The tool being returned is the one you should hang on to. Start with the tension screw and adjust the "break" tension setup and you can strip as many wires as will sit in the jaws. I find them excellent with any size of cable from telephone wire to cooker wire, single or multistrand. The key again is adjusting the tension of the "snap" mechanism. If you want to modify the setup, the gripping jaws are usually quite sloppy and held in by tension. Unscrew the back plastic cover, remove the split springs and replace the pivot pins that hold the jaws with stainless 3.5mm bolts. Use 2 nuts and a washer on each to hold and adjust the gripping jaws which will have lost their lift and they'll be the last strippers you ever buy. I've used mine for 3 years, almost every day - must be talking 100s of 1000s of operations and they still work first time every time because you're only using tension and friction, and never the sharpness of a blade. The slots on the bladed pliers will wear and dull, they're a nightmare to sharpen accurately, and if you're working fast you constantly have to watch which hole you are using or you'll either misfire or nick the conductor.
@@sun-man here here but l still love mine, the only down side i found is getting into a power point box to strip wires as they are too bulky, so l use the front puller that big clive usually uses, i bought an auto front puller but that was useless
I agree with Andy here, the best one I've ever owned is the Stanley FatMax FMTO-96230, looks similar to that one you're returning. I'm age 53 and I've stripped wires since age 6 ;-)
Angle your stripper at about 45 degrees. Initiate the cut then straighten the wire strippers and that will automatically start sliding the insulation off the wire. Much faster and more efficient
Matthew Whiteman that’s what I was going to say is not the tool is the people using it. I have both Klein strippers and they both work the same if I put them at a 45
You ended up with the right tool. I could talk at length on this subject but I'll keep it short. Try using the thumb on the wire hand to push the strippers off the wire instead of pulling with the stripper hand. Tool hand squeezes... thumb on wire hand pushes. MUCH more control that way. Not helpful on short pieces like you had in the video... but give it a shot.
That's the standard way to use strippers. And none of those electricians you were working with bothered to correct you? They must be real winners on the job. @@ZackOfAllTrades
Took the words right out of my mouth! I was sitting here thinking why didn't any actual electricians show this guy how to correctly use this stripper! Lol!
I have several wire strippers like you have and the one you are returning is a good stripper. I have the Irwin tools version and it will strip every wire I put in it, including sheathed 3 wire 10 gauge. It will strip the outer cover and then strip the wires themselves. There is an adjustment knob that causes the jaws to clamp tighter as needed. Once that is adjusted properly it should work well most of the time.
I use the first cutters for trimming M3 - M4 bolts, it looks like the last one also has the screw holes to cut M3 to M5 bolts. I also have the rachet set, the ones you are going to return, they are great for long wires but not so great in tight spaces.
I have both the blue Klein's and the Irwin version of the automatic wire strippers. The Klein's only ever get used for bolt cutting or if I need to strip wire in a confined space. The Irwin autos are my go to strippers. I have even used it on Romex. 12/3 Romex.
As a hobbyist, I use the yellow automatic tool. My advice is to turn up the tension and you’ll be able to get better grip on your wires. I generally work with anything from 15 to 25 gauge wires in electronics, so the variable cut length really helps- a lot of other strippers are (understandably) made for residential electricians and sometimes can just barely manage to fit the small diameters I work with. Of course, in a pinch, I’d gladly take either of those plier tools over the “stereo” tool- in fact, before I got my current tool, I resorted to stripping wires with the scissors on my Swiss Army knife rather than use that thing!
The first wire "strippers" you rejected as useless, are not strippers. Those are crimpers, that have the stripping function as an extra. You can use those in conjunction with other strippers, for their proper function, OR if you don't want to carry lots of tools, and need only a little bit of stripping and a lot of crimping (yeah, mostly in stereo installations or car work) you can use those. Also, not ALL tools are the same, I have 4 of those, 1 is a pretty useless $2-3 piece of crap, 1 is a $5 piece of less crap, and 2 are $25 pieces of German engineering, that can actually crimp AND strip wires properly (Knipex)
you should be shot if you use that first pair he should on absolutely anything... as i was a stereo installer i have seen the chaos those create... and tends to under or over crimp the wires causing the connector to either slip or break the wires.. in an absolute dire emergency yea id probably twist the wires together before using those... just looked up the knipex version they might be worth something the crimping head is twice as thick plus ive never had a bad pair of knipex
as an electrician myself there are a few different wire strippers i use. brand new yellow klein wire strippers for $10 last for around 6-12 months before the teeth dull. the blue klein one lasts much longer and more comfortable. klein is great for hand tools, fluke is great for multimeters and test equipment, milwaukee is great for cordless tools. ideal, greenlee, and Lennox all make good tools as well.
Man, you definitely named all the best tools, I'm an elevator constructor and when it comes to PoweTools, it's easily Milwaukee, basic hand tools, are either Erwin, or Milwaukee, anything to do with wire, or electricity its Klien. GreenLee is the brand I like for most speciality tools. Also like DeWalt for some of their power tools, which not too long ago started improving greatly, and are now as good or maybe even starting to get better than Milwaukee, depending on exact power tool. But anyways your comment caught my eye as someone shot clearly knows quality tools
those automatic type strippers chew the insulation on the cable that attached to the gripper side - I still have one of those but use it backwards so that the discarded piece is in the gripper side this way there are no teeth marks left on the cable - the best automatic strippers I own are the knippex ones...
I got a single cut speciality pair for fiber optics, got an automatic one with dyes for multiple strips needed at once, i got one with a linesman style plier for carry on, linesman for residential wiring, a cable knife for industrial or underground cable, and got a lighter for random wires.. ツ all ill ever need
I have a set of Irwin automatic wire strippers and strip 4 wires at once multiple times a day. I wire enclosed trailers and they haven’t gave me any issues in the 6 months of owning them.
LOLOL. I am very familiar with the first wire stripper..I think I "borrowed" them from my dad 30 years ago and have been using them ever since. Thank you for the clarification....no wonder my DIY jobs take a minute...
Those blue Kleins are the best ones. And yea, you're right about the wire gauge. Most residential stuff is 10-18. Stove wire is 8 gauge stranded, but the 10 slot with some know-how can work efficiently.
Sidecutters (diagonal cutters?), set them, rotate slightly to score the sheaf and pull. Bit of practice and they are fast and easy to use and you wont nick the copper.
I have both of the yellow and blue handle klein strippers that you have, and I personally prefer the yellow handle kleins. In my experience, they strip wire about the same, but I just prefer the feel of the straight handles. I also have the red handle sister to the yellow that is used for the smaller gauge wires and end up using it more in my trade
Yeah. I've had both the curved and the yellow Kleins and I much prefer The yellow ones. I agree with you about the feel of the straight handle, plus the blue handled ones have that lock that locks at the worst times. Keep em around for the screw cutter. And the yellow ones are cheap enough to replace as soon as they start to get dull.
Klein makes a model of those Rube Goldberg pliers that you called them, and they're freaking awesome!! just takes a little time to set them up. You'd probably be better served making a video of the better applications of all these different types of strippers than trying to say one's better than the other.
Haha I have the first wire strippers you showed, I got them to install a radio in my truck! And just finished using them today installing a switch plate for a light bar
It seems to me like you've gotten your money's worth out of them! It's the same pair I've had all my adult life until stepping into a semi"professional" setting.
Zach, I got a good chuckle from this, you can see how easy it is to acquire quite the assortment of wire strippers which all share the 10-18ga size range. Each has its time and place as others may have already said. You got the right advice from the tradesmen in Dept 27 at HD. . Just like you observed, most guys have a favourite workhorse that is lightweight, agile, comfortable to move quickly on the 90% of wires to be stripped. The other models apply to remaining 10%. Also have an older style auto-stripper, it was sidelined years ago, was just too clunky. They're really only worthwhile for production wire stripping like in control cabinets where there are dozens to hundreds of wires at a time. A Klein 1010 or equivalent is really the best "have just one" tool; Otherwise, an Ideal ReFlex or Klein Kurve for the tool pouch/belt, a 1010, and all other size ranges or specialties in the tool bag.
Thanks for the comment Dwight and you're right it is easy to see how one could easily accumulate a wide range of strippers. Thanks for the recommendation!
lol the first ones you showed i have them still after 30 yrs i use them for the bolt cutters only . the long handle and light weight makes them perfect i was always waiting for them to snap havent yet every cple of yrs i just i just run a cheap tap thru em still good to go
Zack, in the UK if a company wants to do military work for the government then they were required to use a style similar to Stanley 89-873 which did not nick the internal copper and potentially weaken it. It is a style I prefer and you may like this type as well.
I have been working as a lighting retrofitter for 15 years. I have stripped millions of wires. The yellow handled Kleins are sufficient for light and basic use. The blue handled Kleins are excellent for heavy use and they feel great. However Sears has a pair of Craftsmans that I personally love. They stay sharp for a very long time. Not to mention Sears offers a free, no hassle exchange.
Yeah, I figured I could get it dialed in after a while. I've now returned the automatic ones and am working on getting good with the others. Thanks for the comment!
Well i come here to see what a good automatic stripper i could buy. When you have to strip 100 or more wires a day it sure does take its toll on your wrists. Especially if you are developing arthritis. The blue klien strippers are good i would say keep them if you only have a few wires to strip. But if you are stripping 100s of wires a day you will find your wrist giving out. I have used ideal automatic strippers and they are great. but i dropped them 50 foot and bam i need new strippers.
I just bought myself a new stripper. It was under $10 and looks the same as my old pair and your Kline 1045. Being new they will probably do a better job than my old pair, but. Now I’ve got them out of the plastic pack I can see a noticeable gap between the blades when veiwed from the side. Not sure what that means but I’m going back to look at the better ones. - anyone want a cheep pair. I have entertained the idea of an automated stripper and just looked at a youtube where he took off the outer insulation then removed the insulation off all three inner wires from a piece of double insulated three core. Great for doing that job if your wiring a house.
Lol I’m not sure in the grand scheme of things how significant that little gap is but I’d say if it works, use it. I agree with you about the robot strippers.
I use the yellow Klein strippers. Bought them at Home Depot I think. They work just fine. I only do house electrical work for myself and family. When I first started out, I used the stripper hole that is built into the small silver wire slitters with the tooth that squeezes around electrical wire and then you pull it to slice the outside casing of the wire. It worked. Not fast or easy though.
I got similar ones to the blue ones for like $2 at a local chinese store and it cuts like crazy, and well a hobbyist so i don't really need the quality the more expensive ones may provide
ideal version of the tiny ones are my daily drivers for about two years now. kleins lasted me about 8 months before the dulled. those robot ones are good for jacket wire like t stat, romex, and luminaire.
I do small electronics stuff. Soooo, what's best for 30 AWG Mymar wires? The thing that Inhave is some weird wire cutter/stripper that is adjustable with a nut and I guess by "feel" and it works, but there has GOT TO BE SOMETHING BETTER. If anyone knows any please let me know. Thanks!
I totally agree with the review but, that one that you returned is good for stripping a very thick gauge wire. Thank you for this review I will be shopping for a new stripper soon. I will look to see if you've made a review video on the different styles of crimpers.
lol, funny think is, I meant to but never got it returned. It's now been long enough that I doubt they'll take it back. Guess it'll be great for when I've got romex to strip :-)
Commercial electric 7" strippers are under $10 at the Depot and work about as well as any other pair of wire strippers. I like the Klein all-purpose stripper/crimper/needle nose pliers they came out with...those things come in handy.
i like the klein K1412 when working with 14/2 and 12/2 romex. when it's bigger or 14-2-2 and the such i use the Klein 11055 but i do want to buy a pair of the 12055 soon
Those yellow Klein’s were just dull. I love those yellow ones. The blue handle are definitely the best though. You forgot to mention the latch to hold them closed on the blue handle.
You are telling, what i reckon... The problem with this good old suggested Tool is that i have to pick the right wire profile, but the most time i don‘t know it and its always changeing, so i have to check and measure it every time i need to strip a cable off! So i‘d rather prefer an automatic stripper, but it should also be reliable... too bad that this one is also dump... :/
i bought a cheap pair of the third ones no problems where they excel over the others is stripping wire about an inch long for jumper wires and removing outer flex on cables
If you adjust to the proper tension (you didn't) on the automatics they are still faster than any manual stripper. In fact, Klein themselves have version called the 11061.
yup the little wheel/dial, spin clockwise for + tension, counterclockwise for - tension. BUT the wheel seems to loosen over time, so I have to frequently re-tighten it
I have 3 out of 4 of those sets. The garbage pair is just that; garbage. I prefer the yellow handle on the kleins but the blue ones had a much better set of cutting edges. Either way I don't really like either of those and I'm looking for other tools. Honestly, I've been thoroughly unimpressed with klein tools in general. Maybe I was just spoiled since my frist exposure to tools (issued to me at a specific job) was with stuff like Wera and knipex.
yes. this. 100% those red handle 'car stereo' strippers is what i have right now and quite frankly, they are definitely rubbish xD. YES, they work. To the extent that it will drive you bonkers when you're really getting into your DIY work and they see heavy use.
I have Klein 11055 & 11057 in all my kits (yes I have multiple electrical kits). I hate the auto strippers because of the damage they do to the insulation. A tip on using any of the notch style strippers. Fully squeeze the handle to cut through the insulation then relax the tension so that the cutter doesn't bite into the wire as you strip off the jacket.
Those 1st ones he showed are great for something that gets the job done right. All you gotta do is use a lil common sense and use em the way you're supposed to use em. Clamp down on 12 an then rotate the strippers clockwise and or counterclockwise do both for best results. Open the strippers and look at it top of the strippers. It says something like 22,18 / 16,14 / 12,10. Pick the appropriate range of the wire you're working on an go back to the cut an give it pinch don't break your hand but keep in mind you are trying to grab something.. so now that we're to the hard part you should gently pull up while doing an inspection of the cut make sure you actually cut completely through the insulation if you have great if not cut repeat the previous steps. Once you know the insulation is completely cut you can continue to gently pull up removing the insulation. Always remember to make sure that the power supply is off and you feel comfortable doing the job you're trying to do if not please for everyone involved in the project call an electrician before moving on because you or someone else could be seriously injured or killed. Electricity is no lady to play with it only takes one 10th of one amp to kill you. Stay safe sparky
we have all bought the cheap ones, because they also came with a set of terminals, for that 'one' job we did years ago, (more like 30!lol) such as that crappy car without a radio in it. those complicated ones, they go back a good 30 years also, they had the same issues, sometimes not grab, about 1 in 20 times, but just enough to get annoying
I am an industrial electrician and alot of the work that I do is on live wires so I have blown up and ruined alot of hand tools while performing tasks on the job and I have come to the conclusion that if you just go to harbor freight and buy all your tools for cheaper prices than what klein offers, you won't be as mad at your self when you destroy a pair of strippers or pliers.. of course I have some very nice 1000 volt tools that never really see the light of day but if you are new or not in the field of being an electrician everyday, then you don't really need all those expensive tools to get the job done.. If I could go back and tell my younger self that I would ruin 1,000s upon 1,000s of dollars worth of hand tools. I would save my money and buy cheaper hand tools and not care about breaking, blowing up a $60 pair of 1000volt wire strippers every month.. I can blow up some 1000volt tools on a 120volt circuit and have the same protection that non insulated tools can give me.. don't waste your money buying those new and "improved" hand tools of the month because they are all susceptible of being f@cked up just like the yester-years tools..
The tool you are returning are heads and shoulders (VIse Grip ) above the others. I think if you practiced with the tool you will find them to be amazing. You have to learn where on the handle to squeeze it for the best leverage to remove the insulation cleanly. You can strip multiple wires (takes practice) at a time and save time! My challenge is to give it another look, take 10' of wire both stranded and solid and practice. The results will be amazing!
I been looking for good wire crimper/strippers for a few months. I have the yellow Kleins and the "everyone" set I use for cutting bolts, I gave away my "Rube Goldberg". I use wirestrippers for finer Ga. wire and crimping. I saw the Klein 1010 and have thought about those. Sometimes in tight spaces I want the cripper and cutter on the front but other I want the strippers on the nose so I have not decided yet. And now every-time I have to use one of my three sets I remind myself I still need a better set.....lol
You raise a good point, maybe I was looking at things wrong trying to have one stripper to satisfy all needs. The might be like having one wrench to do all jobs, in order to have just one to fit all you end up with a Crescent wrench which is ok but not the best.
Pittsburgh 7" model is almost identical to Klein 11055 but mine have a 10-20 range, yea made in Taiwan not USA But 1 I'm not a pro I'm a DIY and 2. I paid $6.00 over two years ago and still use them. Just a tip for anyone with limited funds. By all means if you have the money buy USA. Too each there own. I also have a set of HAKKOs I got as a gift with a soldering kit they are good too.
What about that one that's a bit too heavy, really old and used, rusty and some of the teeth are missing.....can apply to strippers and wire strippers.
I bought the automatic stripper, thinking "Now this will do it easily". It would work about 3 out of 5 tries. So I sent it back for replacement. Same thing. Then I bought a similar automatic one, but. Same thing and I kept it but cuss it all the time. I have studied it and realized that they are using a "floating fingers" design That means, unless the wire and insulation (which is not always good) are perfect; you are going to have the problem that you had and many others have had including me. Get this: my assistance only gets it to work 1 out of 5 times. I fiddled with it and the best I could come up with is 4 out of 5. But even them sometimes it fails 3 out 5 times. VERY aggravating. They simply have NOT designed it correctly. I am a retired electician and electronic engineer; and go back to the 40's. Would you believe that in that many years, there have been zillions of "THE BEST" stripper. Sadly, NOT one does it every time; that I have ever tried, except one (the FIRST automatic back in the 50's) Sadly that automatic one broke after I dropped it; but the company that made it had gone out of business, and no one has ever duplicated it since. But it DID work every time. So when I saw these "New" automatic ones, I jumped at buying it. Sadly no such "goody". For whatever its worth.
Thanks for the comment, Pat. Seems there’s not yet a perfect compromise of ease and perfect functionality. I guess it’s best for me to just learn the ol trustys well and sally forth
The ability to lock it closed is worth the extra money alone. I was going to buy the yellow Klein's but don't want sharp blades exposed all the time. I went with some channellock brand strippers. They are a lot like your blue Klein's but yours has better handles.
How many other people were done at the 2:50 mark because you also have the worthless wire cutters and couldn't figure out how to use them? Come to find out, they are just crappy which is why they don't work.
The first stripper w/red handles aren't any good for stripping wires - but they are the easiest way to cut screws to length w/o screwing-up the thread. Just don't try to cut stainless or Allen screws.
I can't believe you gave up on the fancy ones so easily. The main advantage of this design, for me, is the lack of needing to line up the right hole every time. Even if you're just doing one wire at a time, it is still such a time saver when you don't have to pay attention to both issues (strip length and hole used). Much quicker with the auto sizing one. Also, the ability to change between similar gauges without having to check and confirm each time is a huge advantage. I'm sorry I didn't get one sooner. And I've been using wire strippers for about 40 years now.
I prefer use the one you return but klein tools brand, of course when you buy cheap brand you dont see quality klein tools automatic ones are just briliant, they not just strip wire they strip cable so i never use knife to strip cable unless its big one, but flat cables are good in it
I’d choose pliers over strippers any day. Use them as stripper, crimpers, wrench, hammer. You can’t exactly twist with wire strippers as an industrial to residential electrician
Yeah, that's what I've done for most of my life as well but in a professional setting, stripping 240 wires per shift that way wouldn't, in my opinion, be very efficient. Thanks for watching, Chris.
What do I need to cut extension cords? I'm cutting the ends off of small & large extension cords but I don't know if I should buy lineman's pliers or what. Can you help?
bobby long: Depends on what you want to do after you remove the plugs. If all you are doing is removing the plugs, then a decent lineman will do the job. If you are using the wire as an electrical connection, get a stripper... they will also cut.
2 minutes in and I trust this man. He has identified the most relevant problem of DIY electricity and as, what sounds like US native, used the word rubbish. Such anticipation I have for the next 9 minutes EDIT but scary that they let just anyone install fixtures
klein is the snap-on of the sparky trade. with same results in the warranty dept if the gods are in a good mood warranty honored if not thts another $50 for a screwdriver
@ zibzer - do u have anything that you would like to say, to explain WHY you would tell us to use THAT SPECIFIC TOOL?? That might actually help us, if that’s what your goal is, to help others when sharing that opinion of yours. Thanks in advance (altho i think when people say something so definitively, they shouldnt just leave it w/the “final answer”, but explain how they arrived there, thus not even needing to request that from you).
Some might say the same for Ideal Industries, similar side strippers to Klein. They also made an excellent automatic type ( I think derived from early Vessel Japan concept but not sure who was 1st). Saw many MNC production lines in Ixeland opt for Ideal. The Germans love Knipex, of course they've got Wera and Wiha too. Jokari had some hit or miss products. Japan has KTC from Kyoto Tool, good gear too.
What kind of comparison is this? The only tool that can maybe strip multiple wires is compared with the tools that can definitely not strip multiple wires
I have two different types, never seen those klein type here. But im no electrician, just doing the work in my own home and for family. Your video title might lead some people to expect some different content ;)
The tool being returned is the one you should hang on to. Start with the tension screw and adjust the "break" tension setup and you can strip as many wires as will sit in the jaws. I find them excellent with any size of cable from telephone wire to cooker wire, single or multistrand. The key again is adjusting the tension of the "snap" mechanism.
If you want to modify the setup, the gripping jaws are usually quite sloppy and held in by tension. Unscrew the back plastic cover, remove the split springs and replace the pivot pins that hold the jaws with stainless 3.5mm bolts. Use 2 nuts and a washer on each to hold and adjust the gripping jaws which will have lost their lift and they'll be the last strippers you ever buy. I've used mine for 3 years, almost every day - must be talking 100s of 1000s of operations and they still work first time every time because you're only using tension and friction, and never the sharpness of a blade. The slots on the bladed pliers will wear and dull, they're a nightmare to sharpen accurately, and if you're working fast you constantly have to watch which hole you are using or you'll either misfire or nick the conductor.
Hey thanks for the tips on that tool, I didn't wind up getting rid of it after all so I'll put your suggestions to use.
You need to make a video showing how you modded them.
If you get a chance, it would be great to see a video showing how you modified your strippers. Thanks for the info!
@@sun-man here here but l still love mine, the only down side i found is getting into a power point box to strip wires as they are too bulky, so l use the front puller that big clive usually uses, i bought an auto front puller but that was useless
I agree with Andy here, the best one I've ever owned is the Stanley FatMax FMTO-96230, looks similar to that one you're returning. I'm age 53 and I've stripped wires since age 6 ;-)
Angle your stripper at about 45 degrees. Initiate the cut then straighten the wire strippers and that will automatically start sliding the insulation off the wire. Much faster and more efficient
Matthew Whiteman that’s what I was going to say is not the tool is the people using it. I have both Klein strippers and they both work the same if I put them at a 45
K
Matthew Whiteman this man knows whats up
45 degree angle? Up or down?
Thanks for that tip.
You ended up with the right tool. I could talk at length on this subject but I'll keep it short. Try using the thumb on the wire hand to push the strippers off the wire instead of pulling with the stripper hand. Tool hand squeezes... thumb on wire hand pushes. MUCH more control that way. Not helpful on short pieces like you had in the video... but give it a shot.
Well why didnt I think of that?! Thanks GP, I'll certainly employ that technique the next time I have the chance.
That's the standard way to use strippers. And none of those electricians you were working with bothered to correct you? They must be real winners on the job. @@ZackOfAllTrades
Took the words right out of my mouth! I was sitting here thinking why didn't any actual electricians show this guy how to correctly use this stripper! Lol!
I have several wire strippers like you have and the one you are returning is a good stripper. I have the Irwin tools version and it will strip every wire I put in it, including sheathed 3 wire 10 gauge. It will strip the outer cover and then strip the wires themselves. There is an adjustment knob that causes the jaws to clamp tighter as needed. Once that is adjusted properly it should work well most of the time.
I use the first cutters for trimming M3 - M4 bolts, it looks like the last one also has the screw holes to cut M3 to M5 bolts. I also have the rachet set, the ones you are going to return, they are great for long wires but not so great in tight spaces.
I have both the blue Klein's and the Irwin version of the automatic wire strippers. The Klein's only ever get used for bolt cutting or if I need to strip wire in a confined space. The Irwin autos are my go to strippers. I have even used it on Romex. 12/3 Romex.
As a hobbyist, I use the yellow automatic tool. My advice is to turn up the tension and you’ll be able to get better grip on your wires. I generally work with anything from 15 to 25 gauge wires in electronics, so the variable cut length really helps- a lot of other strippers are (understandably) made for residential electricians and sometimes can just barely manage to fit the small diameters I work with. Of course, in a pinch, I’d gladly take either of those plier tools over the “stereo” tool- in fact, before I got my current tool, I resorted to stripping wires with the scissors on my Swiss Army knife rather than use that thing!
The first wire "strippers" you rejected as useless, are not strippers. Those are crimpers, that have the stripping function as an extra. You can use those in conjunction with other strippers, for their proper function, OR if you don't want to carry lots of tools, and need only a little bit of stripping and a lot of crimping (yeah, mostly in stereo installations or car work) you can use those.
Also, not ALL tools are the same, I have 4 of those, 1 is a pretty useless $2-3 piece of crap, 1 is a $5 piece of less crap, and 2 are $25 pieces of German engineering, that can actually crimp AND strip wires properly (Knipex)
you should be shot if you use that first pair he should on absolutely anything...
as i was a stereo installer i have seen the chaos those create... and tends to under or over crimp the wires causing the connector to either slip or break the wires.. in an absolute dire emergency yea id probably twist the wires together before using those...
just looked up the knipex version they might be worth something the crimping head is twice as thick plus ive never had a bad pair of knipex
as an electrician myself there are a few different wire strippers i use. brand new yellow klein wire strippers for $10 last for around 6-12 months before the teeth dull. the blue klein one lasts much longer and more comfortable. klein is great for hand tools, fluke is great for multimeters and test equipment, milwaukee is great for cordless tools. ideal, greenlee, and Lennox all make good tools as well.
Man, you definitely named all the best tools, I'm an elevator constructor and when it comes to PoweTools, it's easily Milwaukee, basic hand tools, are either Erwin, or Milwaukee, anything to do with wire, or electricity its Klien. GreenLee is the brand I like for most speciality tools. Also like DeWalt for some of their power tools, which not too long ago started improving greatly, and are now as good or maybe even starting to get better than Milwaukee, depending on exact power tool. But anyways your comment caught my eye as someone shot clearly knows quality tools
those automatic type strippers chew the insulation on the cable that attached to the gripper side - I still have one of those but use it backwards so that the discarded piece is in the gripper side this way there are no teeth marks left on the cable - the best automatic strippers I own are the knippex ones...
Thanks for the tip
I got a single cut speciality pair for fiber optics, got an automatic one with dyes for multiple strips needed at once, i got one with a linesman style plier for carry on, linesman for residential wiring, a cable knife for industrial or underground cable, and got a lighter for random wires.. ツ all ill ever need
I have a set of Irwin automatic wire strippers and strip 4 wires at once multiple times a day. I wire enclosed trailers and they haven’t gave me any issues in the 6 months of owning them.
When you strip cut at a angle to the wire straighten out then pull out
LOLOL. I am very familiar with the first wire stripper..I think I "borrowed" them from my dad 30 years ago and have been using them ever since. Thank you for the clarification....no wonder my DIY jobs take a minute...
Those blue Kleins are the best ones. And yea, you're right about the wire gauge. Most residential stuff is 10-18. Stove wire is 8 gauge stranded, but the 10 slot with some know-how can work efficiently.
Sidecutters (diagonal cutters?), set them, rotate slightly to score the sheaf and pull. Bit of practice and they are fast and easy to use and you wont nick the copper.
That's a very good option for sure.
Agreed a good side-cutter is the best stripper
I have both of the yellow and blue handle klein strippers that you have, and I personally prefer the yellow handle kleins. In my experience, they strip wire about the same, but I just prefer the feel of the straight handles. I also have the red handle sister to the yellow that is used for the smaller gauge wires and end up using it more in my trade
Yeah. I've had both the curved and the yellow Kleins and I much prefer The yellow ones. I agree with you about the feel of the straight handle, plus the blue handled ones have that lock that locks at the worst times. Keep em around for the screw cutter. And the yellow ones are cheap enough to replace as soon as they start to get dull.
Klein makes a model of those Rube Goldberg pliers that you called them, and they're freaking awesome!! just takes a little time to set them up. You'd probably be better served making a video of the better applications of all these different types of strippers than trying to say one's better than the other.
Prehabs your issue with the smaller pair of Klein 045 is the leverage they can give you
Haha I have the first wire strippers you showed, I got them to install a radio in my truck! And just finished using them today installing a switch plate for a light bar
It seems to me like you've gotten your money's worth out of them! It's the same pair I've had all my adult life until stepping into a semi"professional" setting.
Your tester is your most important that way you can make sure nothing hot
I carry two wire strippers Klein curved pair and a kolbolt 9 inch wire stripper crimper bolt/screw cutter
Zach, I got a good chuckle from this, you can see how easy it is to acquire quite the assortment of wire strippers which all share the 10-18ga size range. Each has its time and place as others may have already said. You got the right advice from the tradesmen in Dept 27 at HD.
. Just like you observed, most guys have a favourite workhorse that is lightweight, agile, comfortable to move quickly on the 90% of wires to be stripped. The other models apply to remaining 10%.
Also have an older style auto-stripper, it was sidelined years ago, was just too clunky. They're really only worthwhile for production wire stripping like in control cabinets where there are dozens to hundreds of wires at a time. A Klein 1010 or equivalent is really the best "have just one" tool; Otherwise, an Ideal ReFlex or Klein Kurve for the tool pouch/belt, a 1010, and all other size ranges or specialties in the tool bag.
Thanks for the comment Dwight and you're right it is easy to see how one could easily accumulate a wide range of strippers. Thanks for the recommendation!
lol the first ones you showed i have them still after 30 yrs i use them for the bolt cutters only . the long handle and light weight makes them perfect i was always waiting for them to snap havent yet every cple of yrs i just i just run a cheap tap thru em still good to go
Zack, in the UK if a company wants to do military work for the government then they were required to use a style similar to Stanley 89-873 which did not nick the internal copper and potentially weaken it. It is a style I prefer and you may like this type as well.
Interesting, I never thought of the potential hazards of that nick but had certainly noticed it. I'll give the Stanley's a look. Thanks, Tony
I have been working as a lighting retrofitter for 15 years. I have stripped millions of wires. The yellow handled Kleins are sufficient for light and basic use. The blue handled Kleins are excellent for heavy use and they feel great. However Sears has a pair of Craftsmans that I personally love. They stay sharp for a very long time. Not to mention Sears offers a free, no hassle exchange.
I have an automatic set, play with the adjustment knob once that's set you'll get through 3 wires easy,
Yeah, I figured I could get it dialed in after a while. I've now returned the automatic ones and am working on getting good with the others. Thanks for the comment!
Mistake? The ones you returned are brilliant.
I worked with all of them and was able to have good results with any of them. I like them all.
Well i come here to see what a good automatic stripper i could buy. When you have to strip 100 or more wires a day it sure does take its toll on your wrists. Especially if you are developing arthritis. The blue klien strippers are good i would say keep them if you only have a few wires to strip. But if you are stripping 100s of wires a day you will find your wrist giving out. I have used ideal automatic strippers and they are great. but i dropped them 50 foot and bam i need new strippers.
I just bought myself a new stripper. It was under $10 and looks the same as my old pair and your Kline 1045. Being new they will probably do a better job than my old pair, but. Now I’ve got them out of the plastic pack I can see a noticeable gap between the blades when veiwed from the side. Not sure what that means but I’m going back to look at the better ones. - anyone want a cheep pair.
I have entertained the idea of an automated stripper and just looked at a youtube where he took off the outer insulation then removed the insulation off all three inner wires from a piece of double insulated three core. Great for doing that job if your wiring a house.
Lol I’m not sure in the grand scheme of things how significant that little gap is but I’d say if it works, use it. I agree with you about the robot strippers.
I use the yellow Klein strippers. Bought them at Home Depot I think. They work just fine. I only do house electrical work for myself and family. When I first started out, I used the stripper hole that is built into the small silver wire slitters with the tooth that squeezes around electrical wire and then you pull it to slice the outside casing of the wire. It worked. Not fast or easy though.
I got similar ones to the blue ones for like $2 at a local chinese store and it cuts like crazy, and well a hobbyist so i don't really need the quality the more expensive ones may provide
If it works it works!
Thanks just ordered the Klein 11057. Smaller gauge for electronics instrument leads etc. Should be here soon shipping to the UK. Many thanks
ideal version of the tiny ones are my daily drivers for about two years now. kleins lasted me about 8 months before the dulled. those robot ones are good for jacket wire like t stat, romex, and luminaire.
Good info, thanks Hilario
Klein hans tools are mostly made in America and there Meters tester so o things like that are made in Twain and the hand tools have life time .
THE KLEINS OR SIMILAR YOU USUALLY HAVE TO CLAMP THEN ROTATE A LITTLE TO GET EM TO CUT COMPLETELY.
Just a little finesse
The Greenlee Pliers are also good I have used both Greenlee and Klein pliers
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll keep an eye out for them.
I do small electronics stuff. Soooo, what's best for 30 AWG Mymar wires? The thing that Inhave is some weird wire cutter/stripper that is adjustable with a nut and I guess by "feel" and it works, but there has GOT TO BE SOMETHING BETTER. If anyone knows any please let me know. Thanks!
I totally agree with the review but, that one that you returned is good for stripping a very thick gauge wire. Thank you for this review I will be shopping for a new stripper soon. I will look to see if you've made a review video on the different styles of crimpers.
lol, funny think is, I meant to but never got it returned. It's now been long enough that I doubt they'll take it back. Guess it'll be great for when I've got romex to strip :-)
Commercial electric 7" strippers are under $10 at the Depot and work about as well as any other pair of wire strippers. I like the Klein all-purpose stripper/crimper/needle nose pliers they came out with...those things come in handy.
if you push the head of the stripper outward with your thumb makes it alot smoother and controlled than pulling the stripper on the wire
You can adjust the grab tension of the automatic wire stripper 5:12. There are also better brands like Irwin.
My father uses side cutters for stripping cable, he's quick, very quick in fact.
Yeah, I'm kind of a beginner but I don't doubt it!
i like the klein K1412 when working with 14/2 and 12/2 romex. when it's bigger or 14-2-2 and the such i use the Klein 11055 but i do want to buy a pair of the 12055 soon
Those yellow Klein’s were just dull. I love those yellow ones. The blue handle are definitely the best though. You forgot to mention the latch to hold them closed on the blue handle.
You are telling, what i reckon... The problem with this good old suggested Tool is that i have to pick the right wire profile, but the most time i don‘t know it and its always changeing, so i have to check and measure it every time i need to strip a cable off! So i‘d rather prefer an automatic stripper, but it should also be reliable... too bad that this one is also dump... :/
1st strippers have the cut&thread feature which is invaluable. It doesn't work well when you put the wire into the wrong side.
i bought a cheap pair of the third ones no problems where they excel over the others is stripping wire about an inch long for jumper wires and removing outer flex on cables
If you adjust to the proper tension (you didn't) on the automatics they are still faster than any manual stripper. In fact, Klein themselves have version called the 11061.
yup the little wheel/dial, spin clockwise for + tension, counterclockwise for - tension. BUT the wheel seems to loosen over time, so I have to frequently re-tighten it
I have 3 out of 4 of those sets. The garbage pair is just that; garbage. I prefer the yellow handle on the kleins but the blue ones had a much better set of cutting edges. Either way I don't really like either of those and I'm looking for other tools. Honestly, I've been thoroughly unimpressed with klein tools in general. Maybe I was just spoiled since my frist exposure to tools (issued to me at a specific job) was with stuff like Wera and knipex.
yes.
this.
100%
those red handle 'car stereo' strippers is what i have right now and quite frankly, they are definitely rubbish xD. YES, they work. To the extent that it will drive you bonkers when you're really getting into your DIY work and they see heavy use.
I have Klein 11055 & 11057 in all my kits (yes I have multiple electrical kits). I hate the auto strippers because of the damage they do to the insulation.
A tip on using any of the notch style strippers. Fully squeeze the handle to cut through the insulation then relax the tension so that the cutter doesn't bite into the wire as you strip off the jacket.
Those 1st ones he showed are great for something that gets the job done right. All you gotta do is use a lil common sense and use em the way you're supposed to use em. Clamp down on 12 an then rotate the strippers clockwise and or counterclockwise do both for best results. Open the strippers and look at it top of the strippers. It says something like 22,18 / 16,14 / 12,10. Pick the appropriate range of the wire you're working on an go back to the cut an give it pinch don't break your hand but keep in mind you are trying to grab something.. so now that we're to the hard part you should gently pull up while doing an inspection of the cut make sure you actually cut completely through the insulation if you have great if not cut repeat the previous steps. Once you know the insulation is completely cut you can continue to gently pull up removing the insulation. Always remember to make sure that the power supply is off and you feel comfortable doing the job you're trying to do if not please for everyone involved in the project call an electrician before moving on because you or someone else could be seriously injured or killed. Electricity is no lady to play with it only takes one 10th of one amp to kill you. Stay safe sparky
There are a lot of things you can strip wires with that aren’t wire strikers .
MAC, had them for years and they're the best Ive ever used.
we have all bought the cheap ones, because they also came with a set of terminals, for that 'one' job we did years ago, (more like 30!lol) such as that crappy car without a radio in it. those complicated ones, they go back a good 30 years also, they had the same issues, sometimes not grab, about 1 in 20 times, but just enough to get annoying
I am an industrial electrician and alot of the work that I do is on live wires so I have blown up and ruined alot of hand tools while performing tasks on the job and I have come to the conclusion that if you just go to harbor freight and buy all your tools for cheaper prices than what klein offers, you won't be as mad at your self when you destroy a pair of strippers or pliers.. of course I have some very nice 1000 volt tools that never really see the light of day but if you are new or not in the field of being an electrician everyday, then you don't really need all those expensive tools to get the job done.. If I could go back and tell my younger self that I would ruin 1,000s upon 1,000s of dollars worth of hand tools. I would save my money and buy cheaper hand tools and not care about breaking, blowing up a $60 pair of 1000volt wire strippers every month.. I can blow up some 1000volt tools on a 120volt circuit and have the same protection that non insulated tools can give me.. don't waste your money buying those new and "improved" hand tools of the month because they are all susceptible of being f@cked up just like the yester-years tools..
The tool you are returning are heads and shoulders (VIse Grip ) above the others. I think if you practiced with the tool you will find them to be amazing. You have to learn where on the handle to squeeze it for the best leverage to remove the insulation cleanly. You can strip multiple wires (takes practice) at a time and save time! My challenge is to give it another look, take 10' of wire both stranded and solid and practice. The results will be amazing!
Hey Jim, I just may do that since I didn't wind up returning it anyway.
Your video helped to make decisions, thanks you!
I can't stop chuckling about the name "stripper", amounts of money, and how long they last all in the same sentences
I been looking for good wire crimper/strippers for a few months. I have the yellow Kleins and the "everyone" set I use for cutting bolts, I gave away my "Rube Goldberg". I use wirestrippers for finer Ga. wire and crimping. I saw the Klein 1010 and have thought about those. Sometimes in tight spaces I want the cripper and cutter on the front but other I want the strippers on the nose so I have not decided yet. And now every-time I have to use one of my three sets I remind myself I still need a better set.....lol
You raise a good point, maybe I was looking at things wrong trying to have one stripper to satisfy all needs. The might be like having one wrench to do all jobs, in order to have just one to fit all you end up with a Crescent wrench which is ok but not the best.
Reminds me of "He who dies w/ the most toys wins."
Carbonite Gamorrean 32162bill4043f@gmail.com 32162bill4043f@gmail.com h
Give the strippers a quick 1/4 turn twist and the insulation will almost"fall" off.
Good stuff, thanks for the tip, Brooks.
Pittsburgh 7" model is almost identical to Klein 11055 but mine have a 10-20 range, yea made in Taiwan not USA But 1 I'm not a pro I'm a DIY and 2. I paid $6.00 over two years ago and still use them. Just a tip for anyone with limited funds. By all means if you have the money buy USA. Too each there own. I also have a set of HAKKOs I got as a gift with a soldering kit they are good too.
Good to know, thanks Alex
You are missing a pair that is really handy and it is those that pull from the front as opposed to all your side pulls
All strippers are worth having! 😆
LOL
I got nothin' Thanks a bunch for watching though! lol
What about that one that's a bit too heavy, really old and used, rusty and some of the teeth are missing.....can apply to strippers and wire strippers.
ya had to go there brah
As long as you remember that strippers belong to us all.
I bought the automatic stripper, thinking "Now this will do it easily". It would work about 3 out of 5 tries. So I sent it back for replacement. Same thing. Then I bought a similar automatic one, but. Same thing and I kept it but cuss it all the time.
I have studied it and realized that they are using a "floating fingers" design That means, unless the wire and insulation (which is not always good) are perfect; you are going to have the problem that you had and many others have had including me.
Get this: my assistance only gets it to work 1 out of 5 times. I fiddled with it and the best I could come up with is 4 out of 5. But even them sometimes it fails 3 out 5 times. VERY aggravating. They simply have NOT designed it correctly.
I am a retired electician and electronic engineer; and go back to the 40's. Would you believe that in that many years, there have been zillions of "THE BEST" stripper. Sadly, NOT one does it every time; that I have ever tried, except one (the FIRST automatic back in the 50's)
Sadly that automatic one broke after I dropped it; but the company that made it had gone out of business, and no one has ever duplicated it since. But it DID work every time. So when I saw these "New" automatic ones, I jumped at buying it. Sadly no such "goody".
For whatever its worth.
Thanks for the comment, Pat. Seems there’s not yet a perfect compromise of ease and perfect functionality. I guess it’s best for me to just learn the ol trustys well and sally forth
I have the first pair you shown .I use them once a year or so .
The ability to lock it closed is worth the extra money alone. I was going to buy the yellow Klein's but don't want sharp blades exposed all the time. I went with some channellock brand strippers. They are a lot like your blue Klein's but yours has better handles.
On your second set tried out use channel locks !
How many other people were done at the 2:50 mark because you also have the worthless wire cutters and couldn't figure out how to use them? Come to find out, they are just crappy which is why they don't work.
The first stripper w/red handles aren't any good for stripping wires - but they are the easiest way to cut screws to length w/o screwing-up the thread. Just don't try to cut stainless or Allen screws.
What is the best tool for the usb cable cutter?
As the saying goes -" A bad workman always blames his tools."
You'll learn this one day Zack. 🙂
8 dollars for half an hour deciding.
I spent a weekend to save 2 euro on a phone cover before..
I blame all these reviews for our indecision!!
I can't believe you gave up on the fancy ones so easily. The main advantage of this design, for me, is the lack of needing to line up the right hole every time. Even if you're just doing one wire at a time, it is still such a time saver when you don't have to pay attention to both issues (strip length and hole used). Much quicker with the auto sizing one. Also, the ability to change between similar gauges without having to check and confirm each time is a huge advantage. I'm sorry I didn't get one sooner. And I've been using wire strippers for about 40 years now.
Klein katapult are like the squess type pair you showed but the work every time .just 1 wire though
I prefer use the one you return but klein tools brand, of course when you buy cheap brand you dont see quality klein tools automatic ones are just briliant, they not just strip wire they strip cable so i never use knife to strip cable unless its big one, but flat cables are good in it
fortunately, I never actually got that set returned so then next time I have an electrical job I'll give them another chance.
You are so funny, sir! 😅 i had fun learning. Thank you.
I’d choose pliers over strippers any day. Use them as stripper, crimpers, wrench, hammer. You can’t exactly twist with wire strippers as an industrial to residential electrician
My grandpa had a 500 ft roll of copper wire, and I use a pocket knife to shave off one side and pull off the remaining. It works well.
Yeah, that's what I've done for most of my life as well but in a professional setting, stripping 240 wires per shift that way wouldn't, in my opinion, be very efficient. Thanks for watching, Chris.
Or just use automatic pistol style ones.
On ebay, they are $35 to Australia and $40 shipping from the US, yet I can buy one in China with free deleivery.
I bought the yellow automatic stripper on Ebay in the UK for £5.99 inc delivery....Incredible..
What do I need to cut extension cords? I'm cutting the ends off of small & large extension cords but I don't know if I should buy lineman's pliers or what. Can you help?
bobby long: Depends on what you want to do after you remove the plugs. If all you are doing is removing the plugs, then a decent lineman will do the job. If you are using the wire as an electrical connection, get a stripper... they will also cut.
Very nice presentation.
2 minutes in and I trust this man. He has identified the most relevant problem of DIY electricity and as, what sounds like US native, used the word rubbish. Such anticipation I have for the next 9 minutes
EDIT but scary that they let just anyone install fixtures
Your using them upside down. Put the wire in channel, then close them then 1 rotate light and pull
klein is the snap-on of the sparky trade. with same results in the warranty dept if the gods are in a good mood warranty honored if not thts another $50 for a screwdriver
The klein katapult is my new best friend
Blue Kliens were my go to until i tried the milwaukee needle nose strippers. #2365443
Great vídeo thanks, thanks for informachoin👍👍👍
Thanks Americo!!
liked the video. My computer had to have the volume maxed out to hear it. FYI
Thanks CB, yeah getting the sound right is an art I struggle with
Either one take out them springs and those blue handle ones drill out that rivet those locks always get in the way
A year late on this comment but really only thing you bought was ability to cut 2 screw sizes. Stripper jaws are the same.
Hahaha literally bought the first one for my first stereo instal 😂
Electrician here:
Klein 1010's . And I've used everything.
wow I dont think I saw those during my hunt, but I can sure see the value of the crimping ability at the back of them. Thanks for the suggestion
Have you tried the K12055? I had problems with the 1010 and i think the 1010 feels cheap. All personal preference though!
@ zibzer - do u have anything that you would like to say, to explain WHY you would tell us to use THAT SPECIFIC TOOL?? That might actually help us, if that’s what your goal is, to help others when sharing that opinion of yours. Thanks in advance (altho i think when people say something so definitively, they shouldnt just leave it w/the “final answer”, but explain how they arrived there, thus not even needing to request that from you).
Some might say the same for Ideal Industries, similar side strippers to Klein. They also made an excellent automatic type ( I think derived from early Vessel Japan concept but not sure who was 1st). Saw many MNC production lines in Ixeland opt for Ideal. The Germans love Knipex, of course they've got Wera and Wiha too. Jokari had some hit or miss products. Japan has KTC from Kyoto Tool, good gear too.
What kind of comparison is this? The only tool that can maybe strip multiple wires is compared with the tools that can definitely not strip multiple wires
Got the 3 you have there but I abuse my Milwaukee stripper 👍👍👍👍 is like 3 tools in one and durable .
I have two different types, never seen those klein type here. But im no electrician, just doing the work in my own home and for family.
Your video title might lead some people to expect some different content ;)
Willem, you dont know how hard it was to not take the whole thing much, much further. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
i prefer the pre-mustache! , which razor works best? lol
All the wire that I use comes prestripped. 😄