Just got a Harbor Freight automatic wire stripper

cdwillis

cdwillis

Well-known member
Why didn't I do this sooner?? I haven't tested it with very thin wire, but with the thicker insulation 22awg wire I've been using, this thing rocks! Stripping wire gets a little tedious plus I have some issues with my hands when it comes to repetitive motion so pinching the strippers and yanking wire off can cause some discomfort. This just makes my work flow so much quicker and easier.

Usually I'll cut my wire down then strip both ends, but sometimes it's easier to attach one end then trim the other end accordingly. With this tool it's really just pulling on the end that is scored so I'm less apprehesive about the wire getting yanked and damaging the solder pad/joint on the other end.

If you don't have one of these I definitely recommend it.
 
I've got a vintage Speedex stripper like the one in the attached pic(not mine) that was my Grandfathers. It works great, but I find they aren't very convenient when having to do short pieces that might already be soldered at one end.
 

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I love tools. I have both of those automatic types, and before I started building pedals, those were definitely my go-to. They're really satisfying to use.

I’d also had these forever, and never even bothered to try them until I watched a video of Jason from Fuzzlord effects using them. Turns out they have some advantages. They fit in tight spaces and strip short lengths really well. I still like the auto ones for other wiring tasks though.

632F4E63-F4E0-4166-90FD-B83C709DC564.jpeg
 
Erik S said:
I love tools. I have both of those automatic types, and before I started building pedals, those were definitely my go-to. They're really satisfying to use.

I’d also had these forever, and never even bothered to try them until I watched a video of Jason from Fuzzlord effects using them. Turns out they have some advantages. They fit in tight spaces and strip short lengths really well. I still like the auto ones for other wiring tasks though.
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I have a set of old Craftsman's like that. They are pretty much my go-to for everything.
 
I had a cheap one of these from Amazon a while back and it was garbage. This one looks to work a lot better.

I still like my Kleins, though!
 
I would love one that can strip exactly 1/8-1/4” off evenly. I use this guy which is great, but I’d love to have a quick “schloop” and all the ends are exactly the same.

www.kleintools.com

Wire Stripper/Cutter 16-26 AWG Stranded - 11046 | Klein Tools

This Klein Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter cuts, strips, loops and gauges 16-26 AWG stranded wire. The precision-ground stripping holes cleanly cut wire and aid in easy removal of insulation. A narrow nose helps this tool fit easily into tight places.
www.kleintools.com www.kleintools.com
 
Robert said:
I also had a cheap one and it did not work worth a damn.

I'm going to have to grab one of these next time I'm at Harbor Freight.
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Same. The one I have either doesn’t cut through the insulation, or chomps straight through the whole thing…

I use the cheap little plastic one that came with my box of wire I bought years ago most of the time…
 
KR Sound said:
I would love one that can strip exactly 1/8-1/4” off evenly. I use this guy which is great, but I’d love to have a quick “schloop” and all the ends are exactly the same.

www.kleintools.com

Wire Stripper/Cutter 16-26 AWG Stranded - 11046 | Klein Tools

This Klein Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter cuts, strips, loops and gauges 16-26 AWG stranded wire. The precision-ground stripping holes cleanly cut wire and aid in easy removal of insulation. A narrow nose helps this tool fit easily into tight places.
www.kleintools.com www.kleintools.com
Click to expand...


I have this one too, works fine for single wires. I use on of these for ribbon cable and it’s great once you get it dialed in. I just bought a second one today because they’re 10 bucks and couldn’t find my other pair 😂

IMG_6010.jpeg
 
KR Sound said:
I would love one that can strip exactly 1/8-1/4” off evenly. I use this guy which is great, but I’d love to have a quick “schloop” and all the ends are exactly the same.

www.kleintools.com

Wire Stripper/Cutter 16-26 AWG Stranded - 11046 | Klein Tools

This Klein Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter cuts, strips, loops and gauges 16-26 AWG stranded wire. The precision-ground stripping holes cleanly cut wire and aid in easy removal of insulation. A narrow nose helps this tool fit easily into tight places.
www.kleintools.com www.kleintools.com
Click to expand...
A Paladin Stripax can be set up for a highly repeatable strip length of your choice, FWIW.
 
KR Sound said:
I would love one that can strip exactly 1/8-1/4” off evenly. I use this guy which is great, but I’d love to have a quick “schloop” and all the ends are exactly the same.

www.kleintools.com

Wire Stripper/Cutter 16-26 AWG Stranded - 11046 | Klein Tools

This Klein Tools Wire Stripper/Cutter cuts, strips, loops and gauges 16-26 AWG stranded wire. The precision-ground stripping holes cleanly cut wire and aid in easy removal of insulation. A narrow nose helps this tool fit easily into tight places.
www.kleintools.com www.kleintools.com
Click to expand...
I have a Stanley and a Harbor Freight Pittsburgh stripper just like that one that I've been using for a long time.
 
I have something similar to the OP's which I used when rewiring a motorbike and it was great. But it's a bit clunky to use for pedals or amps, so I use the regular strippers for those. It's kinda like trying to use a rattle gun to undo a hammond enclosure.
 
I use stripmaster, I have one for larger wire like house outlets and one for the smaller stuff. The cutting die has multiple sizes, so you just put the wire in the appropriate spot, and squeeze.... One side clamps down on the wire, while the other side strips! Truly effortless and perfect each time. Been using it for close to 20 years.

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