Stripper: professional advice on how to choose the best tool (95 photos). Features of the structure of electrical wires

The protective layer is available on all wires and cables. Called insulation, it separates the conductors from the surfaces they come into contact with, as well as from each other.

If you need to connect or install equipment, you need to strip the wires from insulation in separate sections so that contact groups ensure good contact.

How to perform stripping so as not to damage the current-carrying cores, we will consider in this article.

When choosing a method for removing an insulating coating, it is necessary to take into account its features. Insulation can be single plastic and multilayer. As the latter, resins, fabrics, non-combustible dielectrics are used.

The procedure involves the use of sharp instruments. They can ruin the wire, damage the insulation where it is not needed, narrow cross section. Ineptly using the tool, do not avoid injury.

The weakest point of the wiring is the end of the cable, cleared of insulation. If the core becomes less strong or its cross section decreases, its initial characteristics will deteriorate.

To reduce all risks to a minimum, we have developed special tools, methods of working with them.

difference between wire and cable

When describing electrical wiring, the term "wire" or "cable" is often used as a current conductor. To an uninitiated person in the subtleties of electrics, it may seem that this is one product. In fact, they are different.

A wire in the traditional sense is a cord with a small cross section. Such a conductor can be single or stranded. He may not have insulation at all, and if there is, then it is light in the form of a tube. Taking it off is really easy.

The cable consists of a certain number of current carriers. They are connected in one piece, but do not touch each other and are enclosed in a shell of a special material.

For a wire with one core, the cross section is set by one core, for a multi-core wire, the cross-sectional area is formed by the sum of the sections of all cores. To improve the performance properties of the cable, a nylon thread is introduced into the middle.

Any conductor should be handled with care, especially aluminum conductors. Compared to copper, they are more brittle. Bending loads reduce the already small margin of safety of aluminum conductors.

Some specs for comparison:

• density of aluminum - 2.7, copper - 8.9 t/mᶾ;
• stranded version for aluminum is excluded, for copper it is possible;
• specific resistance of aluminum 0.0294, copper - 0.0175 Ohm x mm² / m.

Damage during stripping aluminum conductors further reduce their performance.

You can read more about the types of cables and wires in.

Varieties of insulating materials

There are single and double insulation.

For its production, various insulating materials are used:

1. Plastics based on organic compounds. Basically, these are thermal plastics that soften when heated. When burned, these plastics are thrown into environment various toxins.
2. thermosetting plastics. They become harder when heated. Insulation from them is used only in special cases, when the requirements for it are increased.
3. Natural or artificial rubber of various types. It solidifies when heated and supports combustion.
4. Fabric-based insulation. Withstands pretty a high degree heating (maximum 400⁰) while maintaining insulating properties.
5. Shielding braid. This is not insulation in the literal sense, since the braid does not act as insulation, but is a protection against mechanical damage.
6. Braid armoring. Also serves as protection against damage.

The choice of tools for stripping depends on what material it is made from.

How to strip wires correctly?

There are some nuances in this process, without knowing which, you can make mistakes with irreversible consequences.

The cleaned area should not protrude beyond the joint. If a bare wire is left exposed, a person may accidentally touch it and suffer an electrical shock.

The core insulation must be removed from all sides. Crimping the remaining insulation will reduce the reliability of fastening.

When a mistake is made in the wiring of the vehicle, then under the influence of vibration, as a result of the loosening of the fastening, the wire will fall out of the connection

Improper cleaning will result in short circuit and even ignite.

Popular stripping methods

Practical skills play a big role in the wire stripping process. The main difficulties arise when working with thin wires, when every movement matters. Optimum pressing force is developed only by practice.

The most commonly used methods for removing insulation are:

• with a knife;
• through side cutters;
• under the influence of high temperature;
• using a stripper.

Each option is preferred in specific circumstances.

Option number 1 - using a knife to cut insulation

At home, a knife is most often used. It is important, using this simple tool, to choose the right slope of the blade. The biggest mistake is cutting in a circle while holding the cutting part in a perpendicular position. In this case, it is difficult to avoid notching the core or breaking the secondary insulation.

The correct position of the knife is when the tool and the axis of the wire are in the same plane. First cut the braid along the conductor. Next, the insulation is separated, taken to the side and finally cut off at the base.

It is better to use a special electrician's knife with a straight or curved blade to remove hard insulation from wires. The main thing is that there are no jagged and burrs on it. If the knife is folding, it must be equipped with a lock so that it does not fold spontaneously.

A good blade has a double-sided sharpening at a small angle, an internal rounding of the cutting edge. Some variants of fitter's knives have a special blade design - it is short and rounded inward, and there is a "heel" at the end. It limits the depth of cut, which is important if it is necessary to remove the top layer of insulation without damaging the sheath of individual cores.

Option number 2 - side cutters for stripping insulation

Side cutters are a convenient and safe tool, but only if correct application. What you should pay attention to is the direction of the cutting edges and the applied force.

The tool is used in two ways:

1. The shell is cut with different parties, and then removed from the conductor. This method is suitable for working with a wire having a significant cross section.
2. The braid is fixed and cut with the cutting edges of the side cutter, and then pulled to the side, making axial movements.

In any case, you need to act very carefully, otherwise the conductor will be either damaged or bitten off.

When working with a side cutter, you need to take into account that the sharpened side of the tool jaws must be oriented in the direction opposite to the braid contraction vector

They also produce side cutters with notches for conductors of a certain diameter. This simplifies the use of the tool at home.

Option number 3 - thermochemical method of removal

With very thin conductors, with a cross section of less than 0.2 mm, mechanical stripping of enamel wire or PVC wire is a big risk. The thermochemical method is more suitable here.

In the first case, the technology is as follows:

1. The wire is conveniently laid on a flat surface. Under it is placed vinyl chloride insulation.
2. Warm up the tip of the soldering iron and carefully drive it along the shell. When heated, it will disappear under the influence of released chlorine.

There is another option for removing enameled insulation from the cable. An aspirin tablet is placed on the wire, heated with a soldering iron and distributed along the entire length. Not only will the insulation be removed, but the wire will also be tinned.

Removing the braid by melting ensures the integrity of the conductor. The method works well on old wiring, since the winding here is hard and brittle.

Stripping the insulation of a thin enameled conductor can be done with fine sandpaper. Before removing the insulation layer from the wire, the sheet is bent in half so that the emery is inside. A wire is inserted into the middle, lightly pressed with your fingers and pulled. Repeat the action until the enamel is completely cleansed.

Option number 4 - stripping with a stripper

If the considered methods of stripping are manual, then some types of strippers allow mechanizing this work partially. The tool is most often a special pliers that work with a certain size of wires and cables.

Conventionally, strippers are divided into categories:

• miniature manual;
• large rack;
• lever.

The first ones look like clothespins. In spring-loaded jaws, she has holes - one or more. There are small multifunctional strippers and in a form similar to a case. In the drop-down case, holes are made with knives under different sections lived.

In addition, the device has a knife that cuts the braid in the longitudinal direction, a knife that works in the transverse direction or cuts in a circle. Equip them with a retractable knife for stripping the wire.

The next design is a stripper with levers. Visually, the tool is similar to scissors and includes:

• Knives with a wedge-shaped cut;
• Adjusting screw, with its help set the desired cross section.

The cable is fixed with clamps, then the levers are brought together and the insulation is removed instantly. Removal length is set manually. The main disadvantage is the need for tuning in the case when the insulation is removed from wires of different sections.

If you mistakenly insert a thick wire when adjusting the jaws to a smaller section, the conductive core will be damaged.

In addition to the main functions, most of these hand tools are used for crimping stranded wire lugs, cutting wires, and cutting bolts. Sometimes they are used as simple pliers.

The tool with sockets in the blades, like the previous one, is universal. When working with it, attention must not be weakened so as not to place the current conductor in a hole that does not correspond to its cross section.

These shortcomings are not characteristic of automatic lever strippers. The wire size is automatically set here. The spring-loaded working element begins to act when the handles are compressed. You can remove not only the insulation from the core, but also the outer braid from the round or flat wire.

Many models are equipped with a length limiter that allows you to remove the braid to a set length. The required limit is set once, and further withdrawal occurs at the set limit.

Automatic models, like manual ones, may have additional functionality - crimping tips, cutting, and more.

When choosing a stripper model, you need to proceed from where it is planned to be used. For general household chores suitable conditions simple hand tool.

There is a special stripper designed to remove insulation from a television cable. Its feature is the presence of two cutting edges placed at a certain distance. This provides convenient installation F-connector afterwards

When working with a mass of wires and cables, it is better to arm yourself with a semi-automatic or automatic device. This tool is essential for professional electricians.

There is an article on our website where we talked in detail about strippers for stripping wires. Scroll down to read the material.

New stripping tools

More recently, four new products have been added to the range:

• plow knife for removing hard insulation;
• stripper for cutting insulation 2.9 - 6.6 mm² in the longitudinal direction;
• tool for working with wire insulation 0.05 - 2.5 mm²;
• tool for cutting wire insulation 0.25 - 6 mm².

All of them are released by the US company Jonard Tools.

The new sheath-type stripper is equipped with five grooves with a diameter of 2.9 - 6.8 mm. The blades are both top and bottom. Cuts longitudinally wires, optical modules, protective tubes.

A plow knife is used when it is necessary to remove the cable sheath from rubber, PVC, PE. A knife with a double-sided blade makes cuts longitudinal and transverse with a depth of up to 5 mm

Stripper for stripping PVC insulation from cables with a diameter of 0.05 - 2.5 mm² automatically adjusts to required section. With pressure on the handle, the conductor is captured, the blades enter the insulation and pull it together.

The last model is similar to the previous one, but works with wires of other sections.

There are non-standard situations, from which it is difficult to get out even for a specialist. At the same time, one has to accept creative solutions and use hand tools. Let's look at a couple of examples.

Example #1 - Damage to the wires leading to the plug

The method is applied if, during a visual inspection, it is found that the thin wires leading to the plug are faulty on the charger. The main difficulty of the situation is not only in the small cross section, but also in the multicore cable. Another problem is that the wires are enclosed in a continuous braid, so the insulation serves not just as protection, but as a two or three-chamber collector.

To quickly remove the insulation in this case, experts use a thin blade taken out of a razor cassette. The cable is fixed with a clamp from table lamp or vice. The cable is divided into cores, with a blade, an incision is carefully made in the right place, not too deep. Next, part of the layer is pry off with a fingernail and carefully removed.

The protective layer can be in the form of rigid external insulation, internal filling layer, fabric, resin-impregnated insulation, individual insulation of each core

First, using a tool, the outer sheath is removed by cutting it along the cable. Then, using pliers, the cores are taken out one by one. The remaining insulating layer is simply cut off.

Work related to electric shock, not easy. Therefore, even with certain knowledge, one must not forget that a damaged core will fail over time.

For safety reasons, when removing insulation for a slightly longer length than required, the excess must be cut off. Bare veins are too dangerous.

It is not advisable for a home master to purchase expensive tools in order to use them several times, removing the insulation. In most cases, simple improvised means will do.

It is not always advisable to remove the insulation if the cable consists of thin strands. It is possible, without removing the insulating layer, to disconnect the cores, and to create a contact, use a special clamp with teeth

Contact in case of installation of a piercing clamp will provide a puncture of the insulation. Sometimes this is enough.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

An overview of stripping tools - from the cheapest to the most expensive:

Whatever method you use to strip the insulation, you need to remember that this work is dangerous. Careful and competent attitude to the tool used will help to avoid problems. Each product must be used in accordance with its intended use, with the utmost care.

What method do you use to strip wires? Please share your own experience with people who are faced with such a task for the first time. Leave your comments, share your experience, ask questions in the block under the article.

Catching up on petty repair work in the house, you often have to deal not only with wires, but also with cables. Therefore, the question arises: how to properly strip the wire from insulation? There are differences between a wire and a cable, for example, a wire is one conductor, which may not even provide for the possibility of stripping the insulation (bare wire), while a cable is a whole network of current carriers that do not touch each other, covered with a common layer - an insulating sheath. In fact, there are always several wires inside the cable. Stripping is sometimes required, both individual conductors and all conductors in the cable. It is often necessary to remove a long section of the upper shell (insulation). That's why you can't do it with just your hands.

The types and arrangement of wires and cables have already been repeatedly discussed in articles on this topic. For example: "", "", "", etc.
As a rule, a wire is a conductor (rigid or flexible) covered with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or rubber insulation. Insulation can be one layer, and maybe several. Sometimes a silk braid acts as additional insulation, sometimes the conductor part is covered with an insulating varnish.
How the cable is arranged is already written a little higher. What is technically considered a cable is often colloquially referred to as a wire, and stranded wire may be referred to as a cable. Polyvinyl chloride, rubber and other non-flammable dielectrics are used as insulation for wires and cables. They protect the wires from a short circuit between themselves, contact with a person and from fire.
Sometimes conductors stranded wire envelop with a rather dense layer of insulation, which can cause difficulties when stripping.
According to the type of conductor section, the wires are divided into two types:

1. Single-wire (rigid). They are a conductor consisting of one solid conductor.
2. Multiwire (flexible). They consist of several very thin wires woven together.

For successful stripping, you must use quality tool and observe the norms and sequence of work, otherwise, the wiring will quickly fail.

Tools needed for wire stripping

To properly and safely strip the current-carrying part of the wire from insulation, the following tools may come in handy:

• Side cutters.
• Assembly, construction, stationery or household knife.
• Electric burner.
• Pliers.
• Special cutters for thick cables or shears for metal.
• A vise or other holding device.

Stripper: its purpose and model variations

A stripper is a special device for stripping wires. Simple Models This tool is similar in principle to conventional side cutters. The blades are equipped with recesses of different radii, designed for conductors of different sections.
The semi-automatic manual stripper is equipped with two pairs of bladed jaws. When using it, the end of the cable must be placed in working area, close the blade handles and cut the insulation. Sponges at the same time remove it from the core. The stripper of this model is equipped with an adjustable stop, which allows you to fine-tune the section of the placed wire. In Russia, this tool is called KSI (insulation stripping pliers).


Some types of strippers perform several functions at the same time:

• pruned
• clean up
• Twisting the veins

A twisted-pair stripper is a clip with a built-in blade that looks like the blade of a utility knife.

After equipment repair or electrical network, make sure that there is not a single bare area left.

Firm "Knipex"

The tool for stripping and cutting wires must be of high quality, in accordance with the requirements of the state standard. The German company Knipex produces time-tested reliable tools for stripping wires. Some of them are tested at 10,000 volts at +70 and -25 degrees. Therefore, there is no doubt about the reliability of the products of this company. Among other tools with which the wire is cut, the main ones can be distinguished:

• Combination pliers
• Knitting pliers
• Clamping pliers
• wire cutters
• Tweezers
• Forceps
• Cable knives

Founded back in 1882, Knipex is today one of the most well-known manufacturers electrical tool. Every day, 45,000 units of this company's products are sold. About a hundred countries of the world cooperate with it. And in our region, it will not be difficult to get a Knipex tool.

Wire or cable stripping process

Most often, wire stripping is done using side cutters. Sometimes cutting wires is accompanied misuse side cutters, which complicates the work and leads to damage to the current-carrying part of the wire. To remove the insulation, it is important that the cutting parts are directed in the direction opposite to the movement of the tool. Thus, the knives can cut into the insulation even with slight pressure.

If there are no side cutters or other special devices at hand, you can take a knife, do not press the wire insulation with the cutting part of the knife and circle it around. Repeat if necessary until protective layer the insulation will not cut through and the point will not reach the core. You can make an incision not across. and along the wire, then stretch the edges along the sides and cut off the sheath. This method is even considered by many to be better and safer.


When cutting, you can easily cut your hands, so be extremely careful.

How to cut outer insulation with a heeled knife video

When removing the outer layer of insulation, try not to cut it with translational movements (reminiscent of sawing). You just need to push it with the sharp side of the knife and slowly turn it. Do not use force. When the work is done, inspect the stripped ends of the conductor. There may be cuts or breaks in the current-carrying part of the wire. This end of the wire is not suitable for further use. It needs to be cut off and redone. If this is not given due importance, over time it may create dangerous situation. As a rule, the damaged part of the wire core in the future, during operation, breaks off. In the future, it will be necessary to look for the place of damage to the cable, and this place, as a rule, will be hidden by insulating tape.
Sometimes it is not clear how to strip the wire, especially when it is too thin, and even stranded. There is one trick.

1. Take an old razor blade.
2. We break it and take one half of the blade.
3. We fix the wire using a vice or clamps. You can use the table lamp clip.
4. Cut the insulation along the conductor.
5. We make neat cuts across the section, trying not to touch the conductor with the blade.
6. We bend the cable so that the notched edges slightly part.
7. We cling to the incision with a fingernail and pull the insulation from the core.

Wire stripping is painstaking work requiring patience.
Mistakes often occur when stripping wires. Typical mistakes stripped wires are visible in the figure:

Thin wires break very easily. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the insulation from them very carefully.

Stripping the insulation of thin or winding wires

With a conductor thickness of 0.2 mm, optimal way stripping, there will be a mechanical option. For this we need a knife or sandpaper, better fine grain section.
The paper needs to be bent with an abrasive inward and a wire is inserted into the bent sheet, slightly pulling it and pressing it with your fingers. The procedure must be repeated until the enamel is completely peeled off.
When using a knife, it is necessary to put part of the cable on a hard surface and scrape off the varnish by scrolling the wire in a circle until the enamel is scraped off the conductor. So, cutting the wire is not a complicated process and does not require an electrician's diploma.
If the cross section is thinner than 0.2 mm, another method will be required, since mechanical results will not work, it will only damage the wire. In this case, it is worth mastering the thermochemical cleaning method. We will need a soldering iron and PVC insulation.
We put PVC on the table and heat the soldering iron. In a hot state, we drive them through insulation. When heated, chlorine will be produced, separating the enamel.
For tinning the wire during thermochemical treatment, you can take an aspirin tablet, lay the wire on it and run a soldering iron over it in the same way.
In addition to the fact that the cross section of the wire is so thin, inside it has many strands twisted into one conductor. Therefore, the use this method requires precision and skill.

Power cable stripping

Power cables are mainly used for laying a conductor to powerful equipment and to switchboards. How to remove the outer layer of cable insulation?

1. Slowly we cut the insulating layer from the end along the cable, but not very deep.
2. With the help of pliers, we pull out one core located inside.
3. Cut off the remaining piece from the outer insulation.
4. We split the wires.

Before you begin this work, think carefully about how much insulation you need to strip. It is better to cut with a small margin. Having exposed a piece that is too long, you can always cut off the excess. Use a cambric to better position the cable inside the instrument.

When working with electricity, never neglect the need to exercise caution. Even if you have stripped the wires many times, remember that any cut in the insulating layer is a potential threat to the cable and wire.

And finally. Various wire stripping tool and how to use it video.

Removing insulation from wires is a routine, but at the same time time-consuming and responsible operation. There are many tools that make this job easier, but you need to know some of the nuances of their application and take into account many years of experience in order to avoid mistakes that can lead to big problems in future.

Stripping wires from insulation: harder than it looks

Sloppy cleaning electric wire with a knife or an unsuitable tool will damage the metal conductors. The cross section of the wire in the damaged area decreases, the resistance increases, which can lead to an increase in temperature with ignition of the insulation. At the bend points, the notched wire can simply break. In high frequency wires with alternating current The problem is exacerbated by the so-called skin effect: the current tends to flow in the near-surface layer of the conductor (the current density pattern looks like a hollow tube). In such wires, even slight damage to the surface of the conductor can disrupt the operation of the equipment.

That is why the knife is not the main tool for stripping insulation today. Of course, with a knife, you can carefully remove the insulation. To do this, hold the blade almost parallel to the wire and gently rotate the wire or knife 360 ​​degrees around the conductor. However, when a lot of wires need to be stripped, the knife will inevitably damage some of the conductive strands, because even a talented neurosurgeon cannot make hundreds of identical high-precision incisions in a day.

According to surveys of electricians on professional forums, you should not use a knife and improvised tools, such as pliers or side cutters, when we are talking about a large amount of work. In such cases, only strippers are used, that is, specialized tools for stripping insulation.

Simple, versatile and high quality

Wire strippers such as the Stanley ST-0-84-010 are very simple design. But don't underestimate this tool. High-quality wire cutters are made of high-strength steel and have a fine-threaded screw for adjusting the depth of cut of the insulation. It is enough to set the depth of insulation cutting using the adjusting screw, grasp cutting edge wire, turn the wire cutters and pull off the cut piece of insulation. Wire cutters can be used to cut wires. different diameter, up to wires with a cross section of up to 1 mm. In addition, unlike most other tools, wire cutters are convenient to use in tight spaces, such as inside shields.

In extreme cases, when the wire is energized due to an error, such wire cutters are safer, since a high-quality tool of this kind has handles insulated up to 1000 V and allows you to work with one hand.

The simplicity of the tool has a downside:

• there is no possibility to adjust the stripping length;
• wire cutters cope worse with wires in a flat sheath, with fabric or, on the contrary, very rigid insulation.

Wire cutters are indispensable in cases where you need to strip a lot of wires of the same diameter. To work with large quantity different wires, universal strippers are used.

Automatic cable stripper: say no to fatigue

Automatic strippers, such as the Stanley FMHT0-96230, do not need to be set up, just select the length of the section to be stripped and the tool is ready to quickly strip wire with a diameter of tenths of a millimeter to several millimeters. It is especially convenient to use it to remove insulation from flat wires, which are widely used in household appliances. With an automatic stripper, two or three wires can be stripped at the same time flat wire. If you need to strip a lot of wires at the workplace, then the automatic stripper is the best choice, but you need to choose a quality tool that requires a minimum of physical effort to remove the insulation.

The Stanley FMHT0-96230 automatic stripper can strip wires with a diameter of 0.8 to 2.6 mm

Choosing a tool for long work, it should be noted that automatic strippers weigh approximately 350 grams. The solution to the problem is simpler and lighter universal strippers, like the Paladin Tools PT-1117. The stripper has several holes of different diameters and allows you to strip wires with a cross section of 0.34-0.6 mm2. Typically, these strippers have a number of additional features, such as wire cutters and a crimper (a tool for crimping tips) - in some cases, this eliminates the need to carry extra weight.

Universal strippers are the most common stripping devices and are often included even in simple tool kits like.

Universal strippers Paladin Tools PT-1117 and

On professional forums, you can often find the opinion of electricians that when using a stripper, it is sometimes difficult to get the wire into the hole of the desired diameter. Therefore, experienced electricians put the wire first in a hole of obviously larger diameter, cutting the top of the insulation. If the insulation is soft, it can be easily removed, even half-cut, and if it is more rigid, the wire is inserted into the next hole of a smaller diameter.

At correct operation universal strippers can last 10 years or more without degrading performance. However, they are not suitable for stripping metal, Kevlar braided or hardened old insulation.

Strippers for hard insulated cable

For hard insulation, it is better to purchase a special stripper, for example Jonard JIC-4366, which has two blades at once: for removing the outer sheath of cables with a diameter of 4.5-7.9 mm and for stripping PVC insulation. The blades are interchangeable, which is important for a tool that works with hard materials.

Jonard JIC-4366 stripper suitable for working with rigid insulation

In some cases, specialized strippers are used. For example, thermal strippers are used to remove old hardened insulation or strip very thin wires. For thin wires, precision strippers like the OK ST-500ESD, capable of stripping wires with a diameter of 0.25 - 0.8 mm. Such devices are not universal. In particular, a thermal stripper requires a power source and an extractor fan to remove the toxic combustion products of the insulation. Precision strippers are more expensive than conventional strippers and are not suitable for general applications such as stripping flat or rigid cables.

A must in the toolbox

It can be stated that the devices for safe removal insulation should be in the tool kit of an electrician who has to work with wiring. Often you can get by with a knife, but this is an extra waste of time for operations that are done with a stripper in a matter of seconds. In the US, training usually involves only strippers: beginners are taught how to use the correct tool and minimize the human error that can lead to wiring and equipment malfunctioning, followed by insurance litigation.

As a result, strippers are available in almost all professional tool kits: in, as well as specialized ones. In some kits, for example, SK-17, there are two strippers at once for stripping wires from 0.4 mm to 25 mm. This is enough for most jobs.

17-Piece Cable Guy Set

conclusions

Choice the right tool for removing insulation from wires has advantages for both the performer (electrician) and the customer of the work. Thanks to the stripper, the electrician can do the job much faster and with less effort, and the customer gets high quality work carried out and a guarantee of reliable operation cable system in future.

In the arsenal of a professional electrician, there is always a tool for stripping wires, which is necessary for stripping cores when connecting sockets, switches, wiring, etc. Such a device would be useful home master who started repairs in an apartment or house.

Let's figure out what tools exist for removing the sheath from wires, what are the specifics of their use, and we will indicate what you should pay attention to when buying such devices.

To connect one outlet or switch in an apartment, it is not necessary to buy professional equipment. Stripping a piece of wire will turn out normal kitchen knife. However, if a large-scale repair is to be carried out with complete renewal electrical wiring systems, then you can not do without specialized devices.

The number of contacts to be cleaned when renovating a 100 sq. m can reach a thousand. To perform such work without specialized devices is an unreasonable waste of time and effort.

In addition, stripping without professional wire stripping tools is fraught with negative consequences:

• the risk of damage to the cable is high, which reduces the safety of the operation of the wiring;
• an incision in the conductive core leads to a decrease in the cross section of the wire, as a result - a break or burning at the junction;
• if the wire is cut carelessly, the damaged wire may break when bent.

In high-frequency systems with alternating current, the situation is complicated by the appearance of the skin effect - the current is distributed unevenly, but mainly in the surface layer of the conductor. In such wires, any most insignificant defect in the core can disable the equipment.

With a knife, you can gently peel off the insulation, but the work will take a long time. And if you need to prepare a lot of cables, then mistakes are inevitable - it will not work to quickly make a large number of high-precision cuts

When it comes to significant amounts of work, it is better not to take risks and use special devices. Damage to the conductor may cause a fire, cause damage to equipment, or cause electric shock.

Types of electrical accessories

The variety of tools can be classified according to the following criteria:

• the volume of work performed;
• process automation.

The insulating sheath can be removed in two ways: thermal and mechanical.

The first option is valid only for thin, low-power conductors used in communication devices, audio equipment and electronics operating on a voltage of about 5 volts.

Alternative options: side cutters and pliers

Using some tools intended purpose, it is quite possible to remove the insulating wrap. Popular alternatives to professional tools: side cutters and pliers.

The cutting edges should be directed in the opposite direction to the movement of the tool. The sheath is carefully removed with a tube without damaging the conductor

Pliers with precision holes of various diameters are suitable for processing wires. Universal Tool required for wiring.

These pliers allow you to:

• capture and bend the wire;
• cut the wire of medium hardness;
• carry out pressure testing of contact sleeves;
• remove insulation.

The number of holes determines the functionality of the tool, usually pliers are designed to process wires of 3-6 sizes.

Pliers must be handled carefully. If you do not calculate the clamping force, then you can easily damage the core.

Choice of stripping method for different wires

The complexity of removing insulation is largely determined by the type of wire. When choosing a tool, you should consider the features of the cable:

1. coaxial wire. When removing double insulation, work is carried out in two stages. Upper layer can be removed thermally, and the lower one with a stripper. The cores of such a cable are very fragile and thin, so they are easy to damage.
2. PTFE coated cable. Heat-resistant insulation that can only be removed mechanically. An electrician's knife or stripper will do.
3. enamelled wire. If the cross section is less than 0.2 sq. mm, then it is necessary to resort to the thermochemical method using a soldering iron and vinyl chloride tape. The wire is placed on a tape, carried out along the cable with a soldering iron - the chlorine released contributes to the "departure" of the enameled sheath from the wire.

When choosing a tool, it is necessary to take into account what diameter of the wire the device is designed for, as well as the material used to make the handle.

If necessary, processing electrical cables, it is necessary to select strippers with a handle made of dielectric material.

The coating protects against voltage up to 1000 watts.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Variety of wire and cable stripping tools, stripper comparison:

The choice of a tool should be based on the upcoming conditions for its use, the need for additional functionality. The main thing is that the device ensures compliance with two main requirements: it removes the insulation without damaging the conductive cores and meets the declared dielectric characteristics.

If there is any doubt about the second, then all work is carried out exclusively with the voltage removed.

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Kuvalda.ru online store offers wire strippers that meet the requirements and quality standards. With us you can pay for goods by bank transfer or in cash, as well as by card. The catalog of wire strippers is constantly expanding and supplemented with the latest models. In our online store there is a convenient and fast delivery in Moscow and the Moscow region. For quick search of goods, use the search function by categories, sections and subsections, as well as in the search bar by the search word or number. Experienced managers who will tell you the technical details and terms of delivery will help you navigate the presented goods. With our wide range of wire strippers, we have everything you need. We are happy to answer your questions about our prices and range. We welcome your suggestions and wishes to improve our service.