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- A wire stripper can help you repair anything, from an extension cord to an iPhone charger. It makes the process of replacing an outlet or light fixture easy, efficient, and safe.
- A wire stripper is a distinct tool not to be confused with a wire cutter, though many good wire-stripping tools also have a wire cutter built-in.
- The Klein Tools Katapult Wire Stripper and Cutter is our top pick because it allows you to strip long lengths of various wire thickness and type, with minimal effort and error.
The best wire strippers are critical for basic electrical work, such as installing a ceiling fan or light fixture, replacing an outlet or light switch, or wiring a device like a garage door opener or DIY home security system. They can be used to repair all sorts of cables, like extension cords, chargers, a floor lamp's cord, etc. They are also important tools for hobbyists who work on computer hardware, cars, robotics, and the like.
And, get this: A wire-stripping tool can also help you make a tidy profit as a side hustle selling copper, an increasingly valuable metal with a current market price near $3 per pound. (Don't go stripping the copper wires from your neighbors; we're talking about legal means.)
I discovered how effective a wire stripper could be when I had to swap out a light switch for a dimmer. This was after being charged $150 a year prior by an electrician for a 15-minute job, which I later discovered I could have done myself. So, armed with decades of DIY experience, tools that included a good wire stripper, and instructions from YouTube, I did the job myself.
Whether you're replacing an old light switch or selling scrap wire for cash, a wire stripper is a good tool to have on hand.
Be safe: If you aren't familiar or comfortable working with electricity, consult an expert.
Here are the best wire strippers you can buy:
- Best wire stripper overall: Klein Tools Katapult Wire Stripper and Cutter
- Best self-adjusting wire stripper: Irwin Tools Vise-Grip Self-Adjusting Wire Stripper
- Best low-cost wire stripper: Dowell 10-22 AWG Wire Stripper
- Best commercial grade wire stripper: StripMeister Automatic Wire Stripping Machine
- Best wire stripper for large cords: Klein Tools Large Cable Stripper
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