Stripping Wires With Side Cutters

[7029 dave]

When I was at college many years ago, we used a knife to strip cables, always used me side cutters on site. lol

 

[MeggerHertz_NW]

When I was at college many years ago, we used a knife to strip cables, always used me side cutters on site. lol

They teach sidecutters now at college, well, they do where I went

 

[Jon_iz]

Having read all the various posts about dedicated stripping tools, pliers or side cutters, of which I have various examples collected and used over the years...
There is one method that hasn't been described in the posts as far I can see for side cutters, to strip ready for termination.
I was shown this method at college 35 years ago, it has stayed with me, is simple, quick and effective. It works for all types of side cutters with insulated single or stranded cores to 2.5mm.
(my preference is for smaller Lindstrom flush-cut cutters for smaller thinner gauges, because of the work I predominantly do)

The method is a variation on squashing the insulation, perpendicular to the core but only sufficient the crease the insulation without getting close to deforming the conductor.
Next use the cutters to nick the insulation at the edge of the crease line to close to the conductor. This effectively puts a cut in the insulation allowing it to part easily. Put the cutters back across the cable on the crease line, apply firm pressure, just a little more than you did to crease the insulation allowing the cutting edges to bite in, but not enough to catch the conductor and while maintaining this pressure push the insulation off the conductor.
I hope that makes sense. With a little bit of practise, it's as quick as an automated stripping tool.

 

[James]

There's many different approaches to sripping. Evetually, you develop a bit of a "muscle memory" for it, and it's different for everyone.

problem is your muscle memory, adapts slowly over time as your cutters loose there keen cutting edge. then you buy a new replacement set, same make, same size and for a whole morning, most wires you strip become an inch shorter!!!

 

[lozarus]

There is one method that hasn't been described in the posts as far I can see for side cutters, to strip ready for termination.3

Interestingly @Jon_iz the method you describe is one of the methods I use day to day - (or at least once I have removed the outermost sheath of a flex using my method). Yours is actually the earliest method I remember of being shown to strip cables by my father.

Curiously, I use the same flat lindstrom cutters you describe as I do a lot of work with control cable and find them great for a flush cut (they come into their own when terminating an rj45 plug)

Which is a point in itself - lindstroms are £35+ a go. Quality tools make all the difference. Mine must be 17 years old now and still razor sharp.

I find I alternate methods a bit however depending on exactly what job I'm doing, what feels right and what day of the week it is.

 

[Mike Johnson]

This will not be popular, but it must be me, reading all the answers on here, aren't side cutters just that, they are designed to cut things, I have always used a dedicated wire stripper, IMO I would not trust a mechanic who used a pair of pliers to undo the nuts on my car, does the job, but is not the correct tool, but pliers may have to be used if some muppet has used them previously. One caveat, side cutters with notch's in are in effect wire strippers. Now days weak old Arthritic hands make these my go to tool: C.K Automatic Wire Stripper - https://www.toolstation.com/ck-automatic-wire-stripper/p42984 when I do anything for myself that is.

 

[telectrix]

for flex I use a rotary stripper. far easier. set depth. spin round a couple of times, pull off sheath.

 

[DPG]

for flex I use a rotary stripper. far easier. set depth. spin round a couple of times, pull off sheath.

Always filth with you Tel.

 

[Essexsparky1]

I would use a pair of CK cable cutters, these are what I have used for over 20 years.