Different Wire Types
Before using a wire stripper, it’s helpful to understand the types of wiring you might encounter in your home. Different wires may require different stripping tools or techniques.
1. THHN/TFFN (Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated)
General-purpose building wire used in residential and commercial settings, often run through conduit. It’s heat and moisture-resistant.
2. NM-B (Non-Metallic Sheathed Cable, aka Romex)
Common for interior residential wiring in walls, ceilings, and floors. It contains multiple conductors (hot, neutral, and ground) inside a plastic sheath.
3. Low-Voltage Wire
Typically rated under 50 volts, this wire is used for doorbells, thermostats, and landscape lighting. It’s often labeled by gauge and conductor count (e.g., 18/2, 16/2).
4. Coaxial Cable
Used for cable TV, internet, and video signals. It features a central conductor, insulating layer, metallic shield, and outer jacket.
5. Data Cable (Cat5e, Cat6, etc.)
Designed for networking and communications. These cables contain twisted pairs of wires to reduce signal interference.
You’ll also encounter two main wire types when stripping insulation:
A single, solid core of metal (usually copper or aluminum). It offers better conductivity and is ideal for fixed installations like walls and panels.
Made of multiple thin strands twisted together. It’s more flexible and suited for applications involving movement, such as portable devices, robotics, or automotive wiring.
How Do Wire Strippers Work?
A wire stripper is an essential tool for electrical work, designed to remove the plastic insulation from wires without damaging the metal core inside. By exposing the conductor cleanly, wire strippers help ensure safe, efficient connections for tasks like wiring outlets, installing lights, or other electrical projects. Most wire strippers feature multiple notches sized for different wire gauges, allowing for precise stripping across a range of cable types.
Wire strippers are made from a variety of materials, each offering different benefits depending on the task. Steel wire strippers are exceptionally durable and resistant to wear, making them ideal for heavy-duty use and long-term reliability. Strippers made from metal with plastic grips strike a balance between strength and comfort. The metal provides durability, while the plastic handles offer insulation and a secure grip for safer handling. Forged steel wire strippers are crafted through a process that enhances strength and precision, making them a top choice for professional-grade performance under demanding conditions.
Types of Wire Strippers
As mentioned earlier, you may encounter various types of wires during home repairs or installations. To work with them effectively, it’s important to understand the different types of wire strippers available so you can choose the right tool for your specific project.
Manual Wire Strippers
Manual wire strippers are the simplest and most traditional type. They feature a series of notches labeled for different wire gauges, allowing you to match the tool to the wire size. To use one, you clamp it around the wire, cut into the insulation, and pull it off manually. While reliable and effective for small projects, manual strippers require more effort and precision compared to other types.
Automatic Wire Strippers
Automatic wire strippers remove insulation in a single, fluid motion by gripping and stripping the wire simultaneously. They’re faster and more efficient than manual strippers, making them ideal for larger or repetitive projects. Designed to accommodate multiple wire sizes, these tools require minimal effort and deliver consistent results.
Adjustable Wire Strippers
Adjustable wire strippers offer greater control and flexibility when working with a variety of wire types. These tools allow you to set the depth of the cut, which helps prevent damage to the wire’s metal core, which is especially useful for wires with delicate or non-standard insulation. Adjustable strippers are ideal for precision work, such as electronics or specialty wiring, and can accommodate a wide range of wire gauges, making them a versatile choice for more advanced electrical tasks.
Self-adjusting Wire Strippers
Self-adjusting wire strippers are designed for convenience and speed. They automatically adapt to the wire’s gauge, gripping and stripping the insulation without the need for manual adjustments. This makes them ideal for users who work with a variety of wire sizes, as the tool eliminates guesswork and reduces the chance of damaging the wire. Self-adjusting strippers are especially useful for high-volume or repetitive tasks, offering consistent results with minimal effort.
Coax Wire Strippers
Coax wire strippers are specialized tools designed for stripping coaxial cables, which are commonly used for TV, internet and video signals. These cables have a layered structure, including a central conductor, insulating layer, a metallic shield and outer jacket. Coax strippers are built to remove each layer cleanly without damaging the core. Most models feature multi-stage cutting blades and adjustable depth settings to accommodate different cable types. By providing precise and consistent stripping, coax wire strippers help ensure proper signal transmission and make cable installation or repair more efficient. Some strippers also have a crimper for attaching terminals after stripping.
Data and Cable Wire Strippers
Ethernet cable strippers are used to remove the outer jacket from Ethernet cables, such as Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat7, without damaging the internal twisted pairs. These cables are commonly used for networking and internet connections and their internal wires are delicate and tightly arranged. Ethernet strippers are designed to make clean, precise cuts around the cable’s outer sheath, allowing easy access to the conductors for crimping or termination. Many models also include built-in tools for cutting and crimping, making them ideal for assembling custom-length Ethernet cables.
How to Use a Wire Stripper
Before you begin stripping the wire, ensure there is no electricity flowing through the wire you are working on. Locate and switch off the circuit breaker supplying power to the wire.
Use a voltage tester to test the wire and confirm it is not live. To check a live wire with a voltage tester, just touch the tester's tip to the suspected live wire. If the tester lights up, beeps or shows a voltage reading, the wire is live.
Using a wire stripper is a simple but crucial step in electrical and cable work. Start by selecting the correct notch on the tool that matches your wire’s gauge. This ensures you don’t damage the metal core. Insert the wire into the notch so the section you want to strip is centered in the jaws, then squeeze the handles to cut into the insulation. With a gentle pull, slide the insulation off to expose the bare conductor. Always inspect the wire afterward to make sure the core is intact, as a clean strip is essential for safe and reliable electrical connections.
Tips for Wire Stripper Use
Here are some tips to help you be safe when using a wire stripper for your next project:
- Always prioritize safety! Before working on any wire, double-check that it’s not live. Use insulated tools and gloves to reduce the risk of electrical shock.
- Select the right wire stripper for your project by matching it to the wire’s gauge and type. This helps prevent damage and ensures clean results.
- Practice on scrap pieces of wire first. This allows you to get comfortable with the tool, learn how much pressure to apply, and ensure you're stripping the insulation cleanly without damaging the wire underneath.
- Keep your wire stripper clean and free of debris and regularly inspect the blades for wear or damage. Replace them if needed to maintain precision and efficiency.