The Best Wire Strippers for 2022
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Best Wire Strippers
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My Dad worked as an electrician for many years so some of my earliest memories are learning about and using these simple yet incredibly effective tools. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best wire strippers currently available.
UPDATED: March 23, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 because it features a quick and easy to use self-adjusting mechanism along with a wire cutter and crimpers on the inside of the handles.
American Wire Gauge (AWG)
The standard wire gauge system used in the United States is known as American Wire Gauge (AWG). This provides a value for the diameters of a single, solid, and round conductor. The AWG numbering system is intuitively reversed, meaning that as the numbers go higher the diameter of the wire gets lower. For example, an 18 AWG wire has a diameter of approximately one millimeter while a 30 AWG wire has a diameter of around 0.25 millimeters. The most common residential gauges are 14 and 12 AWG. The wire’s cross-sectional area is key for determining its current-carrying capacity.
You will see an AWG range given for a particular wire stripper, which indicates which diameters it will work with.
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Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a model of wire stripper:
Manual vs. Automatic
There are two basic categories of wire strippers: the manual and the compound automatic. The manual tool is similar to a cutter with two scissor-like jaws and features a row of different gauge notches. To use, simply slot the wire into the corresponding notch, close the jaws and pull off the insulation.
The compound automatic version uses a series of clever mechanisms to both grip the wire, close the jaws and pull off the insulation. As with the manual version, this is equally as simple to use. Slot the wire into the correct notch size and in one motion by squeezing the handles, it removes the insulation. I am always impressed by how quickly and efficiently this automatic design works.
Note these only work best when stripping a wire gauge that matches one of the notches in the tool. For ultimate flexibility, there is a self-adjusting version of the automatic type that can strip any gauge of wire within a specified range. Some models offer the ability to strip the outer Romex jacket in addition to the individual inner wires which can greatly speed up a project.
In this video you can see the self-adjusting mechanism in action, featuring the IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 listed below:
Built-In Tools
Beyond just stripping wires these tools will often include other helpful equipment. The most common included tools are a wire cutter and crimper. These are typically located within the handle below the pivot point. This makes it quick to crimp and trim wires without having to reach for your other tools.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including IRWIN, Channellock, Klein, NEIKO, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Wire Strippers for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Wire Strippers
The 8" IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 features an automatic system that easily strips wire from 10 to 24 AWG.
Equipped with a self-adjusting mechanism that automatically adjusts to the wire gauge.
Includes a swivel knob for micro-adjustments small gauge wires under 20 AWG.
Equipped with a wire crimper that works with 22 AWG insulated wire and from 10 to 22 AWG non-insulated wire.
Offers the ability to strip the outer jacket in addition to the separate wires within.
Features ProTouch Grips that provide both comfort and stability while working.
Runner-up: IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078309 Multi-Tool Wire Strippers
The IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078309 features a simple, easy-to-use design for performing electrical work.
Features a hardened cutting edge for long-lasting durability.
Combines a wire stripper, wire cutter, and crimper into one tool.
Strips and cuts from 10 up to 22 AWG wires.
Crimps insulated and non-insulated terminals.
Features a pliers nose for pulling and looping wire.
Equipped with ProTouch Grips for improved comfort and control.
Best Self-Opening Manual: Klein Tools 11055 Wire Strippers
The Klein Tools 11055 features a compact lightweight design that can go anywhere.
Equipped with a spring that automatically opens that jaws for quick work.
Features a serrated nose to help grip wires when manipulating them while working.
Includes gauge marking on both sides of the tool for easy reference.
Features handle grips designed for comfort and control.
Equipped with a closure lock for transport and storage.
Best Budget Automatic: NEIKO 01924A Automatic Wire Strippers
The Neiko 01924A features an automatic system that adjusts to the wire gauge being stripped.
Offers the ability to strip wires from gauges 10 up to 24 AWG.
Equipped with a cutter and crimper for an all-in-one design.
Features a crimper that works with 4 to 22 gauge wires and and 4 to 22 non-insulated wires.
Offers the ability to select the exposed wire length from 1/4-inch up to 3/4-inch.
includes a micro-adjustment thumb wheel for use with small gauge over 20 AWG.
Features a spring-loaded design that returns the tool to the default starting position.
Best Automatic: Klein Tools 11063W Wire Strippers
The Klein Tools 11063W features a compound action to quickly remove insulation in a single motion.
Includes a unique hole in the center of the tool that is used for cutting wires.
Offers the ability to strip wires ranging from gauges 8 up to 22 AWG.
Includes a spring-loaded action that returns it to the starting position when complete.
Features a single action that removes up to one inch of insulation.
Constructed from cast alloy with a coating to resist rust and corrosion.
Best Compact Automatic Design: Capri Tools 20011 Wire Strippers
The Capri Tools 20011 features a compact design with a system that automatically adjusts to a range of wire gauges.
Works to remove the insulation on wire gauges from 10 up to 24 AWG.
Offers a simple action that is performed with a single squeeze of the handles.
Includes a wire cutter for fast and efficient use on up to 12 gauge wires.
Equipped with blades that automatically adjust to the wire being used.
Best Lightweight Design: Channellock 908 Wire Strippers
The Channellock 908 Wire Strippers make projects more efficient for DIY or professional users.
Features laser-etched markings for long-lasting gauge labels.
Offers the ability to strip and cut AWG 10-22.
Features a crimper for both insulated and non-insulated wire.
Equipped with a pair of pliers at the end of the tool along with a cutter.
Made in the USA.
Best Premium Self-Adjusting: Klein Tools 11061 Wire Strippers
The Klein Tools 11061 features a self-adjusting system for fast and accurate wire stripping.
Works with a range of wire gauges including solid copper ranging from 10 to 20 AWG solid and both 12/2 and 14/2 Romex wire.
Equipped with an adjustable stopper to change the length of the core strip.
Features a tensioning thumb screw to accurately remove the insulation on small gauge wire.
Offers the ability to strip the outer jacket in addition to the separate wires within.
Best for Professionals: Capri Tools 20010 Precision Wire Strippers
The Capri Tools 20010 offers the ability to strip wire gauges from 8 up to 22 AWG.
Equipped with a compound action that grips and strips the wire insulation in one simple motion.
Features a spring-loaded design that returns the tool to its ready position when complete.
Features a handle with a non-slip grip for comfort and control.
Note: this tool doesn’t include a cutter or crimper.
Best Budget Manual: WGGE WG-015 Wire Strippers
The WGGE WG-015 offers the ability to strip and cut wire quickly and easily.
Works with solid copper wire gauges from 10 to 22 AWG.
Features a serrated nose to help provide grip when manipulating wires.
Equipped with a curved handle to assist with the cutting action.
Constructed from high carbon alloy steel for long-lasting durability.
I hope this list of the best wire strippers was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
