A stripper is a specialized tool that is used to strip wire insulation. You can use a regular knife for this, but it will take much more time to implement the plan. In addition, the risk of injury and damage to the cord should not be excluded. The stripper is used not only by professional electricians, but also by home craftsmen who prefer to fix wiring problems on their own. It should be noted that the described dialectical instrument has nothing in common with a crimper. The latter is used for crimping connectors.
Content
If you plan to replace equipment in the switchboard, mount an outlet or extend an antenna or telephone cable, then the master will need to strip the ends of the cord for the subsequent change of insulation. For this, it becomes necessary to use a homemade or purchased stripper. Outwardly, the tool resembles ordinary pliers. It translates from English as a puller, which determines the scope of his activity. Previously, they used sharpened tools to strip the cable, but the final result left much to be desired.
With his own hands, a person could damage the veins or significantly cut the diameter of the cord, which ultimately made it ineffective. The quality of such wiring left much to be desired. With the advent of strippers on the domestic market, the risk of cable damage was minimized, and the process became less time-consuming. The functionality of the device is somewhat wider in comparison with construction knives. The latter do not allow you to make a smooth cut, especially for multi-core cables.
The current-carrying cable will be completely safe, as there is a convenient limiter in diameter and length.
We propose to discuss the principle of operation of a stripper using the example of removing insulation from wires with a cross section of 0.5-6 mm. Step-by-step instruction:
At home, such manipulations will take several seconds. After that, you should check that the cable was cleaned carefully. An even and bare tip may have minimal damage, which is then recommended to be opened with a transparent varnish.
In the process of stripping stranded or stranded wires, experts do not recommend using a knife. Thin outer copper conductors can be cut with ease in a single motion. This is fraught with the fact that in the process of removing the old insulation, the cores will break, the cable cross-section will be significantly reduced and it will no longer be able to perform its functions. This is especially true for large conductors.
Outwardly, this small machine looks like a pair of pliers, but in the inner part of the clamps there are several holes of different sizes with blades at the edges. This will allow you to work with material of any standard size. The best models have jacks in the case with a designated size, so removing the insulation from the wire will not cause any difficulties. The edges of the cable will be perfect.
After a short pressure, the mechanism will close the semicircular blades, thereby cutting the insulation material across. A review of popular models showed that some of them are equipped with mechanisms that independently determine and adjust to the cable cross-section. The limiter will not allow you to hook the adjacent section. You can also find a device that is equipped with legs with wedge-shaped cutouts that allow you to adjust to the cable diameter by means of an adjusting screw. What aspects should you look out for when selecting ticks?
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
The form | The main problem when choosing a device, which often leads to mistakes, is the abundance of its forms, which mislead the buyer. The device can be made in the form of pliers with straight jaws, or the working surface will have a curved shape and end-type gripper. However, with their help it will be possible to get to the most inaccessible areas. Also, Russian-made goods may have special holes with blades located on the side. |
Material | Depending on the type of fixture used, different raw materials may be involved. Tool steel is used for the manufacture of lever structures, in which manufacturers cover the handles with special insulating plastic. Also available with fiberglass and polyamide rubberized inserts. You can also find models equipped with metal blades and a plastic case. It is this option that is best purchased for home use. |
Medium depth and section range | Each tool will operate within the manufacturer's specified cut range. The standard set is considered to be 0.2-0.5 mm or 6-10 mm. For micro-ranges, a 0.02-0.2 mm stripper is used. In most cases, there is also a special limiter. This is a plastic or metal element. It is used to fix the core in the designated position. Thus, a person will not be able to insert the wire deeper than possible. There is a possibility of adjustment. This is an extremely useful option for those who are used to performing monotonous manipulations every day. |
Weight and size | The tool has a length of 14-22 cm and a width of 1-3 cm. The height reaches 6-13 cm. The weight of the product will be 50-450 g. |
Please note that not every stripper can be used with cords that are energized. Such manipulations should be carried out exclusively with automatic products with a special mark "electrically insulated".
According to buyers, such designations do not deserve special attention, as evidenced by numerous reviews on the network, however, this is a delusion. Not only the alphanumeric set is important, but also the color. An example is some American brands that mark the dimensional grid by dyeing the pens in different colors. Products from China (AliExpress) have standard designations. The numbers are the working range of the supported section. Opposite each blade is a cross-sectional designation that refers directly to the wire.
Designations can be either in square millimeters or in AWG format, which has its own calibration. It is recommended to use the mechanism strictly for its intended purpose, otherwise the risk of damage to the wire increases. Popular models may have the designation 1000V, which indicates that the buyer is facing a structure equipped with electrical insulation. For this, a special type of material is used. Dots of red, blue and yellow can be found on the product, the configuration of which allows crimping the terminals. This indicates the correspondence of the cuffs of the tips, which can be processed using the selected device, where the section will be:
Before you buy a stripper, you should decide on the area of its use. The cost of the product, experience with similar equipment and the designated scope of work are also taken into account. You can buy an accessory at any building or online store. There you can also see how much a similar tool costs. However, it is recommended to give preference to kits that will support the maximum range of the working section. If a person does not plan to independently figure out how to set it up, then special attention should be paid to multifunctional models. Thus, the work will proceed at an accelerated rate.
If a person plans to do this on a regular basis, then the scope of activity will be extensive. In this case, the device must be equipped with a screw that allows micro-adjustment of the cross-section. The device can be adjusted manually, without assistance. If you plan to use the gadget exclusively at home, then a range of 0.2-4 mm2 is considered sufficient. Also, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the presence of additional knives in the set, which will allow you to replace yourself, and not buy a new tool.
If experience with such devices is not enough, then automatic and semi-automatic models should be preferred. This is the only way to minimize the risk of damage.
Such a device belongs to the category of the simplest. It is a pliers that are equipped with small grooves with sharp edges. The removal of the old layer of insulation will be carried out due to the ongoing circular movements. The cutting element will pass through the edge as the handle is squeezed. A spring is provided in order not to spread the pliers manually. The handle lock will protect children from accidental contact with cutting elements. The weight and dimensions of strippers from the world's best manufacturers will be insignificant.
The rating opens the model for an advanced user. The function of protecting conductors of a certain range is provided. The device can be used for crimping terminals and cutting wires. Used for crimping coaxial connectors. Outwardly, the device differs from similar devices, which makes it so popular. It is characterized by the presence of a handle of normal volume. However, there is no return spring. If a crimper is not available, pliers or a stripper tip can be used. As a last resort, multitool undershooting will come to the rescue.
The average price of a novelty is 1300 rubles.
An accessory preferred by beginners who have not yet decided on the final application. Used to remove old insulation from 2-28 mm cord. Manufacturer brand - STAYER. The multifunctional type puller is made of high quality materials. Experts note the availability of an amazing resource that will allow you to perform any electrical work. Protective cap available. There is also the ability to adjust the depth of cut.
The kit can be purchased at a price of 330 rubles.
Multifunctional fixture for the manufacture of which stainless steel is used. It can be used to cut M3 and M4 screws. Loops are also acceptable. One part of the jaws has a raised surface, so it can be easily used as pliers. The handles are large, so they fit comfortably in a man's hand. One of them is slightly curved. However, it remains small and relatively light. Length - 18 cm. The return spring is round, comfortable to use. The cross-section is offered in two variations, indicated according to American standards (AWG). Also at the user's choice - six sizes of the cutting edge. High-strength steel is used as raw material. It is considered one of the most practical models on the market.
Price - 1200 rubles.
Of the presented line of hand strippers, perhaps this particular model is considered the simplest. It can be used to work with wires with a thickness of 0.25-4 mm. The handles are two-component, however, the tool looks more like a cable cutter. The value regulator is located on the handle and is marked. The mechanism will not allow the sponges to close more than necessary. Therefore, we are not talking about damage to the insulation. The return spring is located on the rear side. There is a blocker that will come in handy when transporting equipment.
Cost - 600 rubles.
Similar products represent a category of semi-automatic tools that may look like this:
Even the most inexpensive gadgets will do the job well. The cleanup will take place in this way:
In more advanced models, there may be a special element between the handles, which is used for cutting wires.
The tool works with wires whose indicator reaches 0.25-2.5 mm2. It does not belong to the category of multifunctional devices, however, according to most users, the product fits perfectly in the hand and copes with the tasks set perfectly. It works with small sections, so it can only be used as an auxiliary device, but not the main one. The build quality is amazing. Backlash, curved sides and protruding rubber on the handles were not detected. The handles are rubberized, so even after hours of operation, the tool can be comfortably held in your hands. Wide enough for a standard sized male hand.
Average price - 1,700 rubles.
A novelty in the domestic market. The declared functions are standard. Works with wire 0.5-6 mm2. However, the cutting process is somewhat strange. To work with the wire, you need to squeeze it into a small hole. In the process of developing the device, many wishes of users were implemented, however, new difficulties arose. Removing the insulation is quick and efficient, but it is recommended to use another tool for cutting. In fact, it makes no sense to require this from the stripper, because it is not intended for this. The large diameter cable is too tough for the device.
Price - 1850 rubles.
In addition to the indicated functions, attention should be paid to cutting capabilities. The blades are of a removable type and are located under the spring-loaded handle. Belongs to the category of multifunctional tools that perfectly cope with the tasks. The protection does an excellent job. None of the wires were damaged during the tests. It is better for them not to engage in cutting the cable, since such tasks are beyond his power.
Cost - 1850 rubles.
The tool is designed to work with a cable consisting of copper stranded wire. The thickness can be 0.5-6 mm2. Blades with a five-position sharpening indicate the accuracy of the tool. Compact and lightweight model that can be used by people of any configuration. There is no additional functionality, however, there is no need for this. The two-piece handles have rubberized inserts on the plastic surface. High-strength steel is used as the main raw material. The marking is done with a laser. Plastic stopper included. According to most experienced electricians, the need for such an element is highly questionable.
Cost - 2400 rubles.
This type of fixture is considered the most common. Often, such devices consist of a standard set of elements:
In the process of removing the old layer, one of the elements will be pressed against the base, thereby cutting the old layer. The second will be responsible for a secure fix. Pressing harder will cause the base to move apart and the material to come off the tip.
The product has been on the market for several years. There are two guides. A plastic element is used as a limiter. If necessary, it can be removed by unscrewing the screw.The handles are short, but the tool copes with the tasks set. The working range is 0.2-10 mm2, which makes it almost universal. The screw turns only if you have to work with a cross section of 0.05-0.2 mm2. Crimping of tips is allowed. Cutting of wires is also possible.
Cost - 2700 rubles.
Compared to the previously described models, the tool has more compact dimensions, which do not affect the functionality indicator in any way. Crimping is not provided, so with their help the master can only cut. Protection is available. A guillotine cutter is installed. The knives are riveted and cannot be replaced. Working range 0.2-6 mm2. The guide is metal, so no loosening of the scabbard is expected. There is no length stop, so be careful when cutting.
Price - 1600 rubles.
A modern device that has pressure jaws. A convenient hole is provided for removing cut material. Working range - 0.05-10 mm2. Crimping cable 0.5-6 mm2. These are the tips:
Stripping of the insulation is quick and effective. The limiter works in automatic mode, independently adjusting to the used wire. A screw is used to set it up.
Price - 1900 rubles.
Working range 0.5-10 mm2. Able to work with tips (for crimping) NSHV and NSHVI. Removal of old material from flat-type wires (PUNP, VVG-P) is allowed. There are no complaints about the work of the device. Numerous positive reviews on the network speak in favor of buying such a device. The knives are not very well placed. The lever is not convenient to use, as it has small dimensions.
Price - 2300 rubles.
Our TOP is closed by a popular model, which is in high demand among specialists. There are practically no complaints.
What type of handpieces can work with:
Working range 0.5-10 mm2. Protects, gently removes old insulation. Works with both stranded and solid conductors. Manual adjustment and adjustment of the hole to a certain size is permissible. On the front side there is a convenient screw for adjustment with a standard cross-section (0.2-6 mm2).
Price - 1400 rubles.
The stripper is a popular type of tool that is used in the process of electrical work. Used to remove old insulating material from wires of any cross-section. There are several types of devices:
When connecting household tools, appliances, cables, telephone lines and other electrically conductive paths, preliminary processing of conductors is required.Such manipulations should be performed in the best possible way. Damage should be avoided. To do this, you need a special tool that is used to strip the insulation. We are talking about strippers that will remove old material accurately, without damage and in a matter of seconds.
In order for the work to be done efficiently, it is necessary to choose the right tool, which may not belong to the category of universal (multifunctional). First of all, you need to pay attention to the type of cable used and its diameter. Safety comes first. It will not be superfluous to pay attention to the models, the handles of which have a dielectric coating. This will eliminate the possibility of electric shock while working with energized wires.