Stripping back the hassle

from ECN May 2022

ABM chooses Verso circuit protection

David Barnes, Marketing Manager of KNIPEX UK, explains how specialist cable stripping tools can help electricians save time, money and effort.

Some tools have been designed with features that double its time saving capabilities A good cable stripping tool can save hours on large wiring installations. That is why manufacturers, such as KNIPEX, have worked hard to save electrical contractors time, money and effort by developing tools that strip or dismantle cables quickly and easily. Cable stripping tools range from the small, notched versions to the larger, automatic tools which regulate the stripping depth for you. Investment in research and development has ensured a range of hand tool innovations have been brought to the market that have made a real difference out on site.

Tools such as the KNIPEX ErgoStrip, for example, is small, versatile and capable of stripping and dismantling round cables used in modern house installations. It is very easy to use – the insertion points for coax and data cables are angled so, with just a little bit of gentle pressure, the cables simply slide into the correct position all by themselves.

The shape of the KNIPEX ErgoStrip, allows for a comfortable pistol grip which means there is no need to change grip when disassembling. It’s ideal for work in confined spaces such as junction boxes and distribution boxes as the tapered tool ends allow for dismantling in cramped areas.

The location ridges on the wire stripping holes correct the cable position for stripping and can be found intuitively. A length scale is also provided so cables can be dismantled and stripped to the same length. Moreover, cables can be cut lengthwise conveniently and safely using the practical cable guide parallel to the half shells, where the cable is automatically pressed and fed against the guide hollows on the housing.

Advanced tools

As an example of an even more advanced cable stripping tool, let’s look at the KNIPEX PreciStrip16. It enables fine, flexible and solid cables to be stripped quickly and precisely. The capacity range extends from 0.08 to 16mm². The pliers can be easily adjusted with a dial for special materials or temperature requirements, while semi-circular metal holding clamps ensure a perfect grip.

The high-tech wire stripper is based around parabolic stripping blades that separate insulation from both extremely fine-stranded and solid round cables, then automatically strip it off backwards. The blade pair encloses the insulation and so is suitable for many flexible materials. When needed, the blade cassette can be easily replaced.

A patented mechanism automatically regulates the incision depth of the stripping blades to suit the insulation thickness on the conductor within a large capacity range of 0.08 to 16mm²; the neutral point of this mechanism can be precisely adjusted to account for specific conditions of use (such as specific insulation materials and temperatures).

This zero-correction allows the wire stripper to strip insulation where traditional automatic devices often fail. The automatic mechanism, which is fitted with a large dial with fine and tactile locking positions, increases the range of the KNIPEX PreciStrip16 so that it can handle particularly hard or soft materials.

On top of this, it can also take specific temperature conditions into account. The PreciStrip16 also features a cable cutter on top, which reliably cuts flexible cables up to 16mm² and solid conductors up to 6mm². It has an adjustable length stop for accurate repetitive work. The PreciStrip16 also has a description label so it can be personalised.

“Cable stripping tools range from the small, notched versions to the larger, automatic tools which regulate the stripping depth for you”

American style

When it comes to cutting and stripping wire, the Forged Wire Stripper Multifunctional Electrician Pliers (American style) were developed after a great amount of research and observation of how tradespeople used their wire strippers in the American market. These pliers are equipped with features that set the tool apart from conventional wire strippers – this is a wire stripper meticulously designed to improve upon all facets of the wire stripping experience and make every worker’s job easier and faster.

The Forged Wire Stripper’s main feature is its screw cutting holes. These do not have threads on them, so a screw can be inserted and cut, making it faster and easier. Additional features include: locating ridges between the stripping holes so you can easily find the correct stripping holes without looking; wide knurled gripping jaws for twisting wires; and induction-hardened shear cutting blades that offer 50% higher cutting capacity than other wire strippers on the market. Other features include a lock that can be used either right- or left-handed, an internal spring for easy opening and a bolted joint for precise and smooth cutting adjustment.

Two in one

Some tools have been designed with features that double its time saving capabilities. The KNIPEX StriX, for instance, is an insulation stripper with cable shears – two essential electrical installations tools in one pair of pliers. It is an ideal tool for single, multiple and fine stranded conductors with plastic or rubber insulation up to 5mm diameter or 10mm² cable cross-section. Increments in the jaw provide a visual orientation aid for stripping consistent lengths (11mm and 16mm). Additionally, easy adjustment to the required diameter of solid or stranded wire can be achieved with the plier’s knurled screw and lock nut. A shear blade is included for cutting copper and aluminium cable and the tool’s slim dimensions means it can access tight areas.

KNIPEX, knipex.com