IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool Wire Stripper/Crimper/Cutter, 2078309, 8-inch

Product Information

Michelle Ullman is the home improvement/tool expert for The Spruce. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home, but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard. Whether the user needs a basic or professional-grade wire stripper, there is an array from which to choose. Ahead, learn what to consider when shopping for the best wire stripper and find out how the following tools earned a spot in this lineup based on our hands-on tests.

UF cable is often buried or used in damp areas. It is similar to NM-B cable, but is mostly used to run electricity to outdoor fixtures or garages. Versatility: The brand offers a comprehensive range of tools and accessories across various categories, including clamps, drill bits, and tap and die sets. This extensive catalog allows customers to find precisely what they need to meet their requirements. Today, Irwin is recognized as a leading brand among professionals worldwide. With various subsidiaries and a diverse catalog of state-of-the-art tools, Irwin remains a benchmark in the industry. Why do professionals rely on Irwin Tools? The most basic tool that you can use for stripping wire is a pair of pliers. You can also use a cutting knife and your finger to do the stripping. However, these tools are not efficient. They tend to take up a significant amount of time to strip wire and sometimes cause accidental injuries. If done correctly, you will get a cleanly stripped wire with no damage to the core. Stripping wires is a simple task as long as you have the correct tools to deal with it. How Much Wire Should I Strip

For effective cutting of 10- to 18-gauge wire, we recommend the versatile Klein Tools Solid and Stranded wire strippers. For those looking for an affordable combination wire stripper, cutter, and crimper, the Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool wire strippers are a worthy choice. How We Tested the Best Wire Strippers

The easiest way for stripping wires is to use an automatic wire stripper. With this device, wire stripping becomes as easy as putting the wire in the stripper and pulling it. There’s no need to measure the gauge and the stripping length as it’s already determined by the tool itself. How Do You Strip Electrical Wire The sharpened stripper notches accommodate wires from 10 to 20 gauge in size. We were able to cut through wire cleanly, using the marked holes in the base of the shear blades. The serrated steel of the tool’s needle-nose plier tips allowed us to grab and bend the ends of the wires for attaching them to electrical outlet terminal screws. The Irwin Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper takes the guesswork out of stripping wire: Just insert your wire into the jaws, squeeze, and voila! Perfect stripped wire without a bit of effort on your part. You can strip insulated wires that are 10 to 24 AWG, and cut or crimp insulated or non-insulated wires as well. There's also a stop setting to control the length of your strips. Note that for 22- or 24-AWG wires, there's a micro-adjust knob for the most precise performance in stripping these very thin wires. B.D.: I look for quality construction and tend to go with a brand I trust. Most professionals will tell you it is worth spending the money to invest in a better, high-quality wire stripper.Automatic or self-adjusting wire strippers are the fastest type of wire stripper, but also generally the most expensive. These tools “sense” the gauge of wire being stripped, thanks to small spring-loaded teeth in the blade, and automatically adjust to the correct size. That means you don't have to have a separate wire stripper for a range of wire gauges, nor do you need to spend time adjusting the tool to your wire size. Spring-loaded: A spring-loaded handle is another feature that makes it more comfortable to use wire strippers for lengthy work sessions. This is especially useful if you want to be able to use the tool with just one hand. Comfort: If you’ll be using your wire strippers a lot, a comfortable handle that is easy to grip will make your job easier. Look for rubberized handles to provide a bit of cushioning. Must-Have Tools: The Best Electric Screwdrivers • The Best Power Tools of 2023 • The Best Screwdriver Sets This is the ultimate handy wire stripper for me because it combines four tools into one: wire stripper, wire cutter, wire crimper, and pliers. It’s versatile enough because it’s designed to work with multiple wire sizes, from 10 to 22 AWG. And you can use the pliers at the tip for pulling and looping wire.

As a general rule, a wire stripper that can handle 10- to 22-gauge will cover most basic household needs, and this is a very common range for these tools. However, if you’ll be working with wire that’s much smaller or larger than average, you’ll need a wire stripper designed to handle those gauges. A wire stripper is the best tool to accomplish this task. This kind of tool is specifically designed for the job and will even avoid damaging the wire core. Furthermore, it also has safety in mind, thereby minimizing the risk of injuries to your hands and fingers. What are the Different Types of Wire Strippers An AWG range that fits with the wires users work with most often will help them avoid using the wrong tool for the job, which always has the potential to go badly. Shoppers will find features such as threaded bolt cutters, crimps for cable ends, and serrated jaws for gripping wires. There are also wire strippers with needle-nose jaws that can reach into a tight spot such as a junction box. Also, spring-loaded handles can be a big help for those still developing their technique, as they’ll allow users to use the wire strippers with one hand while holding the wire with the other. ComfortSome automatic strippers even include a length measurement device, like the Harbor Freight or Klein Automatic Wire Stripping Tool. It lets you set the length that will be stripped, so you no longer have to measure the wire you’re going to work on every time.