Wire stripper shopping

[05Single]

So I have like 4 of the basic wire strippers. Been contiplating on getting some pro strippers like they use in audio shops. Any recommendations? Online only. Not crazy expensive but not cheapo either ($20-$30)

Pic of the basic basic stripper I have

Style I'm looking at

 

[Doubeleive]

I recently bought this dorman at auto zone since my old ones were worn the heck out, they ran about same price as online $25-30

 

[NathanJax]

I recently bought this dorman at auto zone since my old ones were worn the heck out, they ran about same price as online $25-30

 

[BlueCollarTahoe]

go with Klein brand if youre about long term quality. Vise grip makes a pretty nice automatic sizing stripper. have both would suggest to anyone.

 

[iamdub]

As convenient as having a crimper/stripper combo is, I've always found them to be more of a pain and it's just as quick and easy to switch between tools. The end crimpers work so much better anyway.

For strippers, I used to always buy these:

But then found that Craftsman had pretty much the exact same ones for about half the price but with a more comfortable handle and a secure lock to keep them closed. I prefer this style because they're small so they fit well in a pocket or canvas tool bag.


For crimpers, I like this style:

Both these crimpers and strippers are especially good for car audio because they can be used in tight spaces (reaching in a head unit cavity, under the dash, etc.) to cut, strip or crimp. The style that strips or crimps behind the fulcrum requires the space to throw one of the handles around the wire. It sucks performing these acrobatics while trying to hold the wires together in the butt splice under a dash while avoiding accidentally nipping another wire.

The one-step strippers are convenient, but I wouldn't use them on small gauge because they nick or cut some of the strands.

 

[NathanJax]

For crimpers, I like this style:

I have used these for 20+ years doing car audio installs. I strip with these as well. Lately though, I have found myself wanting a set that were posted earlier. really easy and don't hurt your fingers/thumbs like trying to strip with these.

 

[Doubeleive]

I use these for a crimper, 3 position color coded, adjustable ratchet, consistent every time.

 

[inmypassatlife]

The $5 harbor freight wire strips are every bit as good as the Snap-on and Klein ones. I was a mobile a/v installer in my previous life and the HF ones were a god send since we used to leave them in cars

 

[HiHoeSilver]

@05Single

Buy the Ideals, but get the reflex ones. You can tell the difference in the curved handle. There are a couple models depending on wire gauge. For crimpers, the klein 1005 is where it's at.

Both of these brands are local to me. I have been in their shops. I see what they make and I use them every day.

 

[yates ™]

@yates ™

Buy the Ideals, but get the reflex ones. You can tell the difference in the curved handle. There are a couple models depending on wire gauge. For crimpers, the klein 1005 is where it's at.

Both of these brands are local to me. I have been in their shops. I see what they make and I use them every day.

But I have wire strippers already

 

[HiHoeSilver]

But I have wire strippers already

Lol. I was so caught up in your bromance on the other threads, I thought this was yours, too.

 

[yates ™]

Lol. I was so caught up in your bromance on the other threads, I thought this was yours, too.

As long as I am on your mind.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

As long as I am on your mind.

Duh.

 

[inmypassatlife]

The bromance continues

 

[ScottyBoy]

I actually used to work in a car audio shop many years ago installing car stereos, alarms, and remote starts. I stopped around 2002 or 2003. I still have the same wire strippers that I used. I bought them off the Mac (or Matco, I can't remember for sure) truck for like $40. Then I saw the same exact wire strippers at Parts Express for a lot cheaper, so I order a second pair from them. I have both pairs till this day and they are a beast.
Here's the link to the ones that I have.
And then an actual picture of my 19-20 year old wire strippers. These survived hurricane Katrina by the way. They were not submerged though.
https://www.parts-express.com/automatic-wire-stripper-with-cutter--360-627

 

[inmypassatlife]

https://m.harborfreight.com/7-inch-...r-98410.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

 

[inmypassatlife]

Or if you want to spend $20, then by all means get these, https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-T...pqxwVmTW3Otae5JX0l9UCND1Wdk9VG9saAobaEALw_wcB

 

[nadthomas]

I too have had several basic strippers/crimpers, and then I bought a set of Craftsman stripper/crimpers that I thought was a game changer. I tried the auto-adjusting wire strippers, they always seemed to cut too deep or not deep enough. Then one day I was helping a friend do some electrical in his house and I had a set of Ideal Stripmaster wire stripper. These things work awesome. After borrowing his for one project I could never go back and bought a set of my own. I have used them more for stripping wire for home renovation projects, but they work great in lots of situations. They have made stripping wire so much quicker and easier, that when I thought I lost the tool I immediately bought another. They make various different models to strip a range of different gauges, so take that into consideration. The link below does 10-22 gauge.

https://www.amazon.com/IDEAL-45-092...spons&keywords=IDEAL+45-092+Stripmaster&psc=1

 

[Shunto]

+1 on ANYthing Klein.

 

[iamdub]

They're free and you already have them. (Unless you're from Arkansas, then you can only strip 2AWG or larger)

 

[kf7grq]

go with Klein brand if youre about long term quality. Vise grip makes a pretty nice automatic sizing stripper. have both would suggest to anyone.

Greenlee markets a stripper that looks like the second set. Home Depot usually has them for a fair price. Klein is the best of the three.

Most respectfully
Michael