On our JOKARI blog, we would like to provide answers to frequently asked questions that reach us, for example, via all possible communication channels. There is often a lack of clarity about the wide range of stripping tools, and about which tool is intended for which application, as well as what the trade names of our tools refer to regarding cable and wire types. With this article we will attempt to simplify the answers and guide you in the right direction!
Wide range of cable types means a wide range of special tools
Cable knives, strippers, wire strippers – the market for different styles of wire stripping tools is huge. It is no wonder that cable and wire stripping is one of the most common activities in all electrical installations. As the need for specialty cables and wires in installations increases, so do the needs for unique and different ranges of tools for processing those cable.
To establish an electrical connection between a cable and a device, it is necessary to strip the cable. Examples of this are the connection of lighting in domestic installations or the wiring of different components in industrial systems such as control cabinets.
There is an abundance of different cables and wires for the diverse areas of application and the different requirements, which differ in their properties (cross-section, diameter and insulation material).
Due to all these different options, it is imperative to find the right tool for the wires and cables you are working on. We will guide you on which wire and cable strippers are the best for each type of project.
Different stripping tools for quick and safe removal of cable insulation
A cable knife or stripping knife is a traditional tool used by electricians to remove the insulation of a usually round cable and also slit it lengthwise to easily access the inner conductors. The blades of this tool are very sharp, so it can score and unravel the insulation effortlessly. The handle of the cable knife is ergonomically shaped so that the user has better control during the stripping process. It is also important that the blades of the cable knife are protected. An example of a cable knife that has a particularly clever protection mechanism is the Cable Knife System 4-70. This cable knife can also be used to process cables in the range of 4-70mmø thanks to replaceable interchangeable brackets.
Cable stripper are well suited to work in confined spaces, such as a wall outlet box. There is little space to remove the outer cable insulation. For example, a cable knife would not be able to cut off the insulation inside the box. An example of a stripper that works well in such tight areas is the JOKARI XL. Many strippers also have a function to safely strip off individual wires. As a result, strands from 0.2mm2 can be processed. An example of such a versatile cable stripper is the widely used SECURA No. 15.
Wire strippers with the shape of a pistol are perfect for easily and safely working on the inner conductors (single wires) in order to connect a lamp or socket, for example.
In general, a distinction is made between wire strippers with manual adjustment to the conductor cross-section, automatic adjusting pliers and those with single or multiple pairs of knives for fixed cross-sections or diameters.
Automatic wire strippers in particular offer great added value for the user. As they self-adjust, making the tool easy to use for any experience level of installer. An example of such an automatic wire stripper is the Super 4 Pro. Simply insert the inner conductor into the pliers and press them shut. The blade mechanism automatically separates the insulation.
This article might also interest you: “How to strip a cable with a cable stripper correctly?”