Electricians need to keep many different power tools in their tool bags and tool belts. High quality wire cutters and wire strippers will increase the efficiency of professional electricians when they are working. You may also find that you need a set of wire cutters or wire strippers for your home improvement project.

Whether you need standard wire cutters or professional grade wire cutters, there are many different options to choose from. In this guide, we'll discuss what to look for when buying a new pair of wire cutters or wire strippers. For example, if you know that you will be cutting wire more often than stripping it, then you will want wire cutters rather than strippers. In addition, we will give you 8 choices of the best wire stripping tools on the market. 

 

Our selection of the best wire cutters and wire strippers

• Best overall wire stripper/cutter: Klein Tools 11055 Wire Stripper
• Best Wire Cutter: Knipex 74 06 160 Insulated High Leverage Diagonal Wire Cutter
• Best Wire Stripper: Irwin Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool
• Best Wire Crimper: Greenlee KP1022 Terminal Crimping Tool with Molded Handle
• Best Twisting Tool: Felco 1.51mm Safety Twisting Pliers
• Best Automatic Wire Stripper: Knipex 12 12 14 Automatic Wire Stripper
• Best Wire Stripper: Milwaukee 6-in-1 Comfort Grip Combination Pliers
• Best Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper: Knipex 12 40 200 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

 

Do you need a different type of wire cutter?

 

Often, professional electricians need different types of wire cutters to operate all the different wires they encounter on the job. There are a variety of tools available to cut, strip and otherwise manipulate wire, but the right tool will help you be more efficient and productive; most importantly, the right tool can differentiate between high quality and low quality work. The right tool will also allow the electrician to get the job done safely.

 

Wire cutters

 

A wire cutter is an essential item in your toolbox. They are perfect when you need to cut, bend or secure wires while performing electrical work. There are several different types of wire cutters. 

 

• Side cutters: Side wire cutters are cut at an angle, so the edge of the wire will be cut to one side. Side cutters are used to cut wires and other components in electronics. They can also be used to strip the insulation from wires. 
• Cable cutters: Cable cutters are best used for aluminum cables, tensioning wires and cords. Cable cutters are used by professionals and DIY hobbyists alike because they can cut thicker cables. 
• Flush cutters: Flush cutters cut the wire on an even horizontal plane. The side cutter will cut the wire at an angle, while the flush cutter will cut a clean, straight line through the wire.  
• End cutters: End cutters can be used to cut wire, glass, wood, and even concrete. They have very sharp jaws and an almost flat blade head that allows you to cut close to the surface without cutting into it. 
• Diagonal Cutters: These cutters are great for hard-to-reach areas or electronics and jewelry repair. They feature diagonally shaped edges for cutting hard-to-reach wires. 
• Wirework Scissors: These wire cutters have sharp edges and a sturdy surface for easy gripping. What makes these scissors special is that they have an insulated handle, making the lineman feel safer on the job.

 

How to use wire cutters

Depending on what you are using the wire cutters for, there are different steps you need to perform before you start using them. The most important thing to remember is that you should wear protective equipment. You should also turn off the power before you start working. 

 

Here are the steps to take to carry out a wire cutting project

1. When using wire cutters, the first step is to determine what type of wire cutter you need. Most likely, it will be one of the six types listed above. 
2. Next, make sure you have safety equipment on hand. You will need safety glasses and protective gloves. 
3. If you are working with wire, you must make sure the power is turned off while you are working. 
4. If possible, place the wire on a flat surface. This is the safest and most efficient way to work by cutting wires or cords. 
5. Make sure all tools are properly cleaned and dried (use oil every few weeks to keep them in good condition).
6. Start cutting - but remember these are not scissors. Use gentle pressure when cutting different types of wire.

 

Wire stripping pliers

 

What is the difference between wire strippers and wire cutters? The main purpose of wire strippers is to remove the protective coating from the wire so that you can later repair or replace it. There are several different types of wire strippers on the market. 

• Automatic wire strippers: Automatic wire strippers work the same way as they sound. These wire strippers are a hybrid of self-adjusting wire strippers and standard wire strippers. You enter the gauge of the wire, cut it, and it returns to the open position.
• Adjustable wire stripper: This type of wire stripper has a slot in each blade. It has a screw that allows you to set the width of the cut based on the thickness of the wire to be stripped. 
• Gauge wire strippers: Gauge wire strippers are some of the easiest wire strippers to use. The blades have holes, each of which is a different size to accommodate different widths of wire; no adjustment is required. In addition, some standard strippers come with cutters or crimpers, so you don't have to switch tools to strip and cut wires. 
• Self-adjusting strippers: These strippers automatically adjust themselves to different thicknesses of wire. For added convenience, you can use a self-adjusting stripper with a built-in cutter - it's like two tools in one!

 

How to use wire strippers

Depending on what you are using the wire strippers for, there may be different steps to take when using them. Safety precautions are very important in electrical work - always remember your safety glasses and gloves. You will also need to turn off the power before stripping or cutting any wires.  

 

The following are the steps for a wire stripping project.

1. Turn off the power. You can double-check that the circuit is turned off by testing its voltage. 
2. Put on your safety equipment (glasses, gloves and mask or respirator (if needed)). 
3. Hold the wire in a pair of pliers and pick your wire stripper from the types above. 
4. Place the wire between the stripper blades. 
5. Close the stripper blades around the wire and rotate the stripper into place. Do not move the wire itself. Once the blades are gripping the housing, pull the pliers to separate the housing from the wire. If done correctly, the protective casing should come off immediately.

 

Crimping Pliers

 

Crimping pliers are another tool used by professional electricians. They are most often used to place connectors on the end of cables. This tool will crimp one or both materials and eventually hold them together. When you buy a crimper, be sure to check the type of wire or cable it can crimp.

 

How to use a crimping tool

Safety precautions are very important in electrical work, and using crimpers is no exception. It is important to always remember your safety glasses and gloves. You will also need to turn off the power before handling any wires.  

 

The following are the steps for a wire crimping project.

• Place the end of the wire into the crimper and pull back the insulation. 
• Twist the end of the bare wire to make it a denser material. 
• Insert the wire into the connector. 
• Place the connector in the crimper and squeeze down. If the connection is too loose, you can solder the wire to the connector. 
• Seal with electrical tape.

 

Our selection of the best wire cutters and wire strippers

 

Best Integral Wire Stripper / Wire Stripper: Klein Tools 11055 Wire Stripper

Our pick for the best overall wire cutter/stripper is the Klein Tools 11055 Wire Stripper. This Klein wire stripper features a wire loop and bend hole, a coil spring for quick automatic opening, and a precision ground stripping hole. This wire stripper can cut, strip and wind 10-18 AWG solid wire and 12-20 AWG stranded wire. 

Why we chose it: This is the best overall wire cutter we chose because of its features. In addition to its technical features, it has a closure lock for easy storage, a comfortable double-dipped handle, and the flexibility to reach tight areas. 

 

Best Wire Cutter: Knipex 74 06 160 Insulated High-Leverage Diagonal Wire Cutter

Our pick for the best wire cutter on the market is the Knipex Insulated Diagonal Wire Cutter. This wire cutter has an integrated forged spindle for heavy-duty cutting. It is also suitable for cutting any type of wire, including piano wire. 

Why we chose it: The angle of this wire cutter allows the cutting of hard-to-reach wires. The high cutting performance makes it easy to get your wire cutting job done. 

 

Best Wire Stripping Pliers: Irwin Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool

The best wire stripper on the market is the Irwin Vise-Grip wire stripping tool. This wire stripper can strip 10 to 24 AWG wire. It has an adjustable stopper for core strip length control. It includes a rotary knob for fine adjustment for gauges smaller than 20 AWG. 

Why we chose it: We chose this tool for several reasons. It has a ProTouch handle for comfort while you work. It also includes a wire cutter, adding to its versatility. You can use this tool for several electrical jobs. 

 

Best Wire Crimper: Greenlee KP1022 Terminal Crimping Tool with Molded Handle

Our choice for the best wire crimper is the Greenlee KP1022 crimping tool. This crimping tool has two die positions so you can crimp both insulated and non-insulated terminals and connectors. Precision machined and hardened blades make wire cutting easy for you. 

Why we chose it: This tool is easy to use on the job. The smooth pivoting action makes it easy to use this tool with just one hand. Not only that, but the quality of the steel it uses will provide long-lasting use. The double cushioned handle keeps your hands at ease. 

 

Best Twisting Tool: Felco 1.51mm Safety Twist Pliers

The Felco Safety Twister is our choice for the best wire twisting tool. This tool features a slant nose, reversible twist, high carbon alloy steel forging and spring return for easier and faster work. 

Why we chose it: This 3-in-1 tool allows you to do multiple jobs easily and efficiently. With the Felco Safety Twist Pliers, you can quickly and easily clamp, twist and cut safety wire. It's a versatile tool that helps you make reliable, safe wiring.

 

Best Automatic Wire Stripper: Knipex 12 12 14 Automatic Wire Stripper

Our choice for the best automatic wire stripper is the Knipex Automatic Wire Stripper. Made of steel, this Knipex wire stripper is durable enough to strip the thickest protective layer on your wires. The tool also has a second pair of blades that will hold the insulation in place for you. 

Why we chose it: This tool allows you to maximize your productivity while working. It's a versatile tool, so you don't need a lot of other tools to get the job done. It's convenient, durable and long-lasting. 

 

Best Wire Stripper: Milwaukee 6-in-1 Comfort Grip Combination Pliers

The best wire strippers on the market are the Milwaukee 6-in-1 Comfort Grip pliers. These combination wire strippers feature a forged double-ended design for better functionality. These pliers are heavy-duty enough to cut #6 and #8 bolts, and they also feature a rotary lock design for one-handed use. This tool cuts, clamps, strips and smooths. 

Why we chose it: These Milwaukee wire strippers provide maximum productivity for your electrical work. This 6-in-1 tool is perfect for the toughest job sites. It's lightweight, yet extremely durable and will last a long time with regular use. 

 

Best Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper: Knipex 12 40 200 Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

Knipex self-adjusting wire strippers are our pick for the best self-adjusting wire strippers on the market. This can be used for single, multi-strand and fine stranded wire with standard plastic or rubber insulation. The tool can cut single strand copper and aluminum wire up to 7 AWG (multi-strand) and up to 10 AWG.

Why we chose it: This self-adjusting stripper automatically adapts to the cable you're using, which helps prevent damage to the conductor. It can also be manually adjusted for different insulation materials. It is lightweight and has a smooth running mechanism.