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Stripping insulation from wires is a task that DIYers and builders have to perform regularly, but it’s not an easy skill to learn, and there’s room for things to make a real mess, especially when the wires are thin and break easily. Let’s go
Too: How to fix broken wires the easy way – with heat-shrink butt connectors
I got a good example of this the other day when someone asked me for advice. In the process of removing insulation from wires connected to a component, he accidentally severed the wires and shortened them too much to be used. Nothing that some precision soldering couldn’t fix, but still, a hiccup they could do without.
Here’s how to strip wires the easy way. In fact, I’ll show you two ways.
Method 1: Using Snips
You will need some good micro cutters to use this method. here i am using Knipex Electronic SnipsBut any good quality snips can do the trick (you can buy a pack of five for about $12).
ZDNET Recommends
Knipex 125mm Electronic Super Knife
Super fast, safe up to 1000V, and will last a long time if not abused!
First, I use snips to nibble off a small section of insulation, breaking the surface but not going all the way down to the conductor.
Next, I put the blade of the snips over the spot where I stripped off the insulation, apply a little bit of gentle pressure to the snip – enough to grab the insulation, but not enough to cut the wire – and then Apply pressure my thumb to the back of the bite.
Thumb pressure on the snip should send insulation flying a short distance (hopefully you won’t find it in your coffee later!).
and you’re done!
Method 2: Using a Cable Stripper Tool
If you have a lot of wire to strip, there’s nothing better than a dedicated cable stripper. This nipex cable stripper Not cheap, but it’s loaded with all kinds of features, from the ability to strip insulation from wires of different diameters to safely cutting the outer sheathing off cables. There is also a hidden blade for trimming.
The most important advantage is its ability to strip the insulation without damaging the conductor wire.
ZDNET Recommends
Knipex Universal Cable Stripper
Stripping tool for cross-sectional cables and an additional blade for longitudinal cuts.
When in doubt, choose a larger size and work down until you find one that grabs the insulation without cutting into the wire underneath.
Press the stripping tool down on the wire and rotate.
Apply pressure to push the tool away from the wire to remove the insulation.
The insulation will break down, sliding along the wire, causing no damage to the conductor.
The tool grabs a bit of insulation so it doesn’t end up in your coffee!
