tools in their toolbox that will help them repair or install something, without having to hire professional help. Among these essential home repair tools, you should have a crescent wrench that is adjustable and allows you to tighten and loosen nuts, screws and bolts. Also, another handy tool that has to be in your tool box is a hammer which you can use to drive nails or break apart objects. If you’ll need to fill any cracks in your windows, doors or bathtub, then a caulking gun would make a useful tool addition.

Similarly, wire strippers are also important and they should be in your toolbox. They will allow you to cut, strip and loop wires in a simple one-handed motion. Most wire strippers can be used to crimp both insulated and non-insulated terminals.

If you don’t know exactly how to choose the best wire stripper for your needs, read further and you’ll find out!

Price

Price-wise, wire strippers tend to fall into the price range reserved for smaller sized tools, like crescent wrenches or hammers. Prices differ depending on the size of the cable the wire strippers can cut and strip, but it’s usually placed between $10 and $50 for a tool that features knife type blades and can cleanly strip cables.

We also came across some cheap wire strippers, but we hope you will ignore them as these tools are made from poor quality materials and won’t strip the wire without fraying it.

Features

If you’re working on a new DIY project or just want to change an outlet in your home, you know that a wire stripper is important and will save you a lot of time and broken cables. A wire stripper can help you cut and strip through stranded and solid wires and can get the job done with quality and precision. Similarly, it will have to handle multiple cable sizes, as we are sure you don’t want to change it over and over again until you get the job done.

There are some important features you should consider before buying a wire stripper. Check them out:

Type - There are multiple types of wire strippers: manual, automatic and laser. Manual wire strippers are made of quality materials and will provide you with years of service. Automatic wire strippers will do the job in just a few seconds, though you will have to change batteries from time to time. Laser wire strippers are more expensive, but work great on fine wires.
Size and Weight - These two aspects are important as you have to be sure it will fit comfortably in your hand so you’ll be able to use it with ease.
Material - The material from which the wire stripper is made is also important. Manual wire strippers are usually made of steel and have rubberized handles, while automatic wire strippers are made of plastic and steel.
Wire Type - Before you buy a wire stripper, make sure it is suitable for your cables and needs. Some wire strippers can only cut and strip solid cables, while others are suitable for both solid and stranded wires.
Purpose - Some wire strippers can only strip wires, others can strip and cut, and there are also models which can strip, cut and crimp through cables.

Moving forward, we will see what the most important aspects are about the construction and design of wire strippers.

Construction and Design

When you want to buy a wire stripper, two things are important: the handles and the self-adjusting mechanism, if any. The handles have to be made of a good quality material in order to provide you with comfort, precision and leverage while you strip cables.

The self adjusting mechanism allows you to adjust the wire stripper to multiple cable sizes in order to get the job done faster and not use different wire strippers for different cables.

If you want a wire stripper that also crimps, you should look for one that has a long nose and allows you to crimp wires easily. Always look for a hassle-free wire stripper that you can use quickly and efficiently whenever you need to. It shouldn’t have a complicated mechanism and it should do its job effectively and facilitate isolation removal of any wire. Good quality wire strippers also feature an AWG selection dial that allows you to select the size of the wire you need to strip.

Let’s see how a wire stripper should be used.

Performance and Ease of Use

Wire strippers are so versatile, you can strip, cut and crimp through cables of any size. Those that have adjustable AWG dials will allow you to cut and strip through cables of any size with less effort and strain. On the other hand, standard wire strippers will deliver an outstanding performance and will last a long time.

As most wire strippers feature plastic rubberized handles, holding and using one will be a breeze while working. It will increase the comfort level while you do electrical work and also prevent accidents because it will stay secure in your hand.

There are different holes on the wire stripper that fit different sized copper cables. If you press the stripper shut, it will cut the plastic coating around the wire, leaving the core wire undamaged. If you continue with the motion and strip towards the cut end of the wire, you will be able to remove the insolation in a few seconds. That’s it!

What is the Best Wire Stripper?

When selecting the ideal wire stripper for your electrical jobs, check out if the handle is comfortable, if it strips wires without fraying them and if it can handle multiple wire sizes. If you frequently do electrical work, you should opt for a wire stripper with curved handles that can cut and strip both stranded and solid wires.

Our Top Choice

The Klein Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter is equipped to cut, strip, and loop 10-18 AWG stranded and 8-16 AWG solid wires. It has a serrating nose and curved handles. This model is also available in 3 other sizes. On the other hand, if you need a tool for 8-22 AWG wires, check out the Klein Tools Katapult Wire Stripper which cuts and strips 8-22 AWG wires easily and removes insulations without damaging the wire!

Klein Tools Wire Stripper and Cutter – 4 Styles Available, Incorporates Holes for Bending Wires

Klein Tools Wire Stripper 11054 – 8-16 AWG solid, 10-18 AWG stranded

Features

Klein Tools first started commercializing pliers more than 150 years ago. Today, this brand is a popular one in the electrical industry as it sells all hand tools used in this industry, along with occupational protective equipment. Its products are available worldwide as it has distributors in multiple countries. Its products are used in maintenance, construction, and industrial trades and are dependable, efficient, and durable. Klein Tools supplies only the finest quality products.

Manufactured with the needs of a professional tool user in mind, the Klein Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter is designed to get the job done with quality and precision. Its markings are easy to read and its blades are precise. It comes available in 4 buying options: 6-12 AWG stranded, 8-16 AWG solid; 10-18 AWG stranded, 10-18 AWG solid; 12-20 stranded, 20-30 AWG solid; and 22-32 AWG stranded.

Check out its main features:

Curved handle
Bends solid wire
Tough, slip-resistant handles
Shears 6-32 and 8-32 screws

Not really what you’re looking for? Check out the other wire strippers from Klein Tools!

Best Value

The Capri Tools Automatic Wire Stripper has a narrow profile and self-adjusts to different gauges. It grips and strips the wires with only one move. Do you prefer manual wire strippers? Check out the Capri Tools Professional Wire Stripper \/ Cutter which is compact, lightweight, and easily cuts and strips wires from 24-10 AWG.

Capri Tools Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter – Pistol Grip, Strips Wires 24-10 AWG, Narrow Profile

Capri Tools Wire Stripper 20011

Features

Capri Tools works closely with professional mechanics to create its tools and always asks itself if there’s a better way in which to develop a certain tool. It has more than 30 years on the market and uses its extensive industry experience to create quality tools at reasonable prices. Apart from wire cutters and strippers, Capri Tools also sells professional air tools, premium bench vises, industrial torque tools, forged pliers, and many others.

If you have the Capri Tools Automatic Wire Stripper in your toolbox, you’ll be able to strip and cut wires easier than ever before as it’s automatic, and you’ll strip and grip the wires with just a squeeze.

See more of its features:

Self-adjusting blades
Compound wire stripping
Plastic handles
High carbon steel construction
Can be used in tight areas

Want to see more before making a decision? Check out the other wire strippers from Capri Tools!

The Ideal Industries Wire Stripper strips wires from 20 to 30 AWG. It features a single squeeze operation and it’s accurate and precise. Is your budget smaller? Check out the Ideal Industries Kinetic Wire Stripper which cuts and strips 10-18 AWG solid wires and 12-20 AWG stranded wires!

Ideal Industries Stripmaster Wire Stripper - Knife-Type Blades, Sturdy Die-Cast Body, Cushioned Handgrips

Ideal Industries Wire Stripper 45-098

Features

Ideal Industries was founded in 1916 and is a family-owned business. It manufactures easy-to-use innovative products for multiple industries, trying to reinvent its products whenever it’s able to. The products it manufactures are suitable for electricians, contractors, mechanics, and other which require smart, high-performance, and sturdy products that work right from the first time. Apart from wire strippers, it also sells VDV tester kits, clamp meters, receptacle testers, and many other useful products.

The Ideal Industries Wire Stripper is suitable for jobs that need copious amounts of stripping. It’s easy to use and requires only a single squeezing operation in order to strip the wire. It works smoothly and doesn’t require a lot of pressure.

Check out more details about it:

Cushioned handgrips
Strips wires up to 8”
Knife alike blades
Eliminates cutting and nicking of wire
Wire gripper holds the wire properly

Not the one for you? Check out the other wire strippers from Ideal Industries!

The Neiko Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper can be used as a stripper, cutter, or crimper and is ideal for copper and aluminum wires from 10 – 24 AWG. Do you want a more complex wire stripper? Check out the Neiko Compact 4-in-1 Wire Service Tool which can grip, cut, strip, and crimp wires!

Neiko Ultimate Self-Adjusting Wire and Cable Stripper - Flat-Sided Handle, Adjustable Gauge/Stopper Controls

Neiko Wire Stripper 01924A

Features

Neiko has more than 20 years’ experience on the market. In the past, it used to sell diamond blades and core bits to contractors, until one day, one customer asked if it could also sell him a hammer. In that moment, the company was reborn and started manufacturing specialized cutting and drill tools, a wide variety of hand and power tools, automotive tools, and protective gear for contractors.

The Neiko Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper is an innovative and multi-functional tool. It can be used to strip, crimp, or cut wires between 10 and 24 AWG. It’s easy to use, as you just have to place the wire between the jaws of the tool’s head, select the wire length, and squeeze.

See its main characteristics:

Clean stripping for wires beyond 20 AWG
High-frequency blades
Crimps insulated, non-insulated, and auto ignited terminals
Handles offer comfort and leverage
Micro-adjustment thumb wheel

If you have different preferences, check out the other wire strippers from Neiko!

The IRWIN Multi-Tool Wire Stripper cuts and strips wires between 10 and 22 AWG. It crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals and is available in 3 different sizes. If you prefer two different tools for stripping, cutting and crimping check out the Irwin Self Adjusting Wire Stripper which has ProTouch grips and a nickel chromium steel structure.

IRWIN Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter – 3 Sizes Available, Strips and Cuts 10-22 AWG

IRWIN Wire Stripper 2078309 – 8 Inch

Features

Irwin Tools was founded back in 1885 when it first developed the auger bit and progressed, introducing even more products such as the vise-grip locking tools, flat bits, saw blades, bar clamps, and more. It manufactures high-quality tools for trade professionals. Apart from wire strippers, this brand also sells locking multi-pliers, drill bits, door lock installation kits, and more. Its products are durable, made of quality materials, and easy to use.

The IRWIN Multi-Tool Wire Stripper is a bestseller and comes at a reasonable price. It’s available for sale in 3 sizes which are 6 inches, 7 inches, and 8 inches. It gets the job done rapidly and features AWG selection dials, textured-grip handles, and dual metal construction.

Check out its strong points:

ProTouch grips
Full lifetime guarantee
Plier-Style nose
Bolt cutter
Meets ANSI standards
Provides maximum hand comfort

This product is a bestseller and loved by hundreds of customers! Be sure to get it before it runs out of stock!

Get the Best Wire Stripper of 2018!

As you can see, some wire strippers can strip solid and stranded wires, while others can also shear screws of different dimensions. It is important to get the right one, as we believe you will have it for a lifetime.

Our Top Choice

Klein Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter

Best Value

Capri Tools Automatic Wire Stripper

Ideal Industries Stripmaster Wire Stripper

Neiko Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

IRWIN Multi-Tool Wire Stripper and Crimper