Wire strippers are an essential tool for every electrician. Its operation is similar to that of a pliers, but the Stripping pliers or stripper pliers They contain pliers that offer greater precision to strip electrical wiring without damaging the internal fiber during incision.
The importance and functionality of wire strippers is based on the fact that they are an intermediary tool between the user and the electric current, managing to protect whoever is using the instrument from an electric shock.
Highlighting the safety of the user as the main importance when choosing a wire stripper, we must know the uses and types according to the task that we are going to perform, and thus ensure that we have the correct tools before starting any work.
What are the uses of wire strippers?
Wire strippers are used to remove the outer covering or insulation that includes the shielded cables.
This useful instrument has become a frequently used item among electricians, as it offers better performance when stripping and cutting wiring, and its ergonomic design is easy to grip; which further improves precision and speed in each cut.
Some wire strippers are designed for handling in places that are very difficult to access with other tools. They can also be very useful for accurately stripping a wire with only a small flaw.
One of the main advantages of using this tool is that some models incorporate a series of notches of different gauges that serve to more easily hold the outer covering of a cable, and thus later make a small cut.
Types of wire strippers according to the tasks to be carried out
The wire strippers work based on notches that have metal in their part to more easily hold the insulation of the cables, and make a complete or partial cut without affecting the filaments.
However, the utility varies depending on the type of wire stripper we purchase. Some can become extremely basic, limiting themselves to their main function, while others include more sophisticated design and functions.
Universal wire strippers
This is one of the most common tools, as it is made up of notches with various diameters. When introducing the cable, the plates will close in the form of a guillotine, cutting the sheathing without severing the conductor.
This type of wire strippers are not recommended for coaxial cables due to the type of conductor.
The tool offers precise stripping of cables with diameters from 4 to 50 mm. Including a knob or wheel that adjusts the inner blade to the depth of the cut you want to make.
Stripping pliers
Wire stripping pliers or pliers were designed to handle electrical cables and can cut, strip, or bend them.
The legs are made with an insulating material that provides maximum safety and confidence when working with cables that have active electrical current. They are ideal for stripping conductive wires and PVC insulated cables.
Automatic wire strippers
It is used for single-wire, multi-wire, or fine wire with PVC insulation and flat cables.
They help to eliminate annoying adjustments and adaptations for each cable, regulating the tool and then activating the trigger that will automatically cut the cable without affecting the conductor.
Sintenax wire stripper
It is a tool that manages to strip low tension sintenax cables, since it integrates a hook-shaped cutting blade.
One of the advantages is that the blade can be adjusted in various positions and its design is ergonomic and compact. In addition, the blade retracts into the casing providing greater safety and accuracy in the cut.
UTP wire strippers
Ideal for stripping UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables, which are not shielded and are often used by telecommunications services.
Also useful for stripping data cables and telephone lines. By simply twisting it around the cable, the UTP cable housing can be easily removed
Coaxial Wire Stripper
The coaxial stripper is the perfect instrument for fast cutting of coaxial cables, used to transmit high frequency electrical signals.
The peeling is carried out very easily since it has cutting blades at both ends of the tool and it is not necessary to adjust the depth of the groove.
Security Recommendations
Some wire strippers do not contain the hidden cutting area, which causes accidents on contact with human skin. It is advisable to purchase a tool that includes a safety system that can prevent a finger from having contact with the cutting edge.
The stripping pliers can also cause accidents by generating a greater pressure with their pliers on human skin, or an electrical accident caused by the tool not being perfectly insulated.
Tool insulation tends to wear out over time as with all machining processes.
Wire strippers offer protection against accidents such as cuts, pressure wounds or electrocutions. For this reason, a good wire stripper must offer adequate insulation, an excellent grip to prevent it from slipping from the hands, and a practical and efficient functionality for whatever work we are doing.
Choosing the right cutting tool for each task will allow us to carry out a simpler, safer and more efficient job.
