What is the fastest and easiest way to strip wire?

Stripping wire is an essential skill for electricians, DIYers, and anyone working with electrical wiring. Knowing the quickest and simplest way to strip wire can save a lot of time and frustration. There are a few key factors to consider when deciding on the best wire stripping method:

Wire Stripping Tools

Having the right tools for the job makes stripping wire much easier. Here are some of the most common wire stripping tools:

• Wire strippers – Specialty pliers with notches or holes for different wire gauges. Great for Romex and other solid core wires.
• Automatic wire strippers – Handheld tools with an adjustable stop and blade. Quickly strips when squeezed.
• Electricians scissors – Scissors with notches in the blade for cutting wire insulation.
• Utility knife – The knife can score insulation to peel it off. Works for all wire types.

Wire strippers with adjustable stops for different wire sizes are usually the quickest and easiest to use. However, automatic strippers, scissors, and knives can also be very fast with practice.

Wire Type

The type of wire will impact the technique and tools used to strip it. Here are some common wire types and how to strip them:

Solid Core Wire

This includes Romex NM-B wire and other solid core building wire. Use wire strippers to slice through the tough outer plastic sheath. Adjust the stop to match the wire size. Squeeze and pull to strip. A knife can also be used.

Stranded Wire

Common in electronics and automotive applications. The fine stranded conductors prevent using wire strippers. Use automatic strippers, electrician scissors, or carefully slice insulation with a knife. Pull insulation off.

Shielded and Coaxial Cables

Cables with foil or braided shielding require special techniques. Carefully cut the outer jacket, score and snap to break the foil or braid, then cut and pull off insulation.

Stripping Length

Only strip as much insulation as needed for the connection. Typical amounts are:

• Wire nuts – 1/2 inch of bare copper exposed
• Screw terminals – 5/8 inch exposed
• Plugs and receptacles – 3/4 to 1 inch exposed

Stripping longer lengths wastes time and leaves excess bare wire that can short. Mark wires with tape for consistent strip lengths.

Scoring and Slitting

Scoring or slitting the insulation before stripping makes removing it much easier. Lightly slice into the insulation around the circumference of the wire with your stripping tool blades, scissors, or a utility knife. Only cut through the jacket – not the copper strands.

Proper Wire Stripping Techniques

Use these techniques to cleanly strip wires quickly:

• Adjust tools to the correct size for the wire gauge.
• Score the insulation around the wire.
• Keep the stripping tool blades perpendicular to the wire to avoid nicking strands.
• Rotate the wire as you strip to cut evenly through the insulation.
• Pull insulation off smoothly without damaging conductors.
• Avoid kinking or breaking strands when pulling insulation off.

Common Wire Stripping Mistakes

It takes practice to become fast and proficient at stripping wires. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Cutting into individual wire strands when scoring insulation.
• Twisting the wire when pulling insulation off.
• Stripping wires unevenly or inconsistently.
• Leaving too much or too little insulation when stripping.
• Kinking or breaking wire strands.
• Nickel stripping – repeated small cuts that damage conductors.

Special Situations

Certain types of wires require special techniques when stripping:

Fine Stranded Wire

Try not to break delicate strands. Use automatic strippers or carefully slice insulation.

Old Brittle Wire

Insulation can crack when stripping. Score lightly and pull insulation off in pieces.

Wires in Tight Locations

Use scissors or knives to strip. Pull insulation pieces out. Automatic strippers work in tight spots.

Wires Attached to Components

Carefully score insulation without damaging parts. Minimize twisting or bending wire when stripping.

Other Tips for Fast Wire Stripping

• Keep your stripping tools sharp. Dull blades require more force.
• Lubricate tools occasionally with penetrating oil or WD-40.
• Grip wires firmly when scoring and stripping insulation.
• Use proper safety equipment – eye protection, gloves, etc.
• Maintain the correct body position and control when stripping wires.
• Practice stripping various wire types to build experience.

Conclusion

Learning how to strip wires quickly and correctly takes time and practice. Having quality tools suitable for the wire type is essential. Scoring insulation before stripping allows it to be removed easily. Pull insulation off in one smooth motion without damaging conductors. Avoid common mistakes like nicking strands or cutting insulation unevenly. Mastering proper wire stripping techniques will allow you to work efficiently and professionally.

Stripping Wire Gauge Chart

This chart provides the recommended strip length when preparing wires for terminals and connections:

Wire Gauge	Stripping Length
#22 to #18	5/8 inch
#16 to #14	3/4 inch
#12 to #10	7/8 inch
#8	1 inch
#6 to #4	1 1/4 inches
#2 and larger	1 1/2 inches

Match your strip length as closely as possible to the recommended amount. Stripping too much or too little insulation can lead to problems.

Wire Stripping Safety Tips

Working with wires can be hazardous if proper precautions are not taken. Follow these tips to strip wires safely:

• Disconnect all power before stripping wires when possible.
• Wear eye protection – safety glasses or goggles.
• Do not allow stripped live wires to contact your skin or tools.
• Use insulated gripping tools if stripping live wires.
• Wear certified electrical gloves when handling live wires.
• Keep work area dry when stripping wires.
• Make clean, accurate cuts when stripping to avoid nicking conductors.
• Use sharp, well-maintained tools to prevent hand injuries.
• Hold wires securely when stripping to prevent slipping.

Stripping wires does not have to be difficult or dangerous if done properly. Following the right techniques and safety measures will allow you to strip wires quickly and securely.

Wire Stripping Troubleshooting

Issues are common when learning how to strip wires. Here are solutions to some typical wire stripping problems:

Scoring Insulation but Not Cutting Through

• Your blades are dull – sharpen or replace them.
• You’re applying too little pressure – bear down firmly when scoring.
• The wire gauge is set incorrectly – adjust to the proper size.

Cutting Into Wire Strands

• The blades are penetrating too deep – only score the insulation exterior.
• You’re using too much force – ease up on the pressure.
• The stripping tool is too large for the wire size – use the right gauge setting.

Pulling Off Insulation Unevenly

• You failed to score around the entire circumference.
• The wire was twisted when pulling off insulation.
• You stripped in a hurried, uneven manner – work slowly.

Breaking Many Strands When Stripping

• You nicked strands during initial cuts.
• The wire was kinked before stripping.
• You used too much force pulling insulation off.
• The wire was low quality or damaged.

With attention to detail and patience, you can diagnose common wire stripping problems and improve your technique.

Types of Wire Insulation

Here are some of the most common types of insulation used on wires:

PVC

• Polyvinyl chloride insulation
• Common insulation for electrical wire
• Flexible and easy to strip
• Used for ROMLEX, THHN, and other building wires

Rubber

• Thermoset rubber insulation
• Flexible and durable
• Withstands moisture and abrasion
• Used for high temperature appliance wires

Teflon

• Polytetrafluoroethylene plastic insulation
• Low friction and excellent dielectric properties
• Used for high performance and specialized wires
• Difficult to strip without damaging strands

Silicone

• Silicone polymer insulation
• Very flexible, heat resistant
• Used for high temperature applications
• Harder to strip than other common insulations

Polyethylene

• PE plastic insulation
• Flexible, moisture resistant
• Low cost insulation for power cords
• Prone to cracking over time

There are many other wire insulation types for specialized applications. Match your stripping tools and techniques to the insulation on the wire.

Wire Insulation Color Coding

Wires are color coded by insulation jacket to identify different purposes. Here is common insulation color coding:

Wire Color	Purpose
Green or Green/Yellow	Ground and Bonding
White	Neutral
Black	Hot / Live / Phase
Red	Hot / Live / Phase
Blue	Hot / Live / Phase
Orange	Hot / Live / Phase
Brown	Hot / Live / Phase
Yellow	Hot / Live / Phase
Purple	Hot / Live / Phase
Gray	Hot / Live / Phase

The hot wires are phase conductors carrying current in an AC system. Color coding allows wires to be identified when stripped. Keep to standard colors when working with wires.

Conclusion

Stripping wires is a fundamental electrical skill with many nuances. Investing in quality stripping tools suitable for different wire types will make the job much easier. Scoring insulation before stripping, gripping the wire firmly, and pulling the jacket off in one smooth motion prevents conductor damage. Avoid common mistakes like nicking strands or uneven cuts. With practice, you will become adept at stripping wires quickly and professionally.