C.K. Automatic Wire Strippers - Knurled Knob & Rubber Cables

Is this the "micro-adjustment knob for stripping wires smaller than 0.2mm²" ?

 

Wire strippers are waste of money and space in the tool box.
Use a pair of snips/side cutters or croppers depending on what is being stripped.

 

I couldn't disagree more! I have a pair of, I think, old CK wire cutters (like the ones linked to, without the bells and whistles, bought around 1989) and they are extremely useful.

 

Diy wally's might think they they are usefull, but myself and every spark I know rightly think they are a useless piece of tat.

 

i have used both and found auto wire stripers are ok if one has limited skill with side cutting pliers can avoid making a mess or when striping non standard cables (bit like the special armor cable striping tools) but i gave up on auto cable stripers as in 1 year went through 5 different models all broke during normal use (and ranged from 3 pound to 15 pound) and decide enough was enough

 

I say Dobbs - bit harsh m8..

 

Not having a go at you JP,you have worked at rewiring etc and will know they are tat.

 

Another piece of tat,all you need for SWA is depending on size a junior/standard hacksaw and stanley/stripping knife.

A Joi stripper is handy for some Pyro though.

 

http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-vde-wire-stripping-pliers-160mm/5802c

Dobbs I must admit to using the above sometimes (not that make, mine are cheaper)

However have only used them for cores, I don't think they would work on round cable sheath - rubber or otherwise

 

well having only used a stanley knife and a pair of side cutting pliers with swa (i didnt know if that was a good method) so for once kept my mouth shut (better to sit silent and be thought of a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt)

 

I have to say I absolutely love automatic wire strippers.

Especially on flex or stranded cable.

If you are a spark and doing the same thing everyday of course a just a pair of side cutters. Quicker

And you should be able to strip cable back neat and tidy after doing it thousands of times of days. Pretty obvious you will become a master at it.

But for the mixed trades these are great why not make things easy. New tools are brought out for reasons. Too make things easier!

 

Years and years back, I was taught by experienced wiremen that side cutters are NOT ideal for stripping wire and that either notched cutters or strippers should be used - teeth were also a no-no.

There is always a chance with solid cable that you can put a nick in the copper which immediately creates a weak point or with stranded you could cut off a strand or several.

 

I have never known a spark or seen a spark using wire strippers.

 

I would imagine the knurled nut might stop the "claws" from closing completely, just a guess.

For anything other than "core" wires like the outer insulation of T&E or flexi cable I use a Stanley knife, carefully score the outer insulation so as not to go through to the core insulation underneath, then for flexi cable - bend the outer insulation to finally detach it.

 

Just a personal view - not a recommendation

 

1 = never used so cannot comment

2 = use them most of the time

3 = use them now and then, and no problem.

 

Do those auto wire strippers strip the sheath without honking the cores on say 2.5mm t and e?