Automatic wire strippers

[ferg]

I'm going to get some automatic wire strippers to try and save me a little time and more importantly my wrists thumbs and paws in general.

Does anyone have any recommendations? along with limitations of sets they have.
I don't mind buying a couple of sets but really don't want to buy stuff to sit in a box.

I've come to the conclusion that if I don't start changing the way I work I have a future filled with bitterness and pain.

Thanks in advance as always.

 

[telectrix]

CK or Klein. but you can't get closer to the cable entry than about 35mm.

 

[LeeH]

Wiedmuller Stripax.

 

[Charlie_]

I’m at that stage, painful thumbs on stripping and cutting..
Got a good range cutters from small right through the range.
I have automatic strippers that do t+e and flex.
Also have paslodes for the fine wires.
Last year I bought a pair of weidmuller all in one strippers and boot lace crimpers for panel building, saves me loads of time and pain.

 

[Bobster]

Wiedmuller Stripax.

Agree, what I use occasionally. Great tool.

 

[Pete999]

Wiedmuller Stripax.

Nothing wrong with this bit of kit imo
https://cpc.farnell.com/ck-tools/48..._term=4578984899580841&utm_content=Hand Tools

 

[Dustydazzler]

I have ck auto strippers , rarely get used these days.
I bought them as an apprentice because I thought they looked the dogs dangles.

 

[Pete999]

I have ck auto strippers , rarely get used these days.
I bought them as an apprentice because I thought they looked the dogs dangles.

That's good marketing for you.

 

[Charlie_]

I have ck auto strippers , rarely get used these days.
I bought them as an apprentice because I thought they looked the dogs dangles.

Top Tip..
Keep hold of them..
Don’t wait till you need them, start using them well in advance..
Especially if say, you have 200 flexes to strip and terminate a day

 

[Dustydazzler]

I'm going to get some automatic wire strippers to try and save me a little time and more importantly my wrists thumbs and paws in general.

Does anyone have any recommendations? along with limitations of sets they have.
I don't mind buying a couple of sets but really don't want to buy stuff to sit in a box.

I've come to the conclusion that if I don't start changing the way I work I have a future filled with bitterness and pain.

Thanks in advance as always.

 

[Pete999]

Waste of hard earned

 

[Charlie_]

Brilliant for flex
No good for t+e in back boxes but elsewhere very useful

 

[rapparee]

I've a pair of these

 

[Rampage]

I've a pair of these

Do they do bootlace crimps as well?

 

[rapparee]

Do they do bootlace crimps as well?

Yes, but I would never use them for that.

I have a ratchet set for ferrules

 

[edexlab]

Do they do bootlace crimps as well?

I have a pair of these although just with basic Red dipped handles
They are a bit small at first but used to them now

If you have problems with your hands then these probably won't help you

I use them for the small sizes of ferrules
ie upto 1.0mm only on controls anything for power or bigger than 1.0mm I use the knipex plier type which has indents

Had lots of people say they're no good for ferrules but when pull tested they hold just as well as those done with other tools at the smaller sizes

Lots of people say the ratchet type are better I think that depends on the quality if the tool ie Weidmuller versus Ebay cheapo and also the user
If it doesn't need to be calibrated then I think I pliers types are ok

 

[Rpa07]

I use an old set of Jokaris made in ‘west Germany’ for 2nd fix and when I can’t be tugging on wires and cables.
Second photo shows the more modern type (though broken in this photo from eBay) based on the design in the first.
Work very well and just need a clean of the jaws after a while so they grip the cable.
They do hate the silicone of FP and they dislike SWA insulation. Great for singles and T +E cores.

 

[johnduffell]

I bought a set on a whim and they do a much neater job in my opinion than unzipping the CPC which some people frown on anyway. People also frown on auto strippers, not to mention that i add the milk to my tea bag before adding the water

 

[pirate]

CK, cheap and easy, don't go right into back boxes, but ideal for first dressing or simply for preparing to connect to sockets

 

[Deleted member 26818]

The best auto strippers I’ve used are a set of those cheap ones that look like a dinosaur.
Unfortunately, I attempted to use them to cut the T&E and one of the handles snapped in half.
Could be used for T&E and flex, though the length of stripped back sheath probably won’t suit many.

 

[telectrix]

one of these is essential for ringing the sheath off flex.
https://cpc.farnell.com/miller-abeco/mk02/round-cable-stripping-tool/dp/TLAB063?st=strippers

quicker than a knife and no nicked insulation

 

[GBDamo]

Nothing wrong with this bit of kit imo
https://cpc.farnell.com/ck-tools/484001/knife-electrician-s/dp/TL11642?mckv=aF9QbZTf_dc|pcrid|75385285199464|kword||match||plid||slid||pid|TL11642|&CMP=KNC-MUK-CPC-SHOPPING-M-490-Shopping-Tools+and+Maintenance-Hand+Tools&msclkid=f28fd8d40b8a11874b13843d877bd3b4&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=M-490-Shopping-Tools and Maintenance&utm_term=4578984899580841&utm_content=Hand Tools

Apart from it not fitting the OPs requirements, what next, some knapped flint?

 

[GBDamo]

Top Tip..
Keep hold of them..
Don’t wait till you need them, start using them well in advance..
Especially if say, you have 200 flexes to strip and terminate a day

I got into the habit of using my CK autostrippers and use them regularly.

Pros,

Neatness
No nicks
Speed when doing large amounts.

Cons,

Can't get tight into back boxes so always leave a stump of sheath.

The wire cutters are next to useless so need two tools.

Anything above 1.5mm flex or 4mm T&E won't fit in the jaws.

Overall they are worth having and using but you have to get used to them.

 

[The Ghost]

https://www.quickwire.co.uk/product/quickwire-starter-kit/
For 2.5mm²/1.5mm²
Cable Splicer's Knife, 6-1/2-Inch - 44200 | Klein Tools - For Professionals since 1857 - https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/telecom-cutting/cable-splicers-knife-6-12-inch for anything else.

 

[ferg]

https://www.quickwire.co.uk/product/quickwire-starter-kit/
For 2.5mm²/1.5mm²
Cable Splicer's Knife, 6-1/2-Inch - 44200 | Klein Tools - For Professionals since 1857 - https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/telecom-cutting/cable-splicers-knife-6-12-inch for anything else.

That looks like a good price for the Strippers and I've been meaning to give the Quickwire jobbies a bash anyway.

The CK wire strippers are about £14 from Toolstation at the moment so I might just get both and see how they go.

I'm happy enough with the knife I have at the mo I use the Hultafors ELK and it's the dogs dangly bits.

I've tried all sorts of knives over the years and not got on with most of them but this one I can't do without.

Thanks for the replies Gents.

 

[ferg]

Nothing wrong with this bit of kit imo
https://cpc.farnell.com/ck-tools/484001/knife-electrician-s/dp/TL11642?mckv=aF9QbZTf_dc|pcrid|75385285199464|kword||match||plid||slid||pid|TL11642|&CMP=KNC-MUK-CPC-SHOPPING-M-490-Shopping-Tools+and+Maintenance-Hand+Tools&msclkid=f28fd8d40b8a11874b13843d877bd3b4&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=M-490-Shopping-Tools and Maintenance&utm_term=4578984899580841&utm_content=Hand Tools

I have a knife I'm happy with TBH Pete.

Also as in the OP I need to find new methods of working to reduce the stress on my body while maintaining or increasing productivity.
At the moment I'm getting home and up in the mornings with new sore bits.

I love my job and have virtually zero transferable skills so if I want to keep up my productivity for as much of my working life as I can then changes need to be made before it's too late.

 

[LeeH]

Nothing wrong with this bit of kit imo
https://cpc.farnell.com/ck-tools/484001/knife-electrician-s/dp/TL11642?mckv=aF9QbZTf_dc|pcrid|75385285199464|kword||match||plid||slid||pid|TL11642|&CMP=KNC-MUK-CPC-SHOPPING-M-490-Shopping-Tools+and+Maintenance-Hand+Tools&msclkid=f28fd8d40b8a11874b13843d877bd3b4&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=M-490-Shopping-Tools and Maintenance&utm_term=4578984899580841&utm_content=Hand Tools

Not seen one of those since college....thankfully.

 

[richy3333]

I use these. Had the previous model for years. Love them

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B075M6WN82/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

 

[ferg]

I use these. Had the previous model for years. Love them

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B075M6WN82/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1

Crikey at that price they need to be good.
Do they give you a foot massage at the end of the day?

Joking aside do they have any limitations for day to day use?

 

[DT1991]

Hi Ferg.

I once used those CK you mention from toolstation(they could of improved the mechanism or material)

I found them to sometimes strip the inner cores whilst taking the outer sheath off. Exposing copper!(and yes they were adjusted properly)

Not everytime but sometimes this would happen. Then in the end I think the cast jaw just broke whilst stripping some 1.5 twin.

Just a heads up but for 14quid they could be worth a go for yourself.

 

[ferg]

Hi Ferg.

I once used those CK you mention from toolstation(they could of improved the mechanism or material)

I found them to sometimes strip the inner cores whilst taking the outer sheath off. Exposing copper!(and yes they were adjusted properly)

Not everytime but sometimes this would happen. Then in the end I think the cast jaw just broke whilst stripping some 1.5 twin.

Just a heads up but for 14quid they could be worth a go for yourself.

To be fair the first time they did that it would have worked out cheaper to buy a better and or different pair.

Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

i've had that but just on some 3c/ewhere the insulation was stuck to the sheath. poor cable, not fault of strippers

 

[richy3333]

Crikey at that price they need to be good.
Do they give you a foot massage at the end of the day?

Joking aside do they have any limitations for day to day use?

Not that I’ve found Ferg. Really save your hands and fingers.
I’m afraid that I’m a bit of a tool tart and believe in buying the best. My apprentice had a cheap set of cable strippers and they fell apart very quickly.

 

[telectrix]

i thought the apprentice was the cable stripper

 

[123]

I have the CK automatic strippers - find them fine for T&E up to 2.5mm, also for flat 2 core flex and round flex up to 1.0mm. As has been said they are a little clunky and difficult to get right into a back box.
Also have the Jokari flat wire stripper, which for T&E up to 2.5mm is a better tool.

For round 3 core flex 1.25mm-1.5mm I use the Jokari round wire stripper, a superb tool.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I purchase a Knipex version of that Jokari stripper.

Shame we don’t wire in flex.

 

[johnduffell]

Shame we don’t wire in flex.

If you really want to you can! But the cost would outweigh the benefits pretty quickly

 

[Pete999]

If you really want to you can! But the cost would outweigh the benefits pretty quickly

Don't go there, please, not now not ever, please.

 

[The Ghost]

That looks like a good price for the Strippers

Worth phoning them direct as they give a better price and a few of the JBs' with it. You have to say you're a spark and blag a little but they are very nice.

 

[Charlie_]

Worth phoning them direct as they give a better price and a few of the JBs' with it. You have to say you're a spark and blag a little but they are very nice.

I got a pair of those from my local eddies, £30 and threw in a couple of joints..
Had to replace them which they did under warranty, broke mine due to trying too larger cables

 

[telectrix]

but they're not really automatic. you have to manually squeeze the handles.

 

[James]

I’m at that stage, painful thumbs on stripping and cutting..
Got a good range cutters from small right through the range.
I have automatic strippers that do t+e and flex.
Also have paslodes for the fine wires.
Last year I bought a pair of weidmuller all in one strippers and boot lace crimpers for panel building, saves me loads of time and pain.

I’ve got a set of weidmuller all in 1
They are the best thing since sliced bread.

 

[LightGEN]

I have CK strippers of the variety that don't strip the outer sheath, just the cable ends. I've been pleased with those.

 

[Michaelwgroves]

I got some of these, seemed like a good idea, but I hate them.

So I bought some of these, and they are one of my best investments....

 

[Michaelwgroves]

Sorry pictures not displaying, but links work...…...
Not sure why?
I tried paste image, and insert picture from menu!

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I quite liked these until they broke.

No faffing around trying to line up conductors.

 

[a-z electrics]

That looks like a good price for the Strippers and I've been meaning to give the Quickwire jobbies a bash anyway.

The CK wire strippers are about £14 from Toolstation at the moment so I might just get both and see how they go.

I'm happy enough with the knife I have at the mo I use the Hultafors ELK and it's the dogs dangly bits.

I've tried all sorts of knives over the years and not got on with most of them but this one I can't do without.

Thanks for the replies Gents.

The Quickwire ones work a treat on 1 - 2.5mm cables but after a year mine are starting to slip whilst stripping. Saves a lot of time esp when you are doing lots of ends consecutively..

 

[a-z electrics]

That looks like a good price for the Strippers and I've been meaning to give the Quickwire jobbies a bash anyway.

The CK wire strippers are about £14 from Toolstation at the moment so I might just get both and see how they go.

I'm happy enough with the knife I have at the mo I use the Hultafors ELK and it's the dogs dangly bits.

I've tried all sorts of knives over the years and not got on with most of them but this one I can't do without.

Thanks for the replies Gents.

The Quickwire ones work a treat on 1 - 2.5mm cables but after a year mine are starting to slip whilst stripping. Saves a lot of time esp when you are doing lots of ends consecutively..

 

[ferg]

In the end I bought the Wiha ones Richy recommended and I have to say they are the dogs danglies.

My hands are eternally grateful Richy.

 

[pirate]

Many years ago when I was heavily into HiFi stuff I found that stripping, say, speaker cables, required a very sensitive, auto-adjusting tool...
which is why my teeth are in such a bad state, i suppose...