13 Best Wire Strippers Right Now | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews

Making a versatile workbench requires more tools than what generally comes to mind. We can always be resourceful and creative, but having the right tools saves a lot of time, and you know what they say about time, right? 

Time is money! 

So, in case you have been on the internet for the past hour searching for the perfect wire stripper buying guide, you have landed on the right page.

Finding good wire strippers is quite a task, and apart from your needs, other factors also deem importance, such as choosing between manual and automatic wire strippers, or the material you’re planning to work on.

Thus, to make your life easier, we have come with a comprehensive list of wire strippers, and also a buyer’s guide for all those who want to know how to make your choices.

Read on and fill your workspace with the precise tools.

13 Best Wire Strippers

1. IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

We have reserved the numero-uno spot on this list for IRWIN VISE-GRIP 2078300 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper as it incorporates all the latest innovations to meet your daily needs. The product comes with a lifetime guarantee and can be a great choice if you are looking for a premium-quality, durable, self-adjusting model.

Experience

As per our experience, one of the most impressive features of the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Wire Stripper is its swivel knob. This knob allows you to make micro-adjustments for cutting gauges even smaller than 20 AWG. 

As the name suggests, the self-adjusting jaws of the stripper measure the cutting and stripping depth perfectly. It takes away only the upper sheath of coating, never damaging the metal itself. Additionally, it has a plier nose that you can use to loop and pull the wires.

The wire stripper is equipped with induction hardened edges for accurate and measured cuts. It cleanly removes the rubber casting of the exterior cable exposing the secondary layers of copper wires of the inner casting and requires just a slight pressure to operate.

Also, we really liked its ProTouch grip feature. When you use the product for two-three hours straight, the soft and smooth ProTouch grip ensures your hands don’t get tired while working. The user-friendly design also reduces weariness and, as a result, lets you work efficiently, for prolonged periods of time.

However, on the flip side, we found it to be unsuitable for tougher and thicker insulations, and one of the Amazon shoppers reported of a pinched finger while working on stiff wire coatings.

2. IRWIN VISE-GRIP Multi-Tool Wire Strippers 8- inch

Irwin Vise-Grip Multi-Tool Wire Stripper is one of the most efficient and versatile strippers of its kind. This all in one tool lets you perform a wide variety of wire-altering tasks like crimping, cutting, stripping, bending, and looping wires.

Experience

Though upon first glance, the multi-purpose tool features a complex design but, let us tell you that it’s remarkably easy to use. The versatility of functions allows you to use the strippers in different applications. 

Besides using the tool for just stripping the wires, you can also use its quick-release locks, bolt cutters, built-in crimpers, and the plier-styled nose for pulling and looping wires. This wire stripper also showcases an advanced level of construction. It is made up of high-quality materials, which ensures durability and reliability beyond expectations.

Also, like most Irwin appliances, the wire stripper consists of comfortable textured handles with easy-grip design. Thus, the tool can be used extensively without causing strain, fatigue, or injury. Its ergonomic design will help you complete work faster and with more precision. It has fantastic manoeuvrability and strips and cuts 10-22 AWG with great efficiency.

However, some users reported that they faced problems while using the tool on larger wires.

3. Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter

The next recommendation we have for you is the Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper and Cutter. If you want to buy a wire stripper that focuses on accuracy and precision, this tool can be your best choice. It is specially made for working on thin and small wires and is smaller and more compact than most of the wire strippers out there.

Experience

This is a compactly designed tool can be an ideal choice for beginners and professionals alike when it comes to stripping small, thin wires that demand extra care and precision. Also, Klien provides no less than nine separate type and size options, so there will be no problem in finding a model that meets your exact requirements.

Unlike large wire strippers that produce much more force than required to strip small wires, Klein Tools 11057 Wire Stripper provides smooth, accurate cuts.  It removes 20-30 AWG Solid and 22-32 AWG Stranded wires accurately without damaging the cable, which in turn reduces the chances of mistakes.

It features a rubber handle and grooved grips for ease of use and can be used by people with all hand sizes. Also, the product is made of high quality, durable materials that deliver smooth and reliable functioning for years.

Besides its improved quality materials, what really impressed us was its top-notch design and construction style. We also liked the coil spring that provides a reliable and swift self-opening action.

The tool consists of an adjustable head that you can scale down to any size according to the wire you are working on. There’s a small wheel on the unit that allows you to manually adjust the tension, making smaller strip jobs possible.

However, it doesn’t work that well with heavier gauge. So, in case you mostly work with a heavier gauge, you should look for other alternatives. 

But, the positive side over here is that the product does work on certain heavier Romex wires. We tested it with Romex wires of sizes 14/2 and 12/2 and saw it produce impressive results.

This versatile tool also includes a built-in wire cutter and a built-in looper, which features clear markings to help you operate it with ease.

4. Knoweasy Automatic Wire Stripper and Cutter

This colorful and attractive wire stripper is apt for automotive and electrical repairs. It works perfectly on a single-conductor wire and comes with an adjustable stop, which helps you adjust the consistency of the length of the wire strip. You will be able to strip all sizes of wires using the Knoweasy automatic wire stripper.

Experience

If you are looking for a handy wire cutter at an affordable price range, we highly recommend you to buy the Knoweasy Automatic stripper and cutter. 

The unique combination of glass fiber nylon and steel strips makes the product extremely lightweight and compact as compared to most of its competitors. Apart from portraying an innovative combination of durable materials, the product also features an advanced level of construction. 

This cleverly designed tool can deal with cables of all types and sizes without any complicated adjustment. When being used, the tool provides enough power and maneuverability to strip extensive lengths of wire quickly and efficiently.

However, we noticed that it doesn’t deliver desired results if you use it on slippery Teflon surfaces. 

5. Neiko 01924A 3-in-1 Automatic Wire Stripper

This 3 in 1 automatic wire stripper from Neiko surely deserves a special mention in this list due to its gripping teeth that are specifically engineered for precise and accurate cuts. It also consists of an in-built thumb wheel that micro adjusts the jaw tension and makes room for more accurate stripping.

Experience

It surely does become challenging to live up to the buyer’s expectations once you put the tag “three-in-one” in the very name of your product. Fortunately, we have no qualm saying, Neiko certainly delivers what it promises.

It takes out the guesswork of adjusting the blades according to the thickness of the insulation every time. It automatically selects the correct tension of holding the wire, without damaging the fine wires, while pulling the insulation away. 

One just needs to place the wire between its two jaws and use the flip-up stopper to select the required wire length, then gently squeeze to get the work done.

We were especially impressed by spring-loaded handle of this device, which helps you conveniently strip the wires without straining your hand. It has heat-treated, sharp blades, measuring half an inch, that cleanly cut through 10-24 gauge wires. And, it also includes a micro-adjustment wheel for stripping smaller gauge wires beyond 20 AWG.

What’s also impressive is that it gives you the opportunity to crimp wires like a pro! The handle-integrated crimping teeth are capable of crimping 4-22 AWG wire, 7-8 mm auto ignited terminals and 4-22 non-insulated wire smoothly.

It also includes a color-coded guide for insulated wires to guide you through the overall process.

6. ZOTO Wire Stripper, Self-adjusting Cable Cutter Crimper

Zoto Wire strippers boast some attractive designs that stand out in an otherwise ordinary toolbox. It has also got some appealing features up its sleeve. Its ultra-fine jaws smoothly cut wires between 10 and 24 AWG and the stripper comes with a straightforward and effective design that’s easy to hold onto.

Experience

We used several other hand-held wire strippers in this price range before arriving at the conclusion that this one seems to do the job best when it comes to quick wire stripping. Its built-in crimper works fine on insulated wiring of 10-22 AWG and also has the mechanism of self-adjusting to the wire!

The wire stripper is sturdy, well made, and seems like it should last quite some time even under heavy use. The grips/ handles have a non-slip element with a rubbery coating that makes them comfortable to hold, and provide maximum leverage.

Also, the micro-adjusting swivel knob is made of specially heat-treated chromium-vanadium alloy steel that stays sharp for longer periods of time and offers efficient cutting. This can be used to strip wires even smaller than 24 AWG.

7. Hakko CHP-170 Micro Cutter Wire Strippers

This easy-to-use wire stripper is completely padded with soft cushioned handles that are curved in a “dolphin style” for the best grip. It comes with a top-notch internal spring system coupled with the precision blades that provide a smooth cut every time, while the springs play their part to reduce operational fatigue.

Experience

While testing the product, we were particularly pleased to see that Hakko has not compromised on the quality of its products over the years. This wire stripper has a sturdy body made up of 2.5mm heat-treated carbon steel that ensures durability and lasts for a long time. Also, it has a “parkerized surface” that strongly resists corrosion and also prevents glare.

Hakko offers CHP 170 micro soft-wire cutter that effortlessly handles terminal wires up to 16 gauge (1.3mm).  It also has non-slip grips that provide control and comfort, whereas the dolphin-style handles protect the hand from its cutting surfaces.  

We loved the internal spring system that facilitates easy functioning as it returns the tool to its original default position after each cut, eliminating the need to apply much manual effort. This allows you to work for prolonged hours without tiring your hand.

The wire-stripper features 8mm long jaws, and as an added advantage, the jaws are set at a 21-degree angle that makes way for fast-cutting. Another excellent feature of precision-ground holes and surfaces provide smooth movement.

8. WGGE WG-015 Professional Multi-Tool Wire Stripper

WGGE wire strippers are not only effective and durable but are elegantly designed in a bright mix of red and black that adds an extra note of elegance to your toolbox. Also, if you are looking for a cheap yet sturdy wire stripper that will last a few years, this can be an excellent option to consider.

Experience

Many a time, we end up paying hundreds of dollars for just a 10-minute job like mending a fuse or replacing a wire or two of the family heirloom lamp. But with the WGGE professional wire stripper in your toolbox, you will be able to save your hard-earned money and fix those cables yourself, like a true professional.

Let us tell you that the one aspect of this wire stripper that caught our attention was the precision of its cutting holes. The blades are made of durable carbon alloy steel that accurately cuts, loops, and strips 10-22AWG solid copper wire as well as 0.6MM-2.0MM aluminum cables.

And needless to say, we tested the handle for two hours straight to determine its ease of use, and we can assure you it lived up to all our expectations. We found the product to be ergonomically designed with a PP+TPR material for optimal force-transmission. It also felt comfortable in the hand even after extensive use.

Also, it’s just 8 inches in size and weighs 8.2 ounces, which makes it lightweight. So, it’s an apt tool for older people with arthritis or bone-generating diseases.

9. Capri Tools 20011 Wire Stripper and Cutter

After reviewing multiple wire strippers, we have come to this conclusion that the Capri 20011 automatic is the best one for working on strong and tight wires. Its user-friendly stripping blades self adjusts to different gauges automatically, and the pistol-shaped design makes this tool remarkably comfortable to work with.

Experience

The automatic gripping mechanism of the tool is genuinely appreciable. The very shape of the handle ensures that one can exert pressure without much effort, which reduces the strain you would normally feel from this type of work.  

Though it doesn’t have a rubber-handle like the other ones on the list, the pistol-shaped design, and automated grip allows you to work quickly and precisely on various types of cables. You can strip wires from 24-10 AWG with just a single pulling motion, and the built-in wire cutter will completely remove the section of the cable smoothly.

The tool is also convenient to hold and is made of plastic and steel, which makes it lightweight (it weighs just 4 ounces) and is easy to use. This stripper-cum-cutter is a highly versatile product and comes with a stylish and user-friendly design that makes it easy to maneuver.

In short, this one is a must-have for any electrician who wants to finish their job quickly and effortlessly.

10. OYISIYI– Automatic, 8-inch wire stripper

This 3-in-1 tool is quite versatile and can be used as a wire stripper, cutter, as well as a crimper for wires and cable of 10-24 AMU. Also, the self-adjusting jaws and adjustable stopper won all the points by making the whole process of cutting and crimping a lot faster than the rest of its competitors.

Experience

We thoroughly scrutinized the self-adjusting jaws and found that it cuts a wide range of wires (10-24AWG) very smoothly. And, in case you need to use it on wires even smaller than 24AWG, just use the micro-adjusting swivel knob to get your job done. It lets you strip wire as small as 26 AWG. The adjustable stopper perfectly adapts to the length of wire so that you can strip it easily to get the required portion.

The cutter is made up of stainless steel and an anti-skid material. It also comes with insulated handles that offer comfort, protection and reduce hand exhaustion considerably. We believe, once you get adjusted with the remarkable functionalities of the OYISIYI wire stripper, you won’t go back to a traditional wire stripper ever again.

Also, the crimper is designed with bold letters that clearly state the exact terminal that will be appropriate for your specific purpose. This saves a considerable amount of time when you have a lot on your plate and need to finish stripping multiple wires within a short span of time.

And unlike any of its competitors, OYISIYI offers a 3-Year Replacement Warranty on the product (and you don’t even need to return the previous one you have been using).

11. CHANNELLOCK 957 7″ Ergonomic Handle Wire Stripping Tool

You can rest assured that your wire strippers will deliver top-notch performance for many years to come, when you buy them from Channellock. This cable cutter is made up of long-lasting, hardened steel, and is capable of withstanding a fair amount of wear and tear.

Experience

We felt that the most admirable aspect of this wire cutter is its scissor-type blades, which are precision-ground and specially heat-treated to hold their edge. This ensures the blades stay sharp even after rough use and helps you to strip wires with absolute precision and accuracy every time.

Also, to make it user-intuitive, the handles are adorned with laser markings embossed in the metal. It’s equipped with a comfortable rubber grip that is suitable for all hand sizes and strengths and almost doesn’t fatigue your hand at all.

Additionally, it consists of a lean plier nose that makes it easy for the users to pull and loop wires whenever necessary.