CK Automatic or Irwin Vise Grip Wire Strippers?

[midiman]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience of any of these tools?

Some people say that the Irwin ones are better quality.

Thanks

 

[sevuk]

Klein tools automatic wire strippers are a LOT better than the CK version. I've never been convinced before, but saw a guy demo them and they are phenomenal. Must pick up some at some point, I think you can only get them at CEF.

 

[pirate]

and the Klein ones are currently on offer at CEF, for £22.50 plus vat which is an ok deal, methinks...instore purchase only.

 

[sevuk]

and the Klein ones are currently on offer at CEF, for £22.50 plus vat which is an ok deal, methinks...instore purchase only.

I might have to nab that.

 

[rsgaz]

The Irwin ones can't fit 1.25mm² flex in them. I had to grind a little bit off the jaws to be able to cram it in there.

 

[midiman]

CEF are only by me so I could pop in and get some.

The Irwins are automatic too and have some good reviews.

Self Adjusting Wire Stripper / Cutter | CEF - http://www.cef.co.uk/catalogue/products/4226136-self-adjusting-wire-stripper-cutter?q=wire+strippers

Irwin Vise Grip Self Adjusting Wire Stripper and Crimpers VIS2078300 - https://www.sealantsandtoolsdirect.co.uk/manufacturers/irwin_tools/irwin_vise_grip_self_adjusting_wire_stripper_and_crimpers_vis2078300_P28706.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7ZCG2c_e1wIVzLDtCh1Jww6MEAQYASABEgKDQPD_BwE

Thanks

 

[midiman]

The Irwin ones can't fit 1.25mm² flex in them. I had to grind a little bit off the jaws to be able to cram it in there.

I would like something that is generally capable of stripping 1mm - 2.5mm.

 

[Pete999]

Klein tools automatic wire strippers are a LOT better than the CK version. I've never been convinced before, but saw a guy demo them and they are phenomenal. Must pick up some at some point, I think you can only get them at CEF.

I would like something that is generally capable of stripping 1mm - 2.5mm.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CK-Electri...1782032&sr=8-1&keywords=ck+electricians+knife
Best wire stripper going

 

[sevuk]

I would like something that is generally capable of stripping 1mm - 2.5mm.

C.K VDE CombiCutter 3 160mm - https://www.screwfix.com/p/c-k-vde-combicutter-3-160mm/31773

this will do it

 

[midiman]

C.K VDE CombiCutter 3 160mm - https://www.screwfix.com/p/c-k-vde-combicutter-3-160mm/31773

this will do it

Will they do the out sheathing too?

I like the look the of the automatic ones because you can put a bit of cable in and strip it down to the inner cores.

 

[Pete999]

Will they do the out sheathing too?

I like the look the of the automatic ones because you can put a bit of cable in and strip it down to the inner cores.

The CK knife will

 

[sevuk]

Yeah the combi cutter wont do the sheath, you'd have to pull the earth back and then cut the split sheath out. Not very neat, but that's how most people do it.

 

[Pete999]

Yeah the combi cutter wont do the sheath, you'd have to pull the earth back and then cut the split sheath out. Not very neat, but that's how most people do it.

Do it the proper way:with a decent folding knife or an Electricians knife

 

[midiman]

Yeah the combi cutter wont do the sheath, you'd have to pull the earth back and then cut the split sheath out. Not very neat, but that's how most people do it.

The videos show you it cutting the outer sheath from the cable.

 

[Pete999]

The videos show you it cutting the outer sheath from the cable.

All very nice if all you want to do is strip 2inches of outer sheath, how about stripping longer cables, as in a CU install? not very practical really are they, a waste of hard earned, and I'm a tool tart, wouldn't insult my tool bag with a pair of those,

 

[Deleted member 26818]

As far as I am aware, all these automatic wire strippers are the same.
Bought a SnapOn pair in 2003/4, never use them.

 

[Pete999]

As far as I am aware, all these automatic wire strippers are the same.
Bought a SnapOn pair in 2003/4, never use them.

Complete waste of money imo.

 

[midiman]

All very nice if all you want to do is strip 2inches of outer sheath, how about stripping longer cables, as in a CU install? not very practical really are they, a waste of hard earned, and I'm a tool tart, wouldn't insult my tool bag with a pair of those,

True.

But I wouldn't have any fingers left I used a knife like the one you showed me.

 

[Pete999]

True.

But I wouldn't have any fingers left I used a knife like the one you showed me.

perfect tool for stripping PVC/PVC you just need a bit of practice, don't use a Stanley type far to sharp

 

[Deleted member 26818]

These are fine for flat cable, not so good for round.
Also quite delicate, need to be kept in a case or box.
Prefer the Jokari type strippers.

 

[midiman]

This man is using a Klein knife.

 

[Pete999]

This man is using a Klein knife.

American cable is different from the UK,

 

[midiman]

These are fine for flat cable, not so good for round.
Also quite delicate, need to be kept in a case or box.
Prefer the Jokari type strippers.

They look interesting and have some good reviews.

It's a bit of a hybrid design and looks safer to use than an open knife.

So it could work for me.

 

[midiman]

CK is going for £15.45 at Toolstation.

C.K Automatic Wire Stripper - Toolstation - https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p42984

 

[Pete999]

CK is going for £15.45 at Toolstation.

C.K Automatic Wire Stripper - Toolstation - https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p42984

That would be 15 and a half quid wasted

 

[midiman]

That would be 15 and a half quid wasted

How about :

CK Jokari T30140 Flat Cable Stripper - Hand Tools & Storage, Strippers, Cable - https://www.tool-net.co.uk/p-373363/ck-jokari-t30140.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-qPd7o_f1wIV7grTCh24sAeUEAYYAyABEgLXB_D_BwE

 

[Pete999]

How about :

CK Jokari T30140 Flat Cable Stripper - Hand Tools & Storage, Strippers, Cable - https://www.tool-net.co.uk/p-373363/ck-jokari-t30140.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-qPd7o_f1wIV7grTCh24sAeUEAYYAyABEgLXB_D_BwE

Nope 20 quid wasted so far that's 35 notes wasted on useless tools

 

[rsgaz]

how about stripping longer cables

You can just do it multiple times up the cable, say 3 inches apart, then pull the bits of sheath off individually.

 

[Pete999]

You can just do it multiple times up the cable, say 3 inches apart, then pull the bits of sheath off individually.

3 inches apart? come on mate get real.

 

[rsgaz]

I just tried it on some 2.5 T&E, it will happily do 8 inches in one go and you can still pull the sheath off easily.

The reason I said 3 inches before is that the more you strip off in one go, the more of a slight mark it leaves on the remaining sheath, so it's better to do more short bites, than one big bite. So if you want a really long strip, only the last one needs to be a short piece.

So, you could strip, say, 24 inches off, sheath pulled off also, in less than 5 seconds.

 

[Pete999]

I just tried it on some 2.5 T&E, it will happily do 8 inches in one go and you can still pull the sheath off easily.

The reason I said 3 inches before is that the more you strip off in one go, the more of a slight mark it leaves on the remaining sheath, so it's better to do more short bites, than one big bite. So if you want a really long strip, only the last one needs to be a short piece.

So, you could strip, say, 24 inches off, sheath removed also, in less than 5 seconds.

Like I said get real, do the job properly as an Electrician would, imagine you have say 12 suitably sized cables that the mickey mouse strippers can accommodate, how long is your method going to take you? they are expensive gimmicks mate, nothing more nothing less, designed to take lots of pound notes from inexperienced people.

 

[rsgaz]

how long is your method going to take you?

Much, much less time than using a knife. And zero chance of nicking the insulation.

 

[HandySparks]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience of any of these tools?

Some people say that the Irwin ones are better quality.

Thanks

Yes. The CK ones are good. They'll strip both the sheath and the cores of 1.0 to 2.5 T&E/3C&E. The only time I don't use them is stripping sheath off close to a backbox where there isn't enough room for them.

They will fail if the sheath is firmly stuck to the insulation (they'll take the insulation off with the sheath), but then that would be the same for any automatic stripper.

The Irwin ones look identical, apart from the colour.

 

[Pete999]

Much, much less time than using a knife. And zero chance of nicking the insulation.

You do it your way mate and I'll do it mine, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it.

 

[midiman]

I think it could all be down to personal choice here and each tool and methods has it's merits.

So I'm stuck unless I can try them all before parting with my money.

I like the look of the automatic stripper and some of them have really good reviews.

But Pete is right if it can only strip 2 inches from the cable end. That wouldn't be ideal because I may need to strip 4 inches away etc...

Maybe it's a case of one size doesn't fit all and I may need a stripper and a knife.

 

[rsgaz]

if it can only strip 2 inches from the cable end. That wouldn't be ideal because I may need to strip 4 inches away etc...

See my post, number 30, first line.

 

[ELECNEWT]

You do it your way mate and I'll do it mine, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it.

Stan Laurel agrees.

 

[HandySparks]

Maybe it's a case of one size doesn't fit all and I may need a stripper and a knife.

Yes, you need a knife, if only because the stripper won't do all cable types and sizes, but the stripper has its place too.

 

[NDG Elecs]

Yes, you need a knife, if only because the stripper won't do all cable types and sizes, but the stripper has its place too.

I use a Knipex dismantling tool for flex, a complete God send in my view. It's very good for alarm cables too.
For twin I generally plier-nibble and pull (terrible behaviour....) or carefully and gently score along the middle with a Stanley. Tried a sparks knife and couldn't get to grips with it..should maybe give it another go sometime..

KN 16 95 01 SB - KNIPEX ErgoStrip Universal Dismantling Tool - https://m.reichelt.com/gb/en/?LANGUAGE=EN&CTYPE=0&MWSTFREE=0&CCOUNTRY=447&ARTICLE=167905&PROVID=2788&wt_guka=22596845777_79177425377&PROVID=2788&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjO_QBRC4ARIsAD2FsXMHoXdhraE0lA_u12gGSQ0D2ohTRRZgXyZCzWpLSH4uCgAeoAIpWO0aAoRUEALw_wcB

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I think the Knipex stripper is a poor substitute for the Jokari.
CK Jokari T30900 Allrounder Cable Stripper - Hand Tools & Storage, Strippers, Cable - https://www.tool-net.co.uk/p-406743/ck-jokari-t30900-allrounder-cable-stripper.html