12 Best Wire Strippers & Stripping Tools In 2021 – Reviews & Buying Guide

If you are looking for the best wire strippers all over the internet, here’s where your hunt stops since we are going to share a list of the best wire stripping tools available in the market. To help out our readers, we have designed a comprehensive buying guide as well so you can read & learn from it to choose the product that best suits your work.

However, before going into the details, we would like to share some benefits of investing in a good wire stripper.

Perks of Having a Wire Stripper

Some people believe that a wire stripper isn’t a necessary tool and you can go well without it. But, once you start using it, there is no going back. It’s all due to the comfort and convenience you get from a wire stripper. Here are some major perks of investing in a pair of wire strippers.

Impressive Accuracy

There are two types of wire strippers available in the market, i.e. manual and automatic. The latter is a more popular type that adjusts automatically according to the thickness of the wire. It helps you complete your job accurately and without damaging the wires metal internally. Even if the wire stripper isn’t automatic, it’s very useful to strip away the hard plastic of the wire that is quite a time-consuming job otherwise.

Splicing the wires during an electrical project demands attention as a minor mistake can make a big difference in overall work quality or the performance of the appliances.

No Damage to Wires

Cutting a wire accidentally might not be a problem when you are cutting it from a bundle. What if you are fixing a refrigerator or a transformer where one mistake means you have to do complete work again?

A good wire stripper automatically adjusts around the wire and lets you exert the right pressure level that keeps the underneath wire safe.

Safe for the User

If you use your teeth or a knife for cutting or stripping the wire, there are high risks of injury. You can accidentally cut your finger or mouth. Best wire strippers are specifically designed for it. It will keep you safe and is also a very time-efficient job.

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What Happens If I Don’t Use a Quality Wire Stripping Tool?

Well, that’s a question that may pop up in your mind considering the length of information in this blog.

Ask yourself this question, “What happens if I use a hammer for cracking the egg open so that I can make breakfast?”

Does this make sense? Of course, the egg will open up but, are you sure you are using the right tool for the job? A sane mind would simply hit the egg lightly against the corners of the pan or he may use the sides of a spoon or a fork to crack it up!

Here are the reasons why you should go with the right tool for the right job!

• Using a wire stripper of any kind implies that you want to get the work done in little or no time.
• With the right kind of wire stripper, you can save a lot of extra wire which gets cut if you try cutting it using a knife or a blunt tool.
• If you are an electrician, it’s highly likely that your professionalism will be judged by the types of tools that you carry. Of course, you don’t want to cast a bad impression on your customers.
• A cutter and wire stripper are always multi-functional. It can help you in folding the internal copper wiring, which is quite hard into a proper fold.
• While using some other tool for stripping wire, you may end up harming yourself.
• Some electronics come with limited wiring on the outside. Not using a wire stripper may cost you the whole device if the tool you are using ends up disconnecting any of the internal wiring connections.

Best Wire Strippers Buying Guide – What to Consider When Buying a Wire Stripping Tool?

There are some crucial features that one must not ignore in a wire stripper if he wants to buy the best write stripper for this job. Let’s have a look at those features.

Self-Adjusting

This feature is very helpful for people who work with a lot of wires and have to strip them frequently. The Self adjusting wire stripper automatically adjusts to the wires of different thicknesses and all you need to do is put wore in the stripper, clamp, and pull. Manual wire strippers are also good but opt for an automatic one if there is a choice.

Wire Range

There is no specific thickness of the wires. They come with different thickness ranges. Usually, wire strippers are designed to cut wires the size of 10 to 22 AWG that is sufficient for different types of projects. Check the wire range of the wire stripper before buying it so you don’t face any inconvenience later.

Precision

Don’t forget to check the cutting edges of the wire stripper as the precision factor depends on the blade or cutting edges of the wire stripper. If they are not built properly or can’t work efficiently, then don’t buy this wire stripper.

Check Model Number

Companies add new features in the latest models of the wire strippers. If you are buying an old model and expecting new features in it, then it won’t prove a good experience for you. Some wire strippers can crimp terminal connectors onto wires while others don’t come with this functionality. So, check the model number and the added features to make your deal lucrative.

Material

The durability of a wire stripper depends on the material it is made of. The material of the tool also impacts on the lifespan of the tool. For example, if you buy a wire stripper that reacts with water and moisture easily, then don’t plan to use it for years as it will break down easily. Stainless steel material is the best option for people looking for a durable tool as it never damages easily and is capable of bearing considerable pressure.

Multipurpose Wire Stripper

Always choose a wire stripper that can be used for different tasks. Best wire strippers can easily cut small, big, thick, and thin wires. You don’t find any issue when cutting Teflon-coated or wet wires with it. Poor quality wire strippers struggle with the cutting of Teflon-coated. So, invest in a good and sturdy tool to enjoy its perks for decades.

Top 12 Best Wire Strippers & Stripping Tools of 2021

Here’s where we break the ice!

Let’s check out each wire stripper and see which suits your needs…

Last update on 2023-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. IRWIN VISEGRIP Wire Stripper (Model #2078300)

We’ll start our list with IRWIN visegrip self adjusting wire stripper which is one of the popular and best wire strippers with a 4.5-star average rating. The tool is known for its high reliability, sturdiness, and long-lasting usage. The best thing about the tool is the life-time warranty which means you can buy the tool with great peace of mind and enjoy its perks for decades.

It’s made of tough material. You can apply as much force as you need without worrying about the breakage of the tool. Neither it bends nor damages no matter how hard the wire is. It works smoothly and assists the user during work as he doesn’t have to wait too long to cut or strip the wire.

Some wires have double casings. They usually have thin wires under the upper sheath and thick steel wires beneath the lower casing. Stripping these wires with a poor quality tool can cause a big problem as you cut the inner wires and damage the entire circuit of the machine. It never happens when you use IRWIN tools VISEGRIP wire stripper as it’s a self adjusting tool that grips the wire automatically according to the size of the wire and strips the wire very carefully.

A built-in adjustable stopper is present inside the wire stripper that gives you control over the length of the wire. If talking about the stripping capacity of the tool, then it can strip wire from 10-24AWG while the crimping capacity of the tool is 10-20 AWG for insulated and non-insulated wires. For the ignition terminals, the capacity is 7-9mm.

IRWIN visegrip multitool wire stripper is a popular model among customers and they termed it very useful during their work. However, some customers didn’t find it suitable for cutting stiff coated wires.

 

2. IRWIN VISEGRIP Wire Stripping Tool (Model #2078309)

Get the job done with IRVIN visegrip wire stripper that is designed for professionals. However, DIY lovers are also welcomed to use it for their projects. Pliers style nose lets you cut and strip wires conveniently and allows you to complete your job quickly. You can pull, cut, and strip wires with it.

It’s made of sturdy material and withstands the toughest wires while the induction hardened cutting edges stay sharp longer. They can effortlessly cut insulated and non-insulated wires without damaging the underneath wires.

The built-in crimper is quite efficient and takes no time to crimp your wires accurately. The bolt cutter precisely cuts bolts to size and leaves perfect lead thread. The cutting capacity of the wire stripper is 10-22 AWG that is good enough for multiple projects.

It’s lightweight and easy to carry. You can hold it for hours without feeling tired. The handle of the stripper is also very comfortable and textured. It provides you amazing grip and never slips off from the hand. Quick-release locks and dual metal construction are some other distinguishing features of the wire stripper that make it one of the best wire strippers & cutters available in the market.

It comes with spring-assisted jaws openings to provide a strong grip on the wire you want to cut. The useful tool can be used for electrical, mechanical, and domestic tasks. The non-slip handle of the stripper gives you excellent control over it and assists you work quickly and efficiently.

 

3. DOWELL 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper (Model #54939)

The product on our list of the best wire strippers is DOWELL wire stripper. This wire stripper tool is very useful for those who have to do wire stripping tasks regularly. Instead of wasting money on low-quality tools, opt for DOWELL, and enjoy its long-lasting perks.

This the best wire stripper tool available in the market when it comes to price and efficiency. There are clearly marked slots on the tool to help professionals work with great accuracy. However, don’t worry if you are a beginner and can’t understand the precision and accuracy issues as you can work with the tool even without the scale.

It’s a low-cost tool and values your money. You can work it effortlessly and all thanks go to the ergonomic design of the tool that meets the needs of DIY lovers and electricians equally. The wide stripping and cutting range 10-22 AWG allows you to use the tool for various electrician projects where wire stripping is involved.

The tool delivers precision and accuracy which means you don’t have to worry about cutting extra length of the wire accidentally. Another great perk of the wire stripper is its compact size and lightweight that lets you hold, carry, and keep the tool very conveniently.

The construction and design of the tool make it perfect for cutting copper and aluminum wires. Its jaw lock shuts once you enter the wire inside to ensure the safety of the user while sturdy springs add value to its power. The price of the tool is also affordable and everyone can buy it easily. The only downside of the tool is accidentally cut off underneath wires in some situations.

 

4. Klein Tools Wire Stripper (Model #11055KLE)

Klein 11055 wire stripper is another amazing wire stripper that offers multiple features. It can cut 10-18 AWG solid wire and 12-20 AWG standard wire. Other than cutting the wire, you can strip and mold the wires with great ease and save your time to utilize in another task.

To ensure a perfect grip and good precision, the precision wire stripper comes with stripping holes that hold the wire firmly and lets you mold and cut wires. The strong gripping serrated nose cuts wires in no time while stripping even the hardest wires isn’t a big deal for Klein 11055 wire stripper.

The compact and lightweight electric wire stripper neatly cut and strips solid and standard electric wires. A coil-spring is present on the wire stripper to provide fast self-opening action while curved handles give you extra control and comfort over the tool. The durability of the professionally-graded tool is unquestionable as it’s made of sturdy and hard material that lasts for years.

Another important feature is added to the tool to deliver precision, easy to read marking which allows you to set the tool at the desired level. Unlike the other wire stripping tools, the price of Klein is affordable and within the budget limit of everyone.

If we check customers’ reviews, then they seem happy with the functionality and performance of the tool. However, a few of them believe that the tool works with a few wire gauges only. There is no complaint reported regarding the construction, damage, and quality of the tool.

 

5. Neiko Automatic Wire Stripper (Model #01924A)

It would be unjust to forget Neiko 01924A when talking about the best automatic wire strippers. The tool is precisely built for electricians and professionals who don’t take the risk of cutting the internal wires accidentally. The ergonomic design of the tool gives you more control and helps you complete tasks faster. All you need to do is to squeeze the wire and pull off the insulation instantly.

The adjustable stopper provides the exactly exposed wire ends which range from ¼-inch to ¾-inch. It means you don’t have to worry about the excess or reduced cutting of the wires while the powerful sharp blades can cleanly cut wires from 10-24 AWG. No need to worry about wasting time in cutting wires as it cuts wires with one click.

The smart automatic wire stripper can also be used as a crimper as it meets crimper standards. You can crimp both insulated and non-insulated wires effortlessly and enjoy its fast operation. To ensure a perfect crimp, a tension knob is present in the tool that quickly adjusts and fine-tunes the tension of the wire.

The spring-loaded handles of the tool give more control and power to the tool to carry and hold it easily to reduce hand fatigue and redness. You never feel tired even if you use the tool for hours. It’s because of the low weight and compact design of the tool.

Rust-resistant material is used in the construction of the wire stripper that also prolongs the life of the tool and proves it one of the best wire strippers you can buy. The reviews of the tools are also very satisfactory and customers love its 3 in 1 functionality.

 

6. Coax Cable Crimper & Cable Stripper (Model #43237-2)

This smart tool can pull, grab, and remove the outer jacket with great ease. The unique design of the cable crimper stands it out among the rest. Luckily, it’s not just the design of the tool that makes it unique but also the outstanding features. The tool comes with fully adjustable and replaceable blades and the rotary cable stripper can work with RG58/ 59/ 62/ 6/ 5c.

All meta construction and rust-free nature of the tool prove it very useful for cutting and stripping hard wires. No matter how hard the insulation wires are, you can crimp and strip them easily. It never hurts your hands and the entire process completes very smoothly. The compact and lightweight wire stripper neatly cut and strips solid and standard wires.

As the tool is made of hard material, it’s durability is undoubtful and it lasts for years. Due to the rust-free nature, you can use it in different environments without fearing corrosion and damage. The wire stripper tool answers all stripping needs and perfect for multiple coax applications such as CCTV, satellite, cabling, billboards, etc.

The handy tool is lightweight and low-cost never affects your budget. You can buy it easily and enjoy its perks with great ease. Other than stripping main wires, you can use it to install CCTV, cable modem, and fix small appliances. One of the downsides of the tool is some minor problems with the connector that can cause problems for you during work while some people also complained about the blades of the wire stripper.

 

7. Klein Tools 11063w Wire Cutter & Stripper (Model #11063W)

Klein is known for its smart tools which are very popular among technicians, electricians, and DIYers. Kelin never disappoints you when you need a wire stripper and it’s the reason that we have included another wire stripper on the list. Its model number is 11063W and can be used as a wire cutter as well as a stripper.

It can cut and strips up to 8-20 AWG solid and 10-22 AWG standard wire. The smart stripper does its job very quickly and smoothly. Other than stripping the wire, you can cut and mold the wires in no time and enjoy the work process. It’s a time-efficient and tool that completes its job faster.

Precision machined stripping holes strips wires smoothly can remove up to 1-inch think wire without cutting or damaging the internal wire. To ensure a perfect grip and good precision, the tool comes with stripping holes that hold the wire firmly and lets you mold and cut wires.

Cast alloy chassis with heavy-duty E Coat finish doesn’t only add power to the tool but also prevents chemical reaction of water. The rust-free nature of the tool is a plus point when you are planning to use it in a moist area. The compact and lightweight wire stripper neatly cut and strips solid and standard wires.

Tension loaded wire grip gently holds the cable and retains the cable geometry. A coil-spring is present on the wire stripper to provide fast self-opening action while curved handles give you extra control and comfort over the tool. No need to worry about damaging the tool as it’s durability never affects no matter how hard the wire you are cutting with it.

 

8. Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper & Cutter

It’s a bit different wire stripper than the rest of the best wire strippers on the list. Knoweasy automatic wire stripper is designed to cut plastic and rubber insulation only. It can’t be used to cut the steel material. However, it’s also a plus point of this tool as it never cuts internal metal wires even by mistake.

It’s a three-in-one stripping tool for all wire stripping needs. The tool can be used for stripping, cutting, and crimp terminals. The impressive stripping range lets you cut and strip wires of the size 7-32 AWG. The powerful wire stripper perfectly meets your daily work needs and equally useful for professionals and DIY lovers.

It’s a powerful and reliable tool made of steel strips and glass fiber nylon. The sturdy nature of the tool makes it useful for cutting copper, aluminum, and plastic easily. You can strip and cut the toughest wires with it and remove plastic casing without applying excessive force.

Self-adjusting jaws are another plus point of the tool that extends the usability of the wire stripper. Moreover, it’s also rust-resistant and weather conditions never affect the performance of the tool.

You can use it for multiple tasks and applications, i.e. use it to cut and crimp round, flat, and standard wires. It comes with a 12-month warranty and you are allowed to claim the full payment if features fail to impress you or you find any major issue in it.

Another feature that makes it one of the best wire strippers is the strong replaceable blades and lightweight. It weighs only 180g and the use of the tool doesn’t require any guidance. Anyone can use it quickly and use it for his projects.

 

9. Capri Tools Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter (Model #CP20011)

Make your work easy and trouble-free with Capri tools 20011 automatic wire stripper that comes with a built-in wire cutter. It’s a 2 in 1 wire stripper that works efficiently and lets you work smoothly. Though you can’t use it for crimping the other two features make it a good option to buy. You can easily strip and cut even the toughest wires with it without worrying about the breakage of the tool.

If the performance of the tool disturbs due to the out circumstances, it loses its value and would be of no use. You don’t face this problem with Capri 20011 wire stripper as the rust-resistant material keeps it safe from weather circumstances so you can use it for decades. The stainless material is powerful and never bends no matter how hard wire you are trying to cut.

It’s an automatic or a self-adjusting tool which means it automatically adjusts around different wire gauges and laminated steel blades. People working on multiple projects have to strip piles of wires. A smart wire stripper can significantly reduce their workload and help them in their job. The self-adjusting feature also reduces the risks of cutting the underneath wire accidentally.

Another distinguishing and useful feature of the tool is the replaceable stripping blades which you can change if they get damaged. It saves your money and efforts as you don’t have to change the entire tool.

If talking about the capacity of the wire stripper, then the standard stripping capacity of the tool is 24-10AWG wires. It neatly strips the wires and keeps your hand safe from any possible cut. It’s lightweight and can be used for longer hours. Your hand never feels tired when holding it for many hours.

 

10. Channellock Wire Stripper and Cutter (Model #958)

This best wire stripper is the blue handler Channellock 958 wire stripper. The tool is precisely built for electricians and professionals who need extreme precision in the work and can’t compromise over minor mistakes.
The perfectly manufactured electrician wire stripping tool can cut copper wire size of AWG 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 very smoothly. Its ergonomic design gives you more control over the tool and lets you accomplish all tasks vividly and accurately. Cut and strip wires by squeezing and pulling off the insulation.

Channellock gives you 100% lifetime guarantees against the breakage and poor performance of the tool. They have made special heat-treated blades to cut wires effectively, but don’t worry about the accidental cut of inner wires as it never damages them.

The smart automatic wire stripper can also be used as a cutter as it meets cutting standards. The best thing about the tool is that you can cut and strip both insulated and non-insulated wires effortlessly and enjoy its fast operation.

Comfortable handles of the tool give sound grip and more control while the lightweight of the wire stripper lets you carry and hold it easily to reduce hand fatigue and redness. It’s made of rust-resistant material and can be used for different projects.

 

11. Greenlee Kwik Wire Stripping Tool (Model #45000)

This is one of the best wire strippers which is the Greenlee 4500 Kwik Wire stripper that is made of lightweight reinforced nylon. The sturdy tool is durable and never damages easily. You can easily strip and cut even the toughest wires with it without worrying about the breakage of the tool.

The rust-resistant material keeps it safe from weather circumstances so you can use it for decades. One of the best features of this tool is the replaceable stripping blades which you can change if they get damaged. No need to change the entire tool.

The front jaw of the wire stripper comes with a strip length guide to help users adjust the wire conveniently. If talking about the capacity of the wire stripper, then you will be surprised to know the wide stripping range it offers. The standard stripping capacity of the tool is 10AWG while 34-10AWG is the overall stripping capacity. For solid, the stripping capacity is 12AWG.

Greenlee 4500 is a self-adjusting tool which means it automatically adjusts around different wire gauges and laminated steel blades. This feature is very helpful when you are working with a pile of wires and have to strip multiple wires at a time. The self-adjusting feature also reduces the risks of cutting the underneath wire accidentally.

It’s lightweight and can be used for longer hours. Your hand never feels tired when holding it for several hours.

 

12. LAOA Automatic Wire Stripper Exchanged Springs (Model #815238)

It’s a three-in-one stripping tool for all wire stripping needs. The tool can be used for stripping, cutting, and crimp terminals. The powerful wire stripper perfectly meets your daily work needs and equally useful for professionals and DIY lovers.

To ensure the sturdiness feature, carbon steel is used in manufacturing that keeps it safe from getting damaged. You can strip and cut the toughest wires with it and remove plastic casing without applying excessive force. Cr-V blades are used in the wire strippers to deliver excellence in the work and make your job a quick task. Stainless steel adds value to the durability of the tool and prolongs its life.

It’s also rust-resistant. Weather circumstances and moisture never affect the durability and working of the wire stripper. It comes with a built-in stripping force knob and a stripping length knob to let you adjust and cut multiple wires quickly.

You can use it for multiple tasks and applications, i.e. use it to cut and crimp round, flat, and standard wires. Adjust the length of the wire as per your need by using the stripping wire length feature and increase or decrease stripping power with the stripping strength adjusting knob.

Another feature that makes it one of the best wire strippers is the strong replaceable spring that increases the life of the stripping pliers. 13.7 ounces low weight makes it an easy to carry and easy to store tool and let you work with it for hours.

 

Final Words

I hope the list and details of the best wire strippers will be helpful for you. Currently, these are the best wire stripping tools available in the market. To choose the best one, you can compare their features and check which one suits the best for your needs. Reliability and precision should be your top priorities. For instance, you buy an inexpensive multipurpose tool that gets damaged easily.

Obviously, it will be of no use. A tool should be reliable and long-lasting. Stainless steel is the best option that never damages easily and lasts for years. It’s a one-time investment so you shouldn’t be hesitant if you need to spend some extra bucks. Do you know any other wire stripper that works perfectly? Let’s share your experience with us!