Favorite wire strippers and why :flipoff2:

I have like 3 of these (http://www.amazon.com/GB-SE-92-Strip-Automatic-Stripper/dp/B00004WLKZ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1256674762&sr=1-5) and for the $ they are my favorite.

Have to say these as well, very fast and always do a perfect job.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/21800/21744.JPG

What about Wire Crimpers

Looking at upgrading wire crimpers...

Anyone have any exp. with these http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-18920-Ratcheting-Terminal/dp/B0002STTTI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1256675290&sr=1-2 or any other ratchet style ones?

I have the MSD version of those tool aid ones at work. They work awesome, perfect crimp every time. However, combine those with your preferred type of stripper and some sort of side cutter and you need 3 tools to get the job done. It kinda gets to be a pain in the ass. Most of the time i just grab my channel lock all in one electrical pliers to save time. But they don't crimp as nice as the MSD ones. Hope that helps

Mike

What about Wire Crimpers

Looking at upgrading wire crimpers...

Anyone have any exp. with these http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-18920-Ratcheting-Terminal/dp/B0002STTTI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1256675290&sr=1-2 or any other ratchet style ones?

We had a pair of racheting crimpers at the last place I work. The next time I have to do any wiring at home I'm going to pick up some. They were awesome.

We had a pair of racheting crimpers at the last place I work. The next time I have to do any wiring at home I'm going to pick up some. They were awesome.
Anybody know of a pair of calibrated crimpers with red handles.

Every set of automatic strippers I've ever had are cheap garbage,(even the expensive ones)

I've got a pair of snap on ones, with crimpers and needle nose pliers built in, I love them, strip the wire and twist it with the tip.

I also have a set up Mac ratcheting crimpers, one of the nicest tools I own. Just like the ones pictured, but red handles, and mine are in a kit with a torch and a set of auto strippers. You can set the tension level depending on what you're crimping, just squeeze till it skips and you're done.

I have several of these in different sizes:
http://www.action-electronics.com/grc/xc104cgv.jpg

But I usually end up just using these for stripping and crimping. I used to use them a lot when I was a car audio installer, which is probably why my carpel tunnel is so bad.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/28000/27938.JPG

i use these

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41BH83YD0TL._SS500_.jpg

i can usually get them to strip 6ga

What about Wire Crimpers

Looking at upgrading wire crimpers...

Anyone have any exp. with these http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Aid-18920-Ratcheting-Terminal/dp/B0002STTTI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1256675290&sr=1-2 or any other ratchet style ones?

I just something similar from knipex, I cant wait to use them on the wiring job im doing for some piaa lights. The best part is I got them from fastenal, and they where at least 30$ cheaper then buying online

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1299&groupID=1320

I got these to strip the wires. I really like how you can set the wire strip length so that each strip is the same length. This is really helpfull when im doing a mill spec style wire crimp. It has to be the right length each time. I just set the back gauge and im good to go

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1363&groupID=1379

I just something similar from knipex, I cant wait to use them on the wiring job im doing for some piaa lights. The best part is I got them from fastenal, and they where at least 30$ cheaper then buying online

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1299&groupID=1320

I got these to strip the wires. I really like how you can set the wire strip length so that each strip is the same length. This is really helpfull when im doing a mill spec style wire crimp. It has to be the right length each time. I just set the back gauge and im good to go

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1363&groupID=1379

OOOOH NOO NOT KNIPEX :flipoff2:

So easy to spend a couple hundred bucks on their stuff, so very nice!

Just added a few new tools to my collection from them too.

I have several of these in different sizes:
http://www.action-electronics.com/grc/xc104cgv.jpg

But I usually end up just using these for stripping and crimping. I used to use them a lot when I was a car audio installer, which is probably why my carpel tunnel is so bad.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/28000/27938.JPG

yep me to! used them every day in the shop for years and still prefer them today both those strippers and klien cutter/crimper

yep me to! used them every day in the shop for years and still prefer them today both those strippers and klien cutter/crimper

I think the crimpers I have now are Kleins and they are just as good as the Snapons. I killed 2 Snapons back in the day. :smokin:

I have a set I 'stole' from Uhaul in college. They have lasted 15 years so far. I'll have to look at what brand they are.

yep me to! used them every day in the shop for years and still prefer them today both those strippers and klien cutter/crimper

X3.....I have blue handled set that is over 8 years old and still stips wire like new. Bolt cutters still work great after hundreds of SS bolts being cut off with them.

Have to say these as well, very fast and always do a perfect job.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/OBJECTS/21800/21744.JPG

I use this style as well, works great.

Kliens for strippers (the blue curved handle ones), T&B for crimpers if your talking about for stakons - they have orange and black handles.

Have had the same Ideal Strippers for going on 5 years now. Use them every day. Cat# 45-615. Wouldn't trade them for anything and yes I have tried other brands and styles but I like my Ideals. Personally I hate the mechanical strippers. They are too bulky to carry around in your pouch or pocket and are worthless for getting into tight places.

And another vote for the basic T&B Crimper. I think I have at least 5 pairs that I have collected from old timers who get the new pair out of the terminal kit boxes :flipoff2:

I have several of these in different sizes:
http://www.action-electronics.com/grc/xc104cgv.jpg



x3,
tho I buy the Craftsman ones now (exactly the same), so I can bring them back when they wear out.

I strip and crimp all day every day. I own just about every type of stripper and crimper made.

My favorites right now,

strippers: WCS190A from Matco tools.
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2323


crimpers: WT112M from Thomas and Betts
http://www.drillspot.com/products/73941/Sta-Kon_WT112M_Crimping_Plier

The T&B crimpers are absolutly the best there is, there are alot that look the same or close, but none compare.

I have a set I 'stole' from Uhaul in college. They have lasted 15 years so far. I'll have to look at what brand they are.

Found 'em:

T&B #T2000

http://www.specialized.net/specialized/Assets/ProductImages/272X195_PLI.jpg

http://www.specialized.net/Specialized/Thomas--Betts-StaKon-Cut-Strip-Crimp-Pliers-2610-AWG-WT2000-2213.aspx

I have 4 complete vehicle re-wires on 'em. And I used them almost every day for 3 years in college at Uhaul...

I'd like to get a new pair, but I didn't realaize they cost $40! I figured they would be the bottom of the line...

I only use Klien tools for stuff like wire stripping.

I carry a couple pairs of these of each flavor

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/11055_ICON.JPG

http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R0161329A7A538500542A045+PRD+ENG

I also carry these for romex, works like a charm

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/K1210_ICON.JPG

http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R0161329A7A538500542A045+PRD+ENG

For crimping I use these

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/1005_icon.jpg

http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R0161329C7D63F500F36A045+PRD+ENG

I only use Klien tools for stuff like wire stripping.



I am the same way. My Klien strippers and crimpers get put to work and they keep on going. I wouldn't waste my time or money buying anything else. Those automatic strippers are garbage no matter how nice of ones I have tried.

Those automatic strippers are garbage no matter how nice of ones I have tried.

I wasn't going to say anything but I won't even use the high dollar versions, I've tried the Klien and hated them with a passion. I work with a lot of 16 and small gauge wire so I rather use good cutting strippers to do it right. I really don't do much of any crimping, everything we do is soldered but I keep the crimping/cutting dykes with me all the time.

If anyone is interested I've never used a better small pair of all around cutters than Xuron's 2175 Orange handle cutters. I always have a pair on me at work and I try to keep a new pair in my tool box for when somebody walks off with them. For cutting copper or any kind of stranded soft metal wire they're the best, they also flush cut so they'll leave a cable tie cut smooth without the razor sharp edges that we all love. :laughing:

http://www.progresstool.com/prod_images_blowup/sb-72175-b.jpg

http://www.xuron.com/industrial/shears_profiles/images/2175.jpg

If you take care of them they last a long time, I never do so they always end up with notches in the cutting surface and are replaced. I have 5 or 6 pairs of old ones in the garage hanging around.

I am the same way. My Klien strippers and crimpers get put to work and they keep on going. I wouldn't waste my time or money buying anything else. Those automatic strippers are garbage no matter how nice of ones I have tried.

This. X3

I am the same way. My Klien strippers and crimpers get put to work and they keep on going. I wouldn't waste my time or money buying anything else. Those automatic strippers are garbage no matter how nice of ones I have tried.

I'm all set with Klein,
I'll keep my money, and they can keep what they pass off as tools these days.

HD2000-9NE's were my favorite plyers,
hardened steel (tougher than standard 213's), orange handle 9" side cutters.
http://www.acetoolonline.com/v/vspfiles/photos/KLE-HD2000-9NE-2T.jpg
http://www.acetoolonline.com/Klein-HD2000-9NE-2000-Series-Side-Cutting-Pliers-p/kle-hd2000-9ne.htm

I'd get 3, or 4 years out of a pair, then retire them to break in a new pair.

Then maybe 10 years ago I got my first 'junk' pair.
Teeth wore out after a few months, cutters went out shortly after that.
I nursed them along for a few more months, then replaced them.
Then I got the second junk pair. :rolleyes:
I thought it might be a Home Depot thing, so I went back to Sears for the next pair,
2 weeks after I bought them, one side of the head broke right off.
Sears replaced them (eventually), and that replacement pair was done in under a year like the last few pairs.

I tried a set of Snap-On's (actually not much more more $$ @$50),
great plyers, but the handles suck.

So I dug out all my old retired 'good' Klein's, and have been burning through those for the last few years.
I'm down to the last pair now that still has good cutters,
not sure what I'll do next, but I won't be buying Kleins.

Doing electrical work for 15+ years.

Ideal is the only wire strippers I'll buy and Klein is the only thing I'll use for cutting and crimping small wire, 3awg and smaller.

Strippers
http://www.idealindustries.com/products/tools_totes/wire_strippers/reflex_premium_t-stripper.jsp

Crimpers
http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R01438D0320D23000238A052+PRD+ENG

i have a pair of these that ive used the dog shit out of and they still work awesome !
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-900031/?image=large
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/prod/large/sum-900031_inuse.jpg

I like these MAC ones too for tighter areas
http://www.mactools.com/product/tabid/120/p-320699-wsbwst.aspx
http://www.mactools.com/Portals/1/aspdnsf/images/PRODUCT/medium/WSBWST.jpg

I like these MAC ones too for tighter areas
http://www.mactools.com/product/tabid/120/p-320699-wsbwst.aspx
http://www.mactools.com/Portals/1/aspdnsf/images/PRODUCT/medium/WSBWST.jpg[/QUOTE]

These things are amazing!!!
I think that they are one of my top 5 best tools. Super time saver.
No crimper is the only downside:(

i have most all those that was up above my post i do like my kiline ones do

i do use the automacti one a lot
http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/11062_ICON.JPG

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/1004_ICON.JPG

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/11048_ICON.JPG

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/1005_icon.jpg


does it work that good

http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/product-info/en/US/drm/85596/image/6/

I only use Klien tools for stuff like wire stripping.

I carry a couple pairs of these of each flavor

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/11055_ICON.JPG

http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R0161329A7A538500542A045+PRD+ENG

I also carry these for romex, works like a charm

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/K1210_ICON.JPG

http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R0161329A7A538500542A045+PRD+ENG

For crimping I use these

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Marketing/Catalog_Imagery/1005_icon.jpg

http://www.service.kleintools.com/CGI-BIN/LANSAWEB?WEBEVENT+R0161329C7D63F500F36A045+PRD+ENG


These are what I use at work exclusively as well. Def my favorite. I like klein, or greenlee for all my electrical hand tools. Some ideal, but most everything for wiring is klein.

here is a partial collection of some of my crimper/strippers ED

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/ke6bnl/TOOLS/51F1gauges007.jpg

here is a partial collection of some of my crimper/strippers ED

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/ke6bnl/TOOLS/51F1gauges007.jpg

Blue handle Klein's on the bottom right is what I use (ACR mechanic). They started off really stiff, so I backed the screw off a tiny bit.

No complaints, had them about a year. They crimp, strip, cut, and shear small bolts as good as the day I bought them.