After trying out numerous tools, we currently use four types of stripping tools (excluding Hultafors knives and the Knipex 13 96 200 T multi-tool pliers) – which we now present.
Knipex PreciStrip16
The PreciStrip16 can strip wires from 0.08 mm² to 10 mm² for stranded and up to 6 mm² for solid conductors. The blade is replaceable, and the stripping length can be relatively precisely set using a small plastic stop, although this feature is far from perfect. The gripping force of the blade can be manually adjusted with a large screw.
Overall, it is a high-quality, though not inexpensive, automatic wire stripper. We typically use it when stripping insulation from a large number of wires with the same cross-section.
Knipex ErgoStrip
This is a brilliant little gem. Its two tapered ends can remove the outer sheath of cables up to 5x2.5 mm². For thinner cables (especially stranded ones), caution is needed to avoid cutting too deeply into the outer sheath and damaging the insulation of the conductors.
It can strip wires from 0.2 to 4 mm², with color-coded markings in the red plastic indicating the intended blade diameter. Knipex, a touch of blue paint would have been appreciated here!
We absolutely love this tool; it’s always in our pocket, ready for immediate use.
Knipex Stripping Knife
When stripping the outer sheath of larger diameter cables (whether main lines or the 5x6 MT cables on the AC side of solar systems), extra caution is required. These cables are not cheap, and any accidental damage to the conductor insulation cannot be fixed with makeshift solutions like electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
The new Knipex stripping knife offers the perfect solution. A small blunt guide on the top of the blade directs the knife under the insulating sheath without allowing the blade to cut into the conductor insulation. Moreover, it features a clever ratchet mechanism that makes the process even simpler:
Previously, we used their similar, but rigid-bladed stripping knife, but the ratchet version has proven to be a significantly better solution.