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10 Best Wire Strippers [Buying Guide]

Make Sure You Have The Best Wire Strippers in Your Automotive Tool Kit

Best Overall Choice

Klein Tools Wire Stripper And Cutter

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Best Budget Choice

WGGE Multi-Tool Wire Stripper And Cutter

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Best Premium Choice

Klein Tools Katapult Heavy-Duty Wire Stripper And Cutter

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best wire strippers

Everyone should have a set of wire strippers in their mechanic’s tool set. A wire stripper can help you repair lots of things in your car and around the house. Though often confused with a wire cutter, it’s actually a different tool with a different use. With that said, some tools are multi-functional, working as both wire strippers and wire cutters. After you read our buying guide, you’ll know everything there is to know about the best wire strippers. So, stop using the makeshift wire stripper you created out of pliers, and head down the path of safety, precision, and easy use!

Features to Look For in a Wire Stripping Tool

When it comes to finding the best wire strippers, you want an easy-to-use, functional, and reliable tool. There are a handful of features you should consider when shopping for the best wire stripper to fit your needs.

Grip

After you get the hang of it and, of course, read the directions, a wire stripper can be a pretty easy tool to use. With that, finding a wire stripper with a good grip is a must. As you strip a wire, you want to have a high-quality handle that lets you strip the wire’s insulation without any damage. Look for wire strippers with rubber grips, as they typically provide the best grip.

Ease of Use

Wire strippers exist to make stripping wires, well, easier! Instead of trying to create a makeshift wire stripper using a knife or another tool, wire strippers exist to make the process hassle-free. You can choose between either automatic and manual wire strippers. Automatic wire strippers are the easiest to use, while manual ones will require more effort. Some people will opt for manual wire strippers is that sometimes provide more precision for smaller wires.

Safety

With any electrical work, safety is an absolute must. Using high-quality wire strippers will keep you safe. Look for wire strippers that have positive reviews and provide plenty of stability and control while in use. When it comes to safety with wire strippers, the main thing is that you need to feel confident in the task. Make sure you thoroughly read the directions before getting started and create a safe working environment.

Precision

Across the board, high-quality wire strippers allow for the best precision when it comes to stripping wires. You want to be certain that the cutting edge on your wire stripper works well before use.

Multi-Functionality

Oftentimes, a wire stripping tool also doubles as a wire cutting tool. If you frequently need to cut wires as well, getting a multi-functional tool is a great idea.

Type of Wire Strippers

There are numerous different types of wire strippers. We have included a range of options on our buying guide below!

  • Gauged strippers
  • Wire stripper and cutter
  • Gauged automatic strippers
  • Multi-functional tool
  • Self-adjusting strippers

The 10 Best Wire Strippers On The Market

With a quality pair of wire strippers, tricky electrical jobs will be much easier. Below, we’ve outlined the 10 best wire strippers out there. Ranging from a premium choice of a wire stripping machine to a multi-functional hand tool that doubles as a wire stripper and a wire cutter, we’ve got you covered. Continue reading to learn all about the 10 best wire strippers!

Best Overall Choice

1. Klein Tools Wire Stripper And Cutter

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Coming in at the top of our list, we’ve got the Klein Tools Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter. Depending on your project, you can choose from four different sizes. This multi-functional tool is both a wire cutter and a wire stripper. Also, you have the option to purchase additional tools alongside the stripper if you’re looking for a combination toolset.

This stripper has precision-grounded stripping holes that make it easy to strip wires. Along with that, the serrated nose makes it easy for you to bend and shape wires as needed. This tool is very easy to use.

This wire stripping tool is capable of stripping both solid and stranded copper wire.  The handles have a comfortable, curved grip, and the different stripping holes have easy-to-read markings.

Best Budget Choice

2. WGGE Multi-Tool Wire Stripper And Cutter

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First and foremost, this budget-friendly option strips wires easily, effectively, and safely. Along with that, the WGGE Multi-tool cuts, loops, and crimps 10-22 AWG solid copper wires or aluminum cables. The ergonomically curved handle makes this wire stripper comfortable to hold and easy to use.

Made of carbon alloy steel, WGGE promises accuracy and quality with every use. The serrated nose has a strong grip that makes it easy to bend, shape, and pull wires. It is also able to crimp insulated and non-insulated terminals. Every purchase comes with an 18-month warranty. This is definitely an ideal tool to add to your automotive kit!

Best Premium Choice

3. Klein Tools Katapult Heavy-Duty Wire Stripper And Cutter

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Coming from Klein Tools, this tool is both a wire stripper and a wire cutter. It is able to easily cut and strip 8-20 AWG solid and 10-22 SWG stranded wire. The tension-loaded wire-grip firmly holds the cables while maintaining precision for accurate wire stripping.

In terms of removing insulation, this heavy-duty wire stripper can remove up to 1 inch of insulation in a single step. The precise stripping holes make it a seamless process for wires of varying sizes. The tool is made of cast alloy with a durable finish for corrosion resistance and optimal durability.

4. Capri Tools Precision Wire Stripper

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Made by Capri Tools, this wire stripper can easily strip wires from 22-8 AWG. It is made of cast alloy and has an ergonomic rubber grip. The recoiling spring design makes the process of stripping a wire seamless and simple.

Each stripping hole is extremely precise. You can be certain it will remove insulation without damaging the wire. With the compound wire stripping action, you get more leverage when you use this wire stripping tool, enabling you to work more efficiently.

Overall, this wire stripper is solid and built to last. Every purchase comes with a 10-year warranty.

5. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

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With this excellent tool, you can safely work with multiple wire sizes at a time due to the wire stripper’s self-adjusting feature. It can strip wires ranging from 10 to 24 AWG, and it’s easy to adjust the size as needed. The jaw width is 2-inches. Along with stripping capabilities, this tool also has a built-in crimper.

The built-in adjustable stopper also lets you control the length of the core strip, which is helpful if you need to strip multiple wires to the same length. And the swivel knob makes micro-adjustments between wires easy and precise.

Every purchase is backed by a lifetime guarantee. If that’s not enough for you to be assured of the quality, I don’t know what is!

6. Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper

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This automatic wire stripper and cutter is ideal for automotive electrical work. The mouth is capable of stripping wire from 14 to 24 AWG. The pressure adjustment knob is ideal for stripping wire of various thicknesses. Turn it counter-clockwise, and you’ve got yourself an optimal way to strip thicker wire.

The unique design of this particular stripper includes a non-slip, ergonomic handle. And the built-in wire cutter can cut wires up to 12 AWG. This device is made of glass fiber nylon. It’s compact, lightweight, and durable. After your purchase, Knoweasy backs each wire stripper with a 12-month warranty.

7. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper

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This wire stripping tool also doubles as a wire cutting tool! The plier-style allows you to easily pull and loop wire. In addition, the cutter cuts the wire to the precise length needed and leaves behind no damage. This IRWIN tool can strip and cut 10-22 AWG.

In terms of safety, it meets or exceeds all ANSI standards. The textured handles are comfortable in your palm which reduces hand fatigue when performing precise tasks. And the induction-hardened cutting edges make for extreme precision and ease of use.  Along with that, it has a spring-assisted jaw and quick-release lock.

8. DOWELL Wire Stripper And Multitool

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DOWELL prides themselves on refined craftsmanship when it comes to their tools. This wire stripper and wire cutter is also a fantastic multi-function hand tool. It can strip copper and aluminum cables from 10-22 AWG.

The ergonomic “DOWELL handle” is made of material that provides ergonomic comfort and optimal force-transmission. DOWELL claims that this proprietary handle is the best for working with wet and oily hands. And if you’re doing lots of projects in the garage, that is likely!

To use the wire stripper, you can use a one-handed motion that will grab, hold, pull, and remove the wire insulation. This device is ideal for smaller gauge wires.

9. Capri Tools Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter

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This uniquely designed wire stripper is designed with a specific purpose! The tool’s narrow profile helps you access tight areas where other wire strippers might not reach. And the stripping blades automatically self-adjust per your needs. You can grip and strip with a single squeezing motion.

Able to strip wires 24-10 AWG, this tool also doubles as a wire cutter and can cut wires up to 12 AWG. Overall, the tool does a great job of adjusting wire size even in the tightest spaces. Capri Tools offers a warranty on all products. Just make sure you keep your original proof of purchase, and they will send you a replacement if it ever breaks.

10. KOTTO Electrical Wire Stripper Set

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If you plan on doing a big electrical project and want a versatile set of electrical tools that can hold up to the job, this set from Kotto is a good option. The set includes a wire stripper, a cutter, and a crimper. The wire stripper has self-adjusting jaws making it easy to remove insulation with precision.

In addition to the stripper, you also get a wire cutter and crimper that can crimp insulated and non-insulated automotive ignition terminals and other wires. Great for use on copper or aluminum cables, the tool works on wires up to 24 AWG.

The set comes with a compact carrying case for easy storage, and a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.





Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to strip wire quickly?

There are many methods out there to stripping wire. But, what is the easiest way to strip wire quickly? Well, we truly think the easiest, fastest way is by using the wire strippers on our list! Wire strippers don’t require electricity and are generally very easy to use. Most wire strippers require a single-hand motion.

It may seem faster to use scissors or pliers, but let us caution you, do not use a makeshift wire stripper! It can be unsafe and often ends up damaging the wire. Order a wire stripper today and make sure it is always in your automotive tool kit when you need it.

How do you strip little wires?

To strip little wires, we recommend using a manual wire stripper. In addition, there are also wire strippers that have different size notches, that will allow you to adjust to smaller gauge wires. With this, insert the wire into the smallest measurement to strip little wires. Along with that, always read the description of the wire cutter before purchasing to ensure it can strip the size wires that you need to be stripped.

How does a wire stripper machine work?

Upon inserting the wire into the wire stripping machine, a blade strips the insulation while the machine pulls the entire wire through the machine. After that process is complete, the insulation typically is removed by the machine. If it is not, the insulation is easily peeled by hand.

How do you use automotive wire strippers?

To strip wires using a wire stripping tool, follow the below steps. As always, read the directions specific to your wire stripping tool upon purchasing. And make certain that you purchase a wire stripper that has the correct sized notches for your specific wires!

  1. Locate the notch on the wire stripper that matches your wire’s gauge. To ensure it is in the correct notch, check to see if it fits tightly in the corresponding notch.
  2. Once the notch is located, put the tip of the wire in the correct notch and close the tool. The wire stripping tool’s jaws will be roughly an inch from the end of the wire.
  3. Now, gently squeeze the handles and slowly rotate the tool around the wire.
  4. Once you’ve rotated the tool around the wire, cutting the entirety of the wire’s insulation, slide the stripper off the wire. This will pull off the insulation.

How does a wire cutter work?

When cutting wires, be sure to wear safety equipment, including gloves and goggles. And always shut down your power source before cutting wires.

To cut a wire, you can use a wire cutter tool. Place the wire on a flat surface, like a table, grip the handle, and cut the wire at a right angle while slowly making the cut.

What does "AWG" stand for?

AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. It is the US-standard measurement for the diameter of electrical conductors.





About Joybeth Sullivan

Joybeth Sullivan is an accomplished content creator. She does it all as a writer, photographer, and videographer. Her work has been published in local and international outlets. She graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 2020 with a dual-degree in English & Film. Today, she is based out of Denver, CO. When she isn't writing, you can find her on long drives in the mountains with her husky, Newman, riding shotgun.

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