8 Wire Stripper Features Everyone Should Know

Brendan Lamothe

Key Takeaways

  • Wire strippers have multiple features beyond just stripping wires.
  • Correct gauge selection is critical for efficient work with wire strippers.
  • Mastering wire stripper functions enhances electrical task efficiency.

Understanding Wire Strippers

Solid vs Stranded Wire Stripping Technique

Wire strippers are essential for working with both solid and stranded wires, and understanding the differences in stripping techniques is crucial. On a wire stripper, you'll notice two sets of numbers; one side is labeled "AWG" for solid core wires, and the other "STR" for stranded. This distinction is because solid and stranded wires need different handling to avoid damage.

When stripping solid wires, like 12-gauge Romex which consists of a single solid copper strand, align the wire in the appropriate gauge hole, press down, and pull away smoothly. Sometimes, a slight twist can help, but generally, there's no need for excessive movement. This results in a clean strip without damaging the wire.

Stranded wire, made up of multiple smaller strands, requires a different approach. Using the wrong gauge, as shown with a 12-gauge setting meant for a solid wire, can cut the strands, leaving a smaller, damaged wire. Instead, use the stranded side of the stripper to grip firmly and strip without cutting individual strands. This ensures the integrity of the wire while removing the insulation efficiently.

Correct technique is essential in maintaining the quality and functionality of your wiring, making the choice between solid and stranded settings crucial for a successful and safe electrical project.

Wire Stripper Features

Needle Nose Pliers Function

Needle nose pliers are incorporated at the top of the wire stripper, featuring small teeth designed to grip and manipulate various materials. They're perfect for tasks like removing the tabs, often referred to as mouse ears, from outlets or light switches. By gripping and twisting at the score line, you can quickly snap these tabs off even with a tool that requires significant torque.

Wire Grabber Utility

Directly below the needle nose pliers lies a teardrop-shaped opening, referred to as the wire grabber. It's particularly useful for tasks that require gentle handling. For instance, if you're dealing with tough wire insulation and need to avoid damaging the wire, this soft opening allows you to grab and remove bits of insulation without using the pliers' teeth.

Gauge Measurement Holes

Navigating different wire gauges is made more accessible through the gauge measurement holes on your wire stripper. These holes are ideal when you're uncertain about a wire's size, offering a quick way to verify. Simply place the wire in progressively larger holes until you find a snug fit, confirming its gauge.

Hook Making Holes

The wire stripper includes two identical holes for crafting hooks in your wires, necessary for attaching them to terminal screws. To form a hook, insert the wire so that it slightly protrudes, bend it around the hole, and you’ll have a well-shaped hook. Make sure enough insulation is stripped away to create a proper connection.

Proper Stripping Technique

Solid Wire Stripping Example

When working with solid core wires, like a 12-gauge Romex wire, it's crucial to match the wire gauge with the correct slot on the wire stripper. Begin by aligning the wire with the appropriate gauge hole marked for solid wires. Firmly press down and, if necessary, twist slightly to ensure a clean cut. Pull away smoothly to remove the insulation, resulting in a neat strip without damaging the wire core.

Stranded Wire Stripping Example

Stripping stranded wires requires attention to the gauge's specific marking on the stripper. The 12-gauge marking for stranded wires is distinct from that of solid wires. When you position a stranded wire, make sure to use the correct slot to avoid cutting into the individual strands. Firmly crimp the tool around the wire, give a slight twist, and pull to remove the insulation. This process ensures all strands remain intact, providing a clean strip and maintaining wire integrity.

Advanced Wire Stripper Uses

Using Needle Nose Pliers for Tabs

Needle nose pliers on a wire stripper are excellent for various tasks. They can efficiently remove tabs from outlets or light switches. These tabs, often referred to as "mouse ears," can be twisted and snapped off at their scored breakpoints using the pliers' teeth. Their capability to handle high torque makes these pliers reliable for gripping wire ends and pulling wires.

Leveraging the Wire Grabber

Located below the needle nose teeth, the wire grabber is a useful feature. Its teardrop-shaped opening is perfect for gripping and pulling small wire sections without damaging them. For instance, if you're having trouble removing a piece of 12-gauge solid wire insulation, the grabber provides a soft yet firm grip to assist in cleanly stripping the wire.

Tool Recommendations and Trustworthy Sources

When working with wire strippers, it is essential to understand their full range of functions beyond just stripping wires. A typical pair of wire strippers often includes two sets of numbers, indicating the American Wire Gauge (AWG) for solid core wires and STR for stranded wires. Understanding and using these correctly ensures a clean cut without damaging the wire, as using the wrong gauge can lead to excessive stripping or damaged threads in stranded wires.

Features to Consider:

  • Needle Nose Pliers: The top part of the strippers often has needle nose pliers, marked by their little teeth. These are effective for tasks such as removing mouse ear tabs from outlets or switches.

  • Wire Grabber: Below the needle nose teeth, you will find a teardrop-shaped hole useful for gently pulling stripped wire sections without marring them.

  • Wire Gauge Identifier: If you're uncertain about your wire's gauge, use the tool's handle holes to determine the correct fit. Insert the wire until you find the right tightness, revealing its exact gauge.

  • Hook Maker for Terminal Screws: The identical holes near the bottom help create hooks in wires for easy attachment to terminal screws.

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Determining Wire Gauge

When working with wire strippers, identifying the correct wire gauge is essential for a clean cut and proper setup. Wire strippers typically feature two sets of numbers that aid in this classification. The AWG or American Wire Gauge numbers indicate sizes for solid core wires, while STR refers to stranded wires, which require different handling due to their construction of multiple threads.

For example, if you're dealing with 12-gauge solid core wire like Romex, ensure it aligns correctly with the AWG side to achieve a clean strip. Simply place the wire in the correct slot, apply pressure, and pull away for an ideal result. If you attempt to use solid gauge settings on a stranded wire, you may inadvertently cut the strands, compromising the wire's integrity.

When determining the wire gauge, if you're uncertain of the size, use the holes on the wire stripper. Insert a part of the wire, such as the ground wire, into the holes, and find the tightest fit. This method helps in confirming the exact gauge, such as 12-gauge, if it fits snugly in the respective hole. This technique is particularly useful when dealing with hot, neutral, and ground wires, providing a simple and effective way to verify wire size.

Creating Wire Hooks

To craft wire hooks, first ensure that you have removed sufficient insulation or sheathing from the wire. Position your wire so that it just barely protrudes from the tool's hook-making holes. Insert the stripped wire into one of the identical holes located near the center of the wire stripper.

Gently bend the wire around the hole using the tool to guide the shape. This process forms a tidy hook, ideal for connecting the wire to terminal screws. Double-check that enough insulation is removed to provide a smooth bend and secure connection. Keep in mind that proper preparation and technique are key to forming effective and reliable wire hooks.