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Tools Hand Tools

Best Wire Stripping Tools

Jennifer Manfrin
Written by Jennifer Manfrin

Jennifer has a decade-plus of experience testing the best products on the market, leading her neighbors to ask if she ever stops vacuuming.

Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Irwin VISE-GRIP Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
Irwin
VISE-GRIP Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

A powerful tool that outperforms the competitors on nearly every front – precise cutting ability, comfortable operation, and attractive mid-range price. The best available.

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Bottom Line

A powerful tool that outperforms the competitors on nearly every front – precise cutting ability, comfortable operation, and attractive mid-range price. The best available.

Pros

Designed to be both powerful and easy to use – adjusts on its own to accommodate wire gauge. Long, coated handles provide excellent leverage. Made to last for life – backed by the manufacturer if it doesn't.

Cons

Performs best on larger wires, but most users didn't have issues working on a variety of sizes. The instructions that come with it are somewhat vague.

Best Bang for the Buck
Capri Tools Professional Wire Stripper
Capri Tools
Professional Wire Stripper

A solid tool for a solid deal – you get reliability, performance, and durability that make this model's lower price an even better value.

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Bottom Line

A solid tool for a solid deal – you get reliability, performance, and durability that make this model's lower price an even better value.

Pros

Quality tool and an unbeatable price – it's lightweight yet powerful with a sleek, easy-to-operate design. It's also easy to use if you have small hands.

Cons

The grips have the tendency to slip off the handles. Not for seriously heavy-duty jobs, but performs well on most types of wires.

Klein Tools Katupult Wire Stripper
Klein Tools
Katupult Wire Stripper

A good tool for most tasks, but you may want to consider others we tested if you need strippers for smaller wire or if you want to save some money on the price.

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Bottom Line

A good tool for most tasks, but you may want to consider others we tested if you need strippers for smaller wire or if you want to save some money on the price.

Pros

Boasts craftsmanship that stands the test of time – the solid stripping mechanism stays sharp even with frequent use. Hand grips provide both comfort and no-slip traction and handles don't require extreme hand strength. Lifetime warranty.

Cons

Users found this model to be a bit awkward when working with thinner wire. It's also a bit pricey.

Neiko Ultimate Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
Neiko
Ultimate Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper

Has some flaws – consider other models on our shortlist if you are looking for better quality or a value buy.

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Bottom Line

Has some flaws – consider other models on our shortlist if you are looking for better quality or a value buy.

Pros

Feels rugged and sturdy. Capable of self-adjusting to a variety of wire sizes. Coated, flat-sided handles provide added leverage. Falls on the middle of the price spectrum.

Cons

Somewhat large and heavy, which makes it awkward to use for intricate tasks. Confusing – often requires several attempts to place wires in the tool for precise cutting and stripping. Doesn't work best for thick, tough wires.

Platinum Tools All-in-One Wire Stripper
Platinum Tools
All-in-One Wire Stripper

If you are looking for an alternative to larger, more powerful wire strippers for smaller jobs, this is the one to buy – otherwise check out others on our shortlist.

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Bottom Line

If you are looking for an alternative to larger, more powerful wire strippers for smaller jobs, this is the one to buy – otherwise check out others on our shortlist.

Pros

A lightweight, compact tool-fits in your hand. Offers a basic design – not complicated to use. Has streamlined handles that resist slipping.

Cons

Not ideal for major tasks. Best for the do-it-yourselfer or projects around the house. A bit costly considering the limitations.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
October 30, 2021
62
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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The team that worked on this review
Our Top Picks
Irwin
Best of the Best
Irwin
VISE-GRIP Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
Bottom Line
A powerful tool that outperforms the competitors on nearly every front – precise cutting ability, comfortable operation, and attractive mid-range price. The best available.
Shop Now
Capri Tools
Best Bang for the Buck
Capri Tools
Professional Wire Stripper
Bottom Line
A solid tool for a solid deal – you get reliability, performance, and durability that make this model's lower price an even better value.
Shop Now
Klein Tools
Top Pick
Klein Tools
Katupult Wire Stripper
Bottom Line
A good tool for most tasks, but you may want to consider others we tested if you need strippers for smaller wire or if you want to save some money on the price.
Shop Now
Neiko
Top Pick
Neiko
Ultimate Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
Bottom Line
Has some flaws – consider other models on our shortlist if you are looking for better quality or a value buy.
Shop Now
Platinum Tools
Top Pick
Platinum Tools
All-in-One Wire Stripper
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an alternative to larger, more powerful wire strippers for smaller jobs, this is the one to buy – otherwise check out others on our shortlist.
Shop Now
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