I need to make a lot of wires that will be 18ga and I need to crimp fork terminals.
I typically use a wire cutter/stripper that looks like sizzors with some holes ground out allow teh insulation to be cut, but not the copper.
someone said I should get some wire strippers that grab the wire and strip off the end in one squeeze.
suggestions ?
http://www.toolstop.co.uk/sealey-ak2252-wire-stripping-tool-automatic-p53037
This style does that. I googled wire strippers and found these. You may be able to find something closer to home.
Weedpharma
I've never been much impressed with those - I always use the plain old manual ones that look like this (usually with the screw stop removed - but my dad taught me to strip wire with it when I was in like, third grade or something)
Kind of stripper I'm talking about - no endorsement of seller
At least with normal, cooperative wire, I've never been stripping so much wire that the normal kind wasn't suitable (also, just looking at it, it looks like you'd need to apply a fair amount of squeezing force - that's a tough motion to be doing repeatedly imo). With wire that fights back, though, I can see that being very helpful (assuming it did a decent job itself) - like teflon wire, or wire with otherwise unusually tough insulation
I don't actually use wire strippers. I prefer using side cutters. After 45 yrs of practice, I manage not to knick too many!
The trick to using side cutters (for new players) is to use them the right way around. Good electronic cutters have a flat back for close cutting and the other side tapers. If you use them so that the waste is against the flat side, the blade digs in and cuts through the insulation. Using the other way around, the insulation is being pulled through a funnel and the blade will not grip the insulation.
Mechanical strippers however would probably be better for lots of wires.
Weedpharma
Use the type you described in your OP. Ideal is a company that makes the type you have. The T-6 model is for the smaller wire sizes and works very well. The grip and strip type have always been bad in my opinion. All of the ones I have tried seem to nick the wire or split the insulation and leave strips in rhe way. Another thing to think about for your project is the type of crimper for the terminals you are using. I prefer a crimper made bu Thomas and Betts. It is very heavy duty industrial tool and has served me well for many years and probably over 100000 manual crimps.
R
LarryD:
As weedpharma said.I made my own:
The last time I ended up with cutters that looked like that, it was because I tried to do something stupid (cut a spring). Got a new pair.
Cutting a spring would be a great way of making your own stripper.
I used a small diameter Dremel diamond bit.
I find a set of cutters with a slot to be a PITA. I have calibrated my grip so that I use normal cutters to strip wire.
It would not be allowed in critical circuitry but it works for me.
Weedpharma
DrAzzy:
I've never been much impressed with those - I always use the plain old manual ones that look like this (usually with the screw stop removed - but my dad taught me to strip wire with it when I was in like, third grade or something)Kind of stripper I'm talking about - no endorsement of seller
At least with normal, cooperative wire, I've never been stripping so much wire that the normal kind wasn't suitable (also, just looking at it, it looks like you'd need to apply a fair amount of squeezing force - that's a tough motion to be doing repeatedly imo). With wire that fights back, though, I can see that being very helpful (assuming it did a decent job itself) - like teflon wire, or wire with otherwise unusually tough insulation
My favorite as well, and thanks for the ebay link! I need to get another pair, because after 39 years, the hinge bolt in the center is getting loose.
