CK wire strippers... are they worth it?

[HappyHippyDad]

I'm always on the look out for a tool that makes the working life easier.

At present, I strip the cable the way I expect most of you do. Side cutters first to snip the end of the cable (exposing the cpc) then pull back the cpc to the required length, then cut off grey outer sheathing, leaving the 3 conductors with just the basic insulation on.

I have no experience with the CK automatic wire strippers, are they worth it? In particular are they quicker than the standard method, also are they easier on the wrists? Or, are they too big and cumbersome and more of a gimmick?

Also, any other automatic wire strippers that are just as good or better?

Oh yes... one last thing.... Can you use them on round flex cable to remove the outer insulation?

C.K Automatic Wire Stripper

Save time while working on electrical tasks using the C.K Automatic Wire Stripper. This versatile product is suitable for stripping both flat and round cables and wires. All it takes is two clicks to remove the outer sheath, as well as extracting the inner conductors in a cable.The tool is...

www.toolstation.com

 

[Mike Johnson]

Further to your Jokari thread, I have those as well, but prefer the Jokari.

 

[ChipFanDave]

They are £19 so why not just give them a go. I have had a set that I use most days for about 16 years, they were replaced last year due to me dropping them whilst up a ladder and the end of one handle shattering when it hit the concrete. I bought another set the same day. You can use them by scoring the flex with a knife first. If it thin outer sheath then no need to score it first.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I do find the CK strippers leave an ugly birds mouth on the sheath, but the jokari do not?

 

[telectrix]

for round flex use a rotary stripper for the sheath. but this shows on basic insulation .

 

[nicebutdim]

Further to your Jokari thread, I have those as well, but prefer the Jokari.

I've never used Jokari strippers, but that style always stuck me as being practical for their ability to reach right into back boxes etc.

 

[Dartlec]

I'm always on the look out for a tool that makes the working life easier.

At present, I strip the cable the way I expect most of you do. Side cutters first to snip the end of the cable (exposing the cpc) then pull back the cpc to the required length, then cut off grey outer sheathing, leaving the 3 conductors with just the basic insulation on.

I have no experience with the CK automatic wire strippers, are they worth it? In particular are they quicker than the standard method, also are they easier on the wrists? Or, are they too big and cumbersome and more of a gimmick?

Also, any other automatic wire strippers that are just as good or better?

Oh yes... one last thing.... Can you use them on round flex cable to remove the outer insulation?

C.K Automatic Wire Stripper

Save time while working on electrical tasks using the C.K Automatic Wire Stripper. This versatile product is suitable for stripping both flat and round cables and wires. All it takes is two clicks to remove the outer sheath, as well as extracting the inner conductors in a cable.The tool is...

www.toolstation.com

I have been a convert to the CK ones for several years now - go through 1 every 6-9 months.

I use them mostly for stripping the sheath of T&E, or flex up to 1.5mm (2.5mm 3 core is possible but a very tight fit) - they work perfectly for both in my experience. They will also strip cores, though I mostly use my knipex pliers now for cores.

On some older cables (or cheaper news ones), the sheath 'sticks' so they don't work as well, but on the Prysmian I usually buy it works perfectly.

The only downside is that you can't trim close inside backboxes - for that I have a Jokari, though I find it fiddly to use to avoid damaging the core insulation - that is probably just practise though.

They don't strip rubber flex very well either, because it's too flexible - I use a knipex ergostrip for that - not that I like my gadgets or anything!

 

[HappyHippyDad]

I have been a convert to the CK ones for several years now - go through 1 every 6-9 months.

I use them mostly for stripping the sheath of T&E, or flex up to 1.5mm (2.5mm 3 core is possible but a very tight fit) - they work perfectly for both in my experience. They will also strip cores, though I mostly use my knipex pliers now for cores.

On some older cables (or cheaper news ones), the sheath 'sticks' so they don't work as well, but on the Prysmian I usually buy it works perfectly.

The only downside is that you can't trim close inside backboxes - for that I have a Jokari, though I find it fiddly to use to avoid damaging the core insulation - that is probably just practise though.

They don't strip rubber flex very well either, because it's too flexible - I use a knipex ergostrip for that - not that I like my gadgets or anything!

Thanks for that Dartlec, some good information.

 

[pirate]

CK fan here too...used mine for a few years, mainly for t&e to remove sheath and insulation quickly. Well worth the small price. Agree not so good for close work in back boxes, so i use a different type for that. Also agree some dubious quality cables seem to "stick" but good quality cable is fine. If you have used a lubricant when pulling the t&e then the strippers will slip and not work so well.

 

[SparkySy]

I have those CK strippers and find them very useful but I got these from the last Elex show and have used them more than I use the ck one now. Other makes are available!

Quickwire WIRE CABLE STRIPPERS QFKZ-01

The Quickwire QFKZ- 01 is a Automatic Wire Stripper which is suitable to be used for PVC insulated flat cables with widths of up to 12mm and diameters up to 2.5mm,such as twin and earth.

www.superlecdirect.com

I also have the knipex ergostrip and that is a great tool as well oh and a jokari rotary stripping tool that is great for swa and the likes too!
Sy

 

[Lister1987]

Started with a pair of £6 Aldi auto strippers (same design as CK and they performed very well,lasted just over a year before I replaced them with the CK version, same job, smoother operation than that Aldi but worth it.

 

[pc1966]

I have one of the CK strippers and its great for T&E. Sort of works for some round cables as well.

Would like to find a reliable and simple way to strip H07RN-F as still using Stanley knife for sheath but requires quite a bit of care to avoid nicking the primary insulation.

 

[Lister1987]

Trying to find the same style that works for singles/non-T&E, I've got a Knipex ergo strip but I just like the style of the autostrippers

 

[telectrix]

I have one of the CK strippers and its great for T&E. Sort of works for some round cables as well.

Would like to find a reliable and simple way to strip H07RN-F as still using Stanley knife for sheath but requires quite a bit of care to avoid nicking the primary insulation.

rotary stripper. select depth of cut by trial a end of cable. then adjust if needed.

 

[pc1966]

rotary stripper. select depth of cut by trial a end of cable. then adjust if needed.

I have one of those style of tool and use it on the hard-ish plastic cover of Flexishield very well. Just not tried it on the rubber stuff as it seemed to grip quite tightly and felt it would simply twist the whole lot round.