What are the Best Electrical Wire Strippers in 2022?

Wire strippers are highly critical for many fundamental electrical tasks. These include installing a light fixture or ceiling fan, replacing a light switch or outlet, or wiring devices such as a garage door opener or a DIY home security system.

Rank	Picture	Model	Rating	Shop
#1		Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter	9.7/10	Check Price
#2		IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper	9.6/10	Check Price
#3		IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool	9.5/10	Check Price
#4		DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper	9.3/10	Check Price
#5		KNIPEX Tools - Automatic Wire Stripper	9.2/10	Check Price

They can efficiently repair different cables such as chargers, extension cords, or even floor lamp’s cord. Also, they are crucial tools for hobbyists who work on computer hardware, robotics, cars, and others.

The best automatic wire strippers can assist you to even make a tidy profit as a side business by selling copper. Copper is a valued metal with a current market price of around $3 per pound.

Winner: Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter

Klein wire strippers are both a cutter and a stripper, and can easily cut and strip 8 to 20 AWG solid and 10 to 22 AWG stranded wire. Wires can quickly bared by a compound stripping action. We were able to strip and grip wire through a single-action squeezing motion.

The precision machined stripping holes can remove the insulation without damaging the wires. It can even remove up to 1 inch or 25 mm in length insulation layer or jacket layer in just one step. Also, it comes with tension loaded wire grip, which allows it to hold the cable and simultaneously retain the cable geometry.

Klein Tools 11063W Wire Cutter is a popular stripper and cutter known to cut 8 to 20 AWG solid easily, and 10 to 22 AWG stranded electrical wire. The stripping head of the instrument even makes gripping and stripping simultaneously easier while squeezing the handle. It is made of cast alloy with heavy-duty “Ecoat” finishing with high durability and corrosion resistance. 

• Material: Cast Alloy Chassis with Heavy-Duty E Coat Finish
• Size: 6.63 x 4 x 1.2 inches
• Weight: 12 Ounces

Benefits

• Can easily cut and strip the 8 to 20 AWG solid and 10 to 22 AWG stranded wire.
• The compound action stripping of the instrument helps to easily grip and strip through the single action of squeezing motion.
• The precision-machined holes for stripping in the machine can remove the insulation with zero damage to the wire. 
• The machine can easily remove nearly 1 inch or 25 mm in the length of the insulation layer or jacket layer in just one step. 
• A tension-loaded grip helps gently hold the wire cables and also retain the cable geometry at the same time. 
• The instrument comprises cast alloy chassis with a heavy-duty e coat finish for enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. 

Drawbacks

• Handles need a long travel length for the working mechanism as it is unusable for smaller hands and larger hands; it is uncomfortable. 
• Do not perform a perfect task on a smaller gauge wire.
• Cutting jaws are useless if you are cutting off long wire lengths as you require to slide the wire through the cutters to the point where you are making the actual cut. 
• It’s built exactly like the present day’s tools with various layers of skinny steel cut of complicated shapes and then riveted or welded together, coating by layer. It does not appear suitable as properly machined tools are made from casting, forging, and good quality solid billet material. 

Extra Features

Klein tool has an inbuilt cutting hole to effectively clean the 8 to 20 AWG solid and 10 to 22 AWG stranded wire when stripping. The Head side of the instrument permits users to grip and strip just by quickly squeezing the tool’s handle.

The instrument is made of cast alloy with a completely heavy-duty e coat finish. The cast alloy chassis with the heavy-duty e coat is best for durability and corrosion assistance. 

Buying Advice

As a buyer, you should know that Klein Tools is over 160 years old and is best known to manufacture top-class quality, expertise-grade handheld tools. Klein Tools deliver out most durability, performance, and precision required to perform the task correctly.

Their family of workers, engineers, and craftsmen continue to put their six generations of expertise in every tool they create by utilizing just the best, highest quality of materials, superior quality into the manufacturing process. Klein is not just a company name; it is a family.

And as they are an American company that is family-owned and family-run, as a user, you can easily count on them when in need of their product. Klein makes good quality products and makes products that are meant to stand up to professional demands for their daily use since 1857. 

Runner-up: IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper

Irwin wire strippers are a robust tool with a self-adjusting mechanism. It can strip wire between 10 and 24 AWG with a self-adjusting mechanism. Note that the instrument has a jaw width of 2 inches.

With IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper, stripping of wires has become way too simpler. The tool’s self-adjusting mechanism means that the wires are stripped perfectly every time. If you add in a wire crimper or even a wire cutter, these pliers would be the only piers you require for all kinds of wiring and rewiring activities. 

• Material: Metal
• Size: 10.8 x 3.5 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 340 grams

Benefits

• Has a swivel knob that makes the micro-adjustments for the gauges smaller than twenty AWG simpler.
• It comes with a Pro Touch grip, which lowers hand fatigue.
• An IRWIN lifetime guarantee backs it.
• Durable and robust.
• Multicolor and can perform various electrical activities.

Drawbacks

• Not appropriate for those with small hands

Extra Features

The adjustable stopper in the instrument helps control the core strip length with an inbuilt adjustable stopper. The instrument can crimp 10 to 22 AWG insulated, 7 to 9 mm ignition terminals, and 10 to 22 AWG non-insulated.

With this instrument, individuals can strip the wire between 10 and 24 AWG while swivel knob micro adjusts and strip gauges lower than 20 AWG. The instrument presents users with a lifetime guarantee. Each Irwin wire stripper tool is warranted against being free from defects in the artistry and material until the tool’s lifetime.

Buying Advice

As a user, you should know, Irwin vise-grip self-adjusting stripper makes the stripping of the wire between 10 and 24 AWG simpler than ever. The tool has a self-adjusting mechanism and a swivel knob for micro-adjustments of gauges below 20 AWG.

Wire crimpers can easily crimp 22 AWG insulated, 7 to 9 mm terminal, and 10 to 22 AWG non insulated terminals. It is a wire cutter that offers reduced hand fatigue and maximum comfort and is even backed by an IRWIN lifetime guarantee. 

Alternative: IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool

IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool is a wire cutter that comes with a hardened cutting edge and remains sharp for a longer duration. It can strip and cut nearly 10 to 22 AWG. Pliers-style nose enables wire strippers to pull and loop in the wire easily.

The bolt cutter cuts features can bolt to size and leave just perfect lead thread, and it can crimp insulated and non-insulated terminals. The IRWIN Vise-Grip Wire Cutter provides easy, fast stripping with extremely soft-grip handles. You can get the task done with this stripper in the best possible way.

The stripper features comfort, textured grip handles, and special features like AWG selection dials, in-built crimpers, spring-linked jaw openings, dual metal construction, and quick-release locks. This tool is one of the best ways to make electrical and other wire-linked work done easier, faster, and reduced hand fatigue. 

• Material: Iron
• Size: 10.63 x 8.94 x 0.34 inches
• Weight: 0.19 pounds

Benefits

• Textured handles lower hand fatigue and provides great comfort.
• It comes with unique features for particular applications
• It comes with induction hardened cutting edges
• Meets all ANSI standards

Drawbacks

It wasn’t very pleasant for few users as they had to open the instrument’s handle to load the next wire. It was not a smooth action; every time required great effort. Users who used it termed it an occasional use tool and not an all-day use tool. 

Extra Features

The tool comes with a self-adjusting wire stripper to strip between 10 and 24 AWG. It is also known to be a multi-tool stripper/cutter/crimper and has induction hardened cutting edges, staying for a longer duration. It comes with six stripping stations for around 10 to 24 AWG selections that can easily adjust the stripping wires of differing gauges. 

Buying Advice

As a user, you should know that Irwin tools manufacture and distribute expertise-grade handheld tools and power tool products worldwide for trade experts who demand high performance and durability on the job.

Irwin tools feature user-preferred category leaders like Irwin, Marathon, Vise grip, SPEEDBOR, Quick grip, MARPLES, strait line, HANSON, and UNIBIT. For more than a century, crucial innovations have been Irwin Tool’s hallmark, which has put the brand at the forefront in competition for creating top-notch quality tools for expert tradespeople. 

You should even know that Irwin is a legendary brand. Expertise tradespeople have completely trusted the durability and strength of the brand since 1924. With best-proven performance, these are those tools that expertise tradespeople first choose and then pass onto their next generation. 

Nonslip, anti-pinch, and ProTouch Grips cater to control, comfort, and reduced hand fatigue. The brand even offers a complete line of wrenches, pliers, wire strippers, and more instruments. The brand continues to set a good standard for quality, dependability, and extraordinary innovation. 

Alternative: DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper

The DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper is a deal for aluminum and copper cables ranging between 10 and 22 AWG. They are even in-built wire cutters and perform perfectly when in use.

The DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper handles are made up of PP plus TPR material that caters for a comfortable handheld feel and is ergonomically designed with optimal force transmission. It works well with oily and wet hands. It has a simple one-handed technique for motion holds, grabs, and pulls. The Dowell 10-22 AWG can even cut the wires cleanly. 

• Material: Stainless steel with a handle of thermoplastic rubber material 
• Size: 7 X 2.1 X 0.5 inches
• Weight: 5 ounces

Benefits

• Can easily strip 10 and 22 AWG solid and stranded wires very cleanly and is perfect for aluminum and copper cables.
• Does not damage the wire core
• Comes within a built-in wire cutter
• High-quality spring for simple use. Saves a lot of effort
• It can be used in various places
• Quick and convenient for your work
• Has the best precision cut
• It comes with a firm grip and hence is simple to operate
• Can even perform heavy duty work and rough tasks with perfection

Drawbacks

• Not suited for products linked to automotive electrical tasks
• Not at all recommended for wire crimping

Extra Features

DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper Cutter is a wire stripping tool, and it acts as a multi-function hand tool. Its professional handle design and refined craftsmanship are best suited for aluminum and copper-linked cables.

Its durable features can offer an effortless operation that needs a single squeezing for obtaining your required results. Moreover, users’ gripping experience is facilitated with their lowered sweat retention capacity. Note that it is a heavy-duty instrument that can endure rough operations.

With their potential to cater to maximum grip, the model can easily function for an extended period without exhausting the users. Clean cuts are even ensured when proper cutting techniques get applied. However, the model requires to get continuously checked before they are used. 

Buying Advice

As a user, you should know that the instrument is best as a wire stripper and ideal for aluminum and copper cables between 10 and 22 AWG. Moreover, it even has an inbuilt wire cutter. The instrument’s handle is made from PP plus TPR material, which provides a comfortable grip thanks to its ergonomic design.

Alternative: KNIPEX Tools – Automatic Wire Stripper

KNIPEX Tools Automatic Wire Stripper is a precision grade performance tool. It is the number one choice of tradesmen worldwide due to its comfort, usage, and good quality-assured design. It is fit to match the requirements in the shop as well as in-home or the service field.

The equipment is well-proven. Knipex test their tools for durability and function in real-world usage and conditions. The KNIPEX Tools Automatic Wire Stripper is a self-adjusting insulation stripper. It is well-adapted for all of the most common cable cross-sections and insulating materials. You can use it for multiple, single, and fine stranded cables from 10 AWG to 24 AWG with standard insulation.

You can even adjust the tool to specific cable cross-sections and prevent damage to the conductor. It affords the user a comfortable grip while performing operations, thanks to its handy shape and low product weight. We were able to use it easily while wearing a pair of electrician’s work gloves, although it did feel a little bulky. The narrow head style allows you to use it in a confined space and even features wire cutters for aluminum and copper wires of up to 2.5 mm square.

We were able to easily adjust the replaceable length stops between 15/64 inches and 23/32 inches for stripping similar lengths in the course of repetitive work. KNIPEX craft their replaceable blades from oil-hardened and special tool steel.

• Material: Fiberglass-reinforced
• Size: 7.7 x 4.8 x 1.1 inches
• Weight: 0.01 Pounds

Benefits

• The equipment is constructed sturdily that makes it durable
• It is easy to use

Drawbacks

• Bulky in hand

Extra Features

KNIPEX is precisely hardened with a max of 0.8% carbon and defined parts of vanadium and chromium that guarantee the best cutting performance and service life. 

Buying Advice

As a buyer, you should know that the brand looks closely at small details. The Angles, sharpness, hardness, and toughness of the product are good.

Wire Strippers FAQ 

What Is the Fastest Way to Strip Scrap Wire?

Always go for the best automatic wire strippers or Snap-On wire strippers. The best are self-adjusting which will allow you to strip wire instantly. While you can strip wire with quality scissors, professional wire strippers mean fewer errors.

Even a utility knife is considered one of the better ways to strip copper from a wire jacket as it can cut down the entire length of wire. Ensure to put the wire on the tabletop and keep your hands safe behind the knife. 

How Do You Strip Large Cables?

There is almost no getting around stripping wire if you are looking to lay down new cables. It permits individual cores to connect to various other devices or cables. Here, we will discuss the best wire stripper tools that will efficiently strip off the insulation from wires with zero damage to the internal conductors. 

No matter whether you require a cable knife, wire stripper pliers, or heavy-duty wire strippers, the ideal wire strippers will depend upon the type of cable. You need to be careful when removing insulation from the cable using a table knife.

If the strands are not cut cleanly, it may result in contact resistance or even cable fire. Moreover, there is an increased risk of injuries with a fixed-blade, cable-cutting knife. Instead, a safer alternative is a cable stripper with adjustable screws for stripping larger cables. 

Cable strippers are excellent for hard-to-reach places where you need to perform circular cutting. Strippers are simple to close and maneuver, and they allow for the quick removal of insulation material. For even longer sections or distributors, you can use cable strippers. Also, universal pliers with integrated knives are best for flat or round cables as users can easily adjust the cutting depth and length. 

Is It Worth Stripping Copper Wire?

250 mcm to 750 mcm wires come with a 90% copper recovery feature. Thus, if you use about 100 lbs and sell off the wire in the current market, you would avail an average of $1.50 for every pound, which sums to $150 without actually having to do anything.

You would be requires to bring it to a recycling yard and negotiate its sale. In case you opt for stripping it, you would have 90 pounds of copper. The remaining 10 pounds would be nothing but plastic waste. You should receive around $1.90 every pound for the stripped copper wire in the present day’s market.

Thus your 90 pounds would net you about $171 difference of $21 between stripping the same and selling the way it is. One further point to note: stripping off larger wire gauges is much faster and simpler. However, they are more dangerous than stripping off smaller gauges. 

Is Burning Copper Wire Illegal?

Burning off the insulated wire in the US is illegal as per Federal Clean Air Act. Also, burning off the insulated wire is unlawful in Canada. It is because burning wires release toxins/carcinogens into the air and into the ground around the burning location, including furans, dioxins, polycyclic hydrocarbons, heavy materials like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and selenium, particulate matter, and various other pollutants.

Those not abiding by the code are fined with a penalty of nearly $25,000 each day, and they may get up to five years in jail. Also, if any individual finds and reports somebody for breaking Federal Clean Air Act is entirely eligible for a reward of $10,000. 

For the fact and just for knowledge, the money you make just by burning off copper wire is not the risk you take to burn it. For instance, copper scrap has a value of around $2.60 per pound, while insulated wire scrap is worth around $1.20 every pound. The burned wire is worth about $2.20 every pound. Note that there is no such reason for burning it for a pile of wire weighing less than 100 lbs. 

If one burns 100 lbs of insulated copper wire and ends up with under 60 pounds of burned copper, then it means he/she has not just broken the rules but has risked his/her life and wellbeing of the environment. 

• Before burning of the wire: 100 pounds worth $1.25 each pound equals $125
• After burning of the wire: 60 pounds worth $2.20 each pound equals $132
• Profit of $7 (Subtract money and time spent for burning)

Additionally, the environmental costs incurred by you are significant, which is not quantifiable. They might even refer to this particular expense as an externality as per economics. Whether it is aluminum or copper wire, the insulated wire should not be burned at all, even when the scrap yard offers to purchase it from you in that form.

The general public is very much aware that it is costly and illegal. If this does not convince you, please consider the your own health. Being involved in such activities may cause cancer and various other morbid diseases. 

Conclusion

Now that you know what to opt for when selecting the best wire strippers for your particular project, you can begin purchasing from some of the top listed brands stated above in the article.

We hope that this article proved to be of some use in your quest for the best wire strippers.