good pair of snips......bahco,..nws,..knipex...etc....and good judgement...should be able to "flick" the insulation off without damaging the conductor beneath.....you can even flick off the grey sheathing on 1mm and 1.5mm flat T&E when at room temprature....just have to know how much pressure to apply when doing so....thats all....so buy a pair of snips that "feel right" when you use them.....