Wire stripper: which one is better to use

Types of insulation strippers

Insulation stripping pliers differ both in principle of operation and structurally. There are manual, semi-automatic, automatic strippers. All of them are united by the principle of operation, the incision of the insulation and its removal from the conductor to a certain length.

Manual pullers have the simplest mechanism of operation. In appearance, a mechanical stripper looks like a pair of pliers, only on the jaws there are additionally nests with blades for different sections of current-carrying conductors. This type of tool is suitable for stripping insulation from a wire with a cross section of no more than 6 mm2, as well as for crimping terminals (some models allow). It is not difficult to work with a manual stripper - you just need to install the core in the socket, press the handles (grip will occur) and make a circular motion, as a result of which the removal of the insulating shell.

Semi-automatic pullers are even easier to use. The mechanism is more improved, so that there is no need to spin the stripper around the wire yourself. It is enough to simply fix the core in a suitable socket and press the handle. Also, many models of semi-automatic strippers allow you to cut wires and crimp ferrules.

The automatic stripper is already a professional tool for stripping wire insulation. Its difference from a semiautomatic device is an independent determination of the wire cross-section, due to which the stripping process is reduced to the fact that you just need to install the core in the socket and press the handle. Automatic strippers are the most expensive but are also capable of stripping the protective sheath at the same time. several wires, strip the insulation from the middle of the wire, peel off the sheath from flat conductors and much other.

Which stripper is better to choose

If we talk about small electrical work around the house, it is better to choose a manual stripper for cutting a cable, which will allow you to peel off the sheath from cores with a cross section of up to 6 mm sq. Mechanical models are inexpensive, about 400 rubles, moreover, for home electricians, they will be quite suitable in terms of functionality.

Electricians, whose life is directly related to the laying of electrical wiring, it is better to choose a semi-automatic or automatic stripper. The price of the tool starts at 1000 rubles, for a high-quality puller you will have to pay even more. But if you consider how much to simplify and, most importantly, speed up the electrical installation, you can without hesitation give preference to the improved mechanism.

Instrument usage rules

Stripping veins

Consider the instruction manual using the example of a Chinese semi-automatic stripper, which has served faithfully for more than one year. This model is absolutely not whimsical and easy to maintain.

The cutting element is a pair of plates with a dimensional cut for different core diameters, as shown in the photo:

Placing the wire in the grip of the pliers, we leave the wire with a length for stripping the insulation, behind the knives, as shown in the photo below:

Holding the wire, we bring the pliers together, squeezing the handles. The knives converge to cut through the insulation, and the stubborn jaws squeeze and pull the wire back. As a result, the insulation is removed from the wire.

The instruction manual for the hand stripper is provided in the video:

An important point when using a stripper is to correctly select the size of the cut in the knives, if you make a mistake with the diameter, the soft conductor will be damaged and may even break off at the stripping site. Also, do not grab a large length of conductor insulation, it is better to divide it into several operations for less. With enough skill, stripping the insulation with a stripper takes less than a second, and the work itself ceases to be boring and routine. Therefore, the purchase of this device saves time and money, as well as the strength of the electrician. In addition, the tool pays off with interest.

Ferrule crimping

If you do not have a crimper on hand, which is used for crimping of wires with sleeves, can be crimped with a stripper. In this case, it is quite simple to work with the tool. First, remove the insulation to the required length, then install the ferrule on the core and thread it into a suitable socket on the handle. Squeeze the handles and you should end up with a crimped tip. The last step is to cut off the excess part of the core at the end, if necessary.

The video below clearly shows how to use an automatic stripper for cable stripping and crimping terminals:

So we examined what a stripper for stripping wires is. Now you know which version is better to use for household needs and work, as well as how to use a cable stripper and crimp terminals.

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