What Is a Stripper?
A stripper is a tool used to cut off the end of the vinyl or other covering partially from a wire coated with vinyl or another material. This tool is generally referred to as a wire stripper.
The wire stripper is similar in shape to a pair of needle-nose pliers. The wire is placed between the jaws of the wire stripper, and then it is gripped tightly or pulled to remove the insulation or covering.
Some types of wire strippers also function as nippers.
Uses of Strippers
There are two types of wire strippers: manual and automatic, depending on the application and cost.
On the other hand, various methods can be used to remove the insulation from a wire, such as using a utility knife or a combination of nippers and needle-nose pliers, especially for wires that are not typically coated.
Nippers and pliers are basic tools required for electrical work and circuit design verification, so you will almost always have them on hand.
Therefore, using these tools is an effective method when, for example, work must be done on the go and the number of tools you can carry is limited, or when you do not have a dedicated wire stripper available.
Principles of Strippers
Using these tools as wire strippers requires a certain amount of skill.
Whether using nippers and needle-nose pliers or a utility knife, applying the right amount of force is crucial to prevent damaging the wire.
Improper handling may result in the wire becoming thin or, in the worst case, breaking during use.
Therefore, sufficient practice is required before using the methods mentioned above.
Finally, let’s explain how manual and automatic strippers work.
As mentioned earlier, a manual stripper involves inserting the wire into the jaws of the tool at the position where the insulation needs to be removed. The wire is secured in place by closing the jaws. To remove the insulation, the user firmly grips the stripper and moves it in the direction of the wire’s end that needs to be stripped.
Automatic strippers operate in a similar way to manual strippers: the wire is clamped in the jaws of the tool at the position where the insulation needs to be removed. The jaws are selected according to the wire’s thickness. When the user firmly grips the body of the stripper, the spring mechanism automatically separates the insulation from the wire.